Blog | Usay Compare

COVID-19 Update | Usay Compare

Written by Kim Croutear | 05, Aug, 2020

Our team continues to be fully operational; supporting and advising clients as restrictions are lifted in the UK. We look forward to helping you. 

July 2021

 

Past Updates

As we continue living with the pandemic and currently in national lockdown, we want to reassure you that our team is working hard and completely operational. We are here to help protect your health, your family and your income at such a crucial time. We are working within government guidelines, but with no change to the service provided to you. We are contactable through all the normal channels and are here to answer your queries and concerns. As ever, our expert advisers are on the end of the phone locally, to resolve any questions you may have regarding a current policy, or talk you through the benefits of a new one.

March 2020

Back to the Office. It’s hard to believe three months have passed since we swiftly re-located our entire workforce – from our three office locations across the country – to all work from home. Our exceptional team managed this process with such efficiency and determination, that our five star service and capacity to support our clients, wasn’t compromised for even a single day. In fact – we have dealt with significantly more enquiries during this time – as people are understandably prioritising and protecting their health and families more than ever.

We are starting the process now of returning to our offices and a more recognisable working environment – as we join the country in our collective journey back to normal. We are keen to get our close-knit teams working together again, but the priority has always been their health. Safety is key – returning straight to pre-covid ways is neither sensible nor practical. We are therefore implementing a dynamic return to the office strategy following a comprehensive health and safety review – and of course a rigorous deep cleaning programme. Office seating plans have been rearranged to keep everyone at a 2m distance and a phased return rota is being implemented to make this feasible.

As ever though, our service to our clients remains unaffected. Our advisers are on the end of the phones, ready to help new and existing clients to find the perfect policy, quickly and efficiently. We continue to work closely alongside our insurers to understand the latest measures and adaptations to policies, to ensure we continue to recommend the best policy for you. We hope this update finds you safe and well, and finding your own route back to a more normal life.  

July 2020 Update

As COVID-19 continues to impact us all, we want to reassure you that our team is working hard and completely operational; here to help protect your health, your family and your income at such a crucial time. We are working remotely, within government guidelines, but with no change to the service provided to you. We are contactable through all the normal channels and are here to answer your queries and concerns. As ever, our expert advisers are on the end of the phone locally, to resolve any questions you may have regarding a current policy, or talk you through the benefits of a new one. We have been working closely alongside our insurers to understand the latest measures and adaptations they are making to ensure customers are receiving the best possible services and value despite the unprecedented circumstances. As the situation evolves we are also monitoring closely any alterations to the scope of new policies; to ensure we continue to recommend the perfect policy to suit your requirements. These changes are updating regularly and can be confusing, so don’t hesitate to get in touch, or for more information see below our list of FAQ’s.

April 2020 Update

 

FAQ’s

Does PMI cover the treatment of Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a public health emergency, therefore it is appropriate that the diagnostics and treatment of the virus is conducted by the NHS. Some policies however do offer cash benefits for hospital stays, some of which have been improved upon during the current pandemic.

 

What if Coronavirus aggravates an existing condition?

Assuming this is not a condition that was existing prior to taking out the policy, (and thus excluded) you should find there are no restrictions to claims for treatment of underlying conditions which are exacerbated by coronavirus.

 

Will insurers cover a condition that is brought about as a direct result of the virus?

In general yes. You can submit a claim to your insurance company should you require planned treatment as a direct result of the virus. This, as always, would be subject to the policy Terms and Conditions.

 

Can I claim for diagnostic tests for COVID-19?

This will always be subject to the Policy Terms and Conditions, if a GP suggests testing for C-19 (subject to availability) because you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, temperature etc. you may be able to claim for the cost of the test.

 

What if access to some of my policy benefits are compromised?

As the private sector joins the fight against coronavirus, there are possible delays to non-urgent treatment. Other urgent care such as cancer treatment continues and the insurance companies we work with are adapting to provide additional virtual and remote benefits. Some have also already pledged to asses the overall affect on claims and adjust or provide rebates against your monthly premiums accordingly. To find more information on your specific policy, do get in touch.

 

If I renew my policy, will the terms and conditions remain the same?

Currently PMI policies have not seen changes to the terms and conditions which would affect a renewal, however it is something we will continue to monitor and update.

 

Will existing Life Insurance policies cover for COVID-19?

Whilst there are usually some exclusions to cause of death, they don’t include any death by illness and on the sad occasion that someone may die as a result of coronavirus, their nominated beneficiary would receive the death benefit.

 

Will a new Life Insurance policy cover for COVID-19?

It is still perfectly possible to buy life insurance policies that will cover coronavirus. The important things to consider are that policies will not normally cover existing conditions. So if you already know at the time of applying for the policy that you have contracted the disease, understandably, that will probably be excluded.

 

Coronavirus Information

What is Covid 19 (Corona Virus)?

Coronavirus is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, and has since spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.

 

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
Less common Symptoms include:
  • Muscle pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Sore throat

Who is most at risk?

This most at risk are those that have already got an underlying medical condition including those that:
  • have had an organ transplant
  • are having certain types of cancer treatment
  • have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukemia
  • have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
  • have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections
  • are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
  • are pregnant and have a serious heart condition