Covering the real costs of COVID-19

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AS he lay in a makeshift bed at a public hospital in Manila, Marc, wearing a mask attached to an oxygen tank by his side. was exhibiting fever, malaise, and shortness of breath due to a severe cough, all tell-tale symptoms of the viral infection.

He tested positive for COVID-19 infection five days earlier.

However, beyond his worsening condition, what Marc dreaded the most was the growing cost of his hospital bills. Last time he checked, he had already racked up around P750,000 in hospital expenses, and he knew it was only going to get larger by the hour.

The full toll of COVID-19

Marc is only one of the over 2.7 million cases overall (as of November 1, 2021) that have contracted the deadly COVID-19 in the Philippines, one of the countries most heavily hit by the pandemic in Asia. As cases continue to soar primarily because of the new Delta variant, more COVID-positive Filipinos, especially those with mild to no symptoms, opt to recover from home rather than get treated at a private healthcare facility, which most likely will equate to higher hospital bills.

Data from last year revealed that a patient with moderate COVID-19 should be prepared to shell out over P1 million for an 18-day stay at a private hospital in Metro Manila. The Philippine Healthcare Insurance System (PhilHealth) has helped members manage COVID-19-related costs so far, with coverage ranging from P42,997 to P786,384 depending on the severity of the case. It has also begun providing claims for patients in isolation at home.

However, the costs do not end there.  For the families of patients that perish from the disease, cremation and burial costs may reach up to P100,000.

These expenses emphasize the need for a healthcare package that can provide comprehensive coverage  in the event a person gets COVID-19. This is very practical at a time when recovering from the disease should be one’s top priority.

360-degree coverage from testing to treatment

That is why Allianz PNB Life, one of the major life insurance companies in the Philippines, moved forward to help patients cover the costs of COVID-19 via “Allianz Well!” This comprehensive health insurance plan, according to information provided to FrontpagePH.com, protects policyholders from the debilitating costs of COVID-19 from day one of a confirmed diagnosis.

It is Allianz PNB Life’s goal to address the varying needs of our customers across different life stages, including COVID-19. Now more than ever, we wish to give our clients the assurance, as well as the confidence, that they are adequately covered and taken care of so they can focus on the things that matter most, namely their health, recovery, and loved ones,” Chief Marketing Officer Gino Riola told FrontpagePH.com.

Allianz Well! covers hospitalization costs, including accommodation, medication, diagnostic and laboratory exams, ambulance fees, and even doctors’ fees. The policy also covers hospital transfer expenses for emergency cases.

Aside from an annual plan limit of P100 million, Allianz Well! offers coverage for expenses outside hospital care, from testing to repatriation services due to death from COVID-19. Additional perks include priority in executive check-ups, discounts for fitness and nutrition services, and reimbursements for over-the-counter multivitamins at up to P5,000.

Since recovery from COVID-19 varies per person, Allianz Well! also includes a recovery package that covers flu and pneumonia vaccines and any follow-up medication and procedures that may be prescribed by a doctor.

Policyholders can be assured of a quick and simple claims process which can be done online and within a maximum of 10 working days.  Allianz PNB can also facilitate direct settlement of expenses incurred in an accredited medical facility.

As an organization that genuinely cares for its customers, Allianz PNB Life consistently provides clients with reliable and holistic COVID-19 protection apart from coverage for other critical illnesses. This is part of our commitment to serve as a trusted partner for Filipinos on their journey to better living,” Riola said.

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