Bupa Talks Swine Flu

After a decline in cases of swine flu over the summer months health professionals are preparing for a possible increase and severity of the virus over the autumn and winter months. Bupa UK Health Insurance assistant medical director Dr Rebecca Small spoke to Health Insurance and Protection Magazine about what Bupa are doing about about Swine Flu.

Dr Small said that they were taking measures to limit the spread of swine flu:

'We have introduced more rigorous office cleaning regimes, implemented hygiene measures including provision of alcohol gel for staff for hand-washing, published advice and helplines for staff on what to do if they suspect they have flu and issued specific protocols for managers.'

There have been many queries about what kind of cover can be expected from private health insurance companies when it comes to swine flu claims. Usually health insurance policies only cover people for non-emergency treatment of acute conditions.

Most cases of Swine flu are very mild and those that are affected are usually people who have underlying health conditions. This complicates matters as medical insurance companies will normally only cover conditions which are 'new'. If the complications of swine flu are brought about by underlying conditions this will surely muddy the waters when it comes to an medical insurance claim.

According to Bupa, swine flu is covered by them. Dr Small said:

'Those with Bupa health insurance can be reassured that they are covered for inpatient and outpatient treatment of swine flu by a consultant so long as they are referred by their GP.'