No Public Insurance? Foreigners May Have to Bear the Cost of COVID-19 Treatment

Four official departments have confirmed that foreigners who are not enrolled in the national public insurance program will have to bear the cost of their own treatment in the case of COVID-19 infection.

After three days with no new cases in Beijing, several new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Chaoyang District on Wednesday, a stark reminder that there is still a chance of catching the novel coronavirus in Beijing. With that in mind, it is important to know how you are insured and what your insurer will cover.

For most readers, your insurance will be provided through your employer. If they have opted for public insurance, then your hospital treatment and observation will be covered should you be confirmed or suspected of COVID-19 infection.

However, some employers may have gone with a private option, either for better coverage or to give employees access to international hospitals. If that is your case, then you must check with your employer that you are covered for COVID-19 and related treatment.

For specifics, foreigners should consider asking their employer about the following:

• Am I covered for treatment and observation if I test positive for COVID-19?

• Am I covered for treatment and observation if I am suspected of COVID-19 infection?

• Am I covered for symptomatic COVID-19 testing?

• Am I covered for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing?

• If I am quarantined, is the cost of accommodation and meals covered?

In the meantime, be sure to follow the recommended precautions in order to protect yourself from infection as well as social media disgrace.

READ: Medical Insurance in Beijing: Why You Need It, and How to Get It

Photo: Anna Pellegrin Hartley