Aetna waives hospital admission excesses for Covid-19

The latest move from the international medical insurance provider builds on the company’s recent efforts to expand patient access to consultations and medication through its virtual health offering, vHealth, which was made freely available to all members last week.

The new policy, which applies to all international medical insurance members, will mean that Aetna International beneficiaries will no longer need to pay out-of-pocket expenses for inpatient admissions at all in-network facilities for the treatment of Covid-19 or health complications associated with the virus, giving them one less cause for apprehension during this difficult period. This change is effective immediately for any such admission through to 1 June 2020.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of Aetna International customers and members is paramount, which is why we are announcing additional steps today to help provide timely and barrier free access to care during the Covid-19 outbreak,” said Richard di Benedetto, President, Aetna International. “We are doing everything we can to make sure our members are supported and have simple and affordable access to the treatment they need, when they need it.”

And that’s not all Aetna International is offering. It also recently confirmed that members who undergo diagnostic testing for Covid-19 (as referred by a medical physician in an approved medical facility) will also be reimbursed in full for the cost of the test and consultation.

Benedetto added: “As the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise, Aetna International is closely monitoring developments in all countries where our members may be affected. Our thoughts continue to be with everyone that has been affected by the outbreak, and our sole focus is on ensuring the health and safety of our employees, customers and members.”