Insurance claims on A (H1N1).

Excerpt from The Star, 21st August 2009



Friday August 21, 2009
DPM: Clarify if flu victims can make medical claims

PAGOH: Insurance companies will be asked to explain whether those infected with the A(H1N1) influenza can make claims for their medical expenses, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

This was necessary as the insurance companies were subjected to insurance laws and agreements with policy holders.

“I am not sure about the agreements which are usually in fine print,” he said, adding that it should be checked if the Influ-enza A(H1N1) fell under diseases not covered by the policy.

Muhyiddin said the insurance director-general should check on the matter and hold discussions with insurance companies.

He was asked to comment on reports that many insurance companies were declining medical claims submitted by those infected with the disease.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai also urged insurance companies to include death due to A(H1N1) infection in insurance policies for their clients regardless of whether they were new or old policy holders.

He urged insurance companies to do the same for medical treatment for cases relating to the virus, adding that demand for health insurance will increase because of the pandemic.