Bupa's extended coverage and supportive services for the novel coronavirus
Helping you stay well and be prepared
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Hong Kong and the region has been rising. At Bupa, we're ready to face this health challenge together with you and your loved ones. As your trusted healthcare partner, we have launched a series of supportive measures during our special protection period (from 24 Jan to 31 May 2020):
(1) Coverage for all hospitalisation and corresponding treatment costs related to the novel coronavirus
During this special protection period, if any existing Bupa members are hospitalised due to the novel coronavirus, Bupa promises to cover all eligible expenses under the terms of their policy. If you need to stay in a higher-level ward for isolation reasons, any adjustment factor for the change in ward level will be waived.
(2) Free additional hospital cash protection* for the novel coronavirus
Any existing Bupa member who is hospitalised with the novel coronavirus to receive medically necessary treatments during this special protection period can enjoy free additional hospital cash protection of HK$800 per day for up to 45 days. This free benefit will be provided regardless of whether the member currently has any hospital cash coverage. This benefit is subject to terms and conditions.
(3) Simplified claims procedures#
If any Bupa member is diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, their treatment won't be limited by the general exclusions of their insurance policy related to experimental or unproven medical technology or procedures. Treatments prescribed for the novel coronavirus will be covered during this special protection period to speed up and simplify claims procedures.
(4) 24-hour Novel Coronavirus Healthline and Customer Care helpdesk
Bupa members can call our special 24-hour Novel Coronavirus Healthline (2517 5358) at any time to ask qualified nurses for health information related to the novel coronavirus. This team of experts can provide assistance and health advice. At the same time, Bupa's 24-hour Customer Care helpdesk is always available to answer customer enquiries about insurance policies and claims.
* Terms and conditions apply.
# Medical claims on infection of novel coronavirus take priority in processing. Pre-authorisation is not required before hospital confinement.
If you’re a Bupa Global customer, please visit bupaglobal.com for the guidance on novel coronavirus.
After the HKSAR Government activated the Emergency Response Level for novel infectious disease, we have implemented infection control measures in our offices so that we can continue to support our customers appropriately, minimising risk to customers or our people. These measures include temperature screening at the entrances of Bupa office areas for staff/clients/visitors upon arrival.
To reduce the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, we encourage customers to contact us via electronic methods such as email, fax, hotline and online form. Bupa members are also recommended to use our customer portal myBupa by downloading the myBupa app or accessing the website to carry out policy administration or claims enquiries.
As this health issue may impact some of our customers across Hong Kong, you might experience longer wait times when calling us. We appreciate your patience as we try to provide the right support to everyone. We are monitoring developments closely and will continue to update our website.
Worried about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) aka coronavirus? We’ve prepared a quick guide, with the help of our medical experts.
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause illnesses such as the common cold, to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS). The strain of coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that has caused the outbreak in China is new, and not previously known.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of this coronavirus include:
- Respiratory symptoms (like those you have with a cold)
- Fever (high temperature)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
To reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, maintaining good personal hygiene at all times and keeping both hands clean is a priority. If you’re travelling outside of Hong Kong, do not touch animals, eat game meat and avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms.
Here are a couple more tips to help you and your loved ones stay healthy and well.
- Keep your hands clean, especially before touching your mouth, nose or eyes; after coming in contact with handrails or door knobs in public areas; or after covering your mouth during a sneeze or cough.
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget between the fingers, the back of your hands and wrists. If you can’t wash your hands, you can rub your hands with 70 to 80% alcohol-based handrub as an effective alternative;
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly;
- Wear a surgical mask if you’re going into crowded places, such as public transport or the workplace;
- If you’re feeling unwell, wear a surgical mask, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to the novel coronavirus (i.e. fever, cough and/or shortness of breath), please go to the nearest hospital for medical advice;
- Avoid non-essential travel to affected parts of Mainland China. If you’ve just returned from other parts of Mainland China, stay home for 14 days; and
- At home, drainage pipes can be properly and regularly (about once a week) maintained by pouring about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-traps) to ensure environmental hygiene.
How to wear a surgical mask properly
How to clean our hands properly
Source: CHP, Department of Health
There’s a lot of information out there. Make sure you’re reading trusted sources, such as the Centre for Health Protection and World Health Organisation . You can also read advice from our global medical experts at Bupa UK and Bupa Australia & New Zealand for more information.
The above summary of our insurance products is for reference only. It is not, and does not form part of, a contract of insurance and is designed to provide an overview of the key features of these products.
Talk to us
Contact our health management consultant to get details and advice.
2517 5860
Mon-Fri 9am-9pm (except public holidays)