COVID-19 support and resources

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses from the common cold to severe diseases. This virus has been named “SARS-COV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019,” abbreviated “COVID-19.” COVID-19 is the disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic, which is an epidemic that spreads across multiple countries or continents, affecting a large population. [1]

[1] 1. World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these surfaces, then by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs or exhales droplets. This is why it’s important to stay more than 1 metre (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

Please note local guidance on recommended distance may vary.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 resemble those of a bad cold or the flu, which can make detection difficult. They include a new cough, fever and change in smell or taste. More severe cases can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and even death. The incubation period is up to 14 days.

This is an evolving situation and the risk assessment in affected regions is changing daily. Visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website for up to date information. Regional authorities are also providing advice so please refer to local guidance for the latest information in your region.

The WHO provides ongoing travel advice on their website, including the identification of affected areas worldwide, recommendations for international travellers, and reminders to all countries on how to increase monitoring, awareness, and protection against COVID-19. Regional government authorities are taking different approaches to travel advice so please also refer to local guidance for the latest information in your region.

› Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

› Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

› Remain at home if possible

› Avoid close contact with sick people

› Avoid visiting crowded places

› If you need to travel, make sure to follow guidelines to avoid illness

Please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the latest advice regarding the use of cloth or medical grade masks.

Regional authorities are taking different approaches to mandating the use of face masks and coverings in different settings so please also refer to local guidance for the latest information in your region.

It is possible that the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine and any boosters will be covered through local social security programmes or governmental agencies. When an approved COVID-19 vaccine and boosters become available in a location through the local social security programmes or governmental agency, then we recommend that local government advice is followed and the local health system or government programme is accessed where available. This helps local governments track the number of vaccinations administered and monitor the effectiveness of the vaccine.

In most cases, the local social security programme or governmental agency is the recommended route for the COVID-19 vaccine and any boosters. However, there may be circumstances when the vaccine and any boosters will need to be administered privately.

If the vaccine needs to be delivered in a private setting, and the Cigna plan includes coverage for clinically appropriate vaccines, then the COVID-19 vaccine and any boosters will be covered. Coverage will be according to the plan’s terms and conditions, and subject to the appropriate local regulatory authorities deeming the vaccine to be safe and efficient in the country where it will be administered. We cannot guarantee the availability of the vaccine in any location and Cigna cannot control how or when the vaccine is distributed.

Cigna medical plans cover medically necessary claims related to infectious diseases and medical conditions according to the terms of the policy. Please refer to the terms in your policy for coverage details.

If the vaccine needs to be delivered in a private setting, and the Cigna plan includes coverage for clinically appropriate vaccines, then the COVID-19 vaccine and any boosters will also be covered for dependent children on the plan. Coverage will be according to the plan’s terms and conditions, and subject to the appropriate local regulatory authorities deeming the vaccine to be safe and efficient in the country where it will be administered and for the respective age of that child.

Cigna will cover medically necessary testing for COVID-19, in line with policy coverage for diagnostics for other illnesses, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. PCR testing and rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 are covered in line with the plan’s coverage for diagnostics for other illnesses and:

›             for symptomatic individuals if medically necessary per WHO or national guidelines i.e. when experiencing symptoms such as a new cough, fever and change in smell or taste; or

›             for asymptomatic individuals who know, or suspect, that they have been exposed to an individual with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19; or

›             for asymptomatic individuals who are being admitted to hospital for any treatment, and COVID-19 testing is required as part of the hospital’s standard disease control.

Cigna will not cover COVID-19 related diagnostics for:

›             serology antibody testing

›             home testing kits

›             Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests

›             testing for population or public health

›             screening including but not limited to, the following:

• determine prevalence of COVID-19 infection in the community or congregate setting
• return-to-work
• return-to-school
• participation in sports
• routine and/or executive physicals
• travel

Please note that these COVID-19 related diagnostics will not be covered, regardless of whether you have received the COVID-19 vaccine and booster vaccines or not, even if you are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines.

Yes, Cigna will cover testing and treatment for COVID-19 according to plan coverage terms and as referenced in this document, even if you have not had the COVID-19 vaccine.

When suffering from COVID-19, most people start to feel better after a few weeks. However, for some people, symptoms can continue for a longer period. The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline scope published on  30 October 2020 defines Long COVID, otherwise known as post-COVID syndrome, as: “Signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.”

The guidelines suggest a patient may suffer from clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time and can affect any system in the body. There is not thought to be any link between how severe a patient’s COVID symptoms have been and whether they go on to suffer from Long COVID.

Cigna will cover testing and treatment for symptoms of Long COVID, in line with plan coverage for diagnostics and treatment for other illnesses.

Times like these can leave people feeling overwhelmed. Cigna provides resources to help manage stress and anxiety. Find out more in your Cigna Wellbeing™ app, your secure online Customer Area or by contacting our Customer Care team. You can also view a short video here with one of our Cigna doctors providing some helpful advice on managing your psychological health.