The coronavirus epidemic began in China, at the Wuhan poultry and seafood market to be precise. It was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The precautions to be taken to contain this epidemic must be strictly followed. To follow the evolution of the pandemic and the countries affected. Mondassur summarizes the different elements and advises you on the international health insurance covering this type of condition.
What are the symptoms of the coronavirus epidemic?
Clinical symptoms are those usually observed during winter flu epidemics, i.e. diffuse muscle pain, fatigue, runny nose, muscle aches. In the 2nd stage, fever and respiratory signs (cough, respiratory discomfort, chest pain) follow. The incubation period averages 5 days, and the onset of the disease is gradual, in contrast to the more sudden onset of influenza. The latest findings indicate that the virus could be present in the body for up to 20 days. Depending on the severity of clinical signs, 20% of patients need to be kept in hospital, including 5% in intensive care. In 30% to 60% of people, the infection causes few or no clinical symptoms. The major health crisis stems from the fact that complications from the infection set in very quickly and are very serious, with a life-threatening prognosis requiring intensive hospital resources. These complications only affect a small proportion of the population, and the majority of other people can be carriers of the virus without becoming ill.
Coronaviruses (Covs) are a family of viruses that can cause health problems ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as MERS and SARS. The most vulnerable people are the ones most affected, and they need to follow these precautions carefully. Priority is given to the elderly, the chronically ill, newborn babies and pregnant women. The case-fatality rate is around 3 to 5%.
What precautions should I take to protect myself against the coronavirus?
- Don’t go to public gatherings if you don’t need to be there (markets, shopping centers, train stations, airports, etc.).
- Reduce your social contacts; many countries around the world have called for total containment (over 3.5 billion people are confined).
- Wear masks when outdoors or in contact with sick people
- Wash hands frequently, especially before meals
- Seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear and stay indoors
- Contact emergency services if your condition worsens with symptoms
People with symptoms of respiratory infection should follow the hygiene rules applicable to coughs:
- keep your distance from others, minimum 1 metre
- cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or your clothes when you cough or sneeze (use your elbow!),
- wash hands
What coverage is provided by international health insurance?
You’ll be covered by a good expatriate insurance policy like GoldExpat anywhere in the world. You’ll also have the option of being covered as soon as you sign up, given the emergency nature of this infection. Mondassur advises you to take out international health insurance such as GoldExpat if you live abroad. Simple repatriation assistance guarantees won’t cover you. You will be covered in your country of expatriation as well as when you return to France or when you travel.
In exceptional cases, expatriates living outside the European Union and returning to France who do not have health insurance cover may be covered by health insurance in France without a waiting period.By derogation, French expatriates returning to France between March 1, 2020 and June 1, 2020 and not exercising a professional activity”.
When it comes totravel insurance for your vacations or studies, epidemics are generally not covered. You’ll need to seek treatment in your country of origin for proper care. Public authorities can also deal with the consequences of epidemics. If you already have Mondassur insurance and your trip is cancelled or postponed, we exceptionally offer to reschedule your travel dates. The easiest way to do this is to contact us by email and explain your situation.
How to travel with the coronavirus epidemic?
TheWorld Health Organization, WHO, recommends following precautionary health measures in accordance with local instructions in each country.
Many countries have introduced controls on aircraft arriving from affected areas, and some have closed their borders to prevent the virus spreading. The European Union has also closed its borders, and intra-EU travel is strictly monitored.
Wuhan, the worst-hit city, was the 1st to be quarantined, with travel monitored and restricted to prevent further spread of the virus. Other cities and countries, such as Italy, are following quarantine periods to limit the spread of the virus and ensure that patients can be received in health facilities.
The WHO and health authorities in the various countries are keeping a very close eye on the epidemic, and precautions are being taken with great care. The peak of the epidemic varies from country to country, depending on when the health crisis begins. Some countries in Asia and Northern Europe are planning gradual decontamination during April, after having reached their peak, but others are still waiting, knowing that scientific experts are unable to give a firm opinion given their lack of knowledge of the virus. Certain geographical areas of the world, such as Africa and Latin America, which are still spared, could see the health crisis emerge strongly in the coming months.
What to do after the coronavirus crisis?
The consequences of this unprecedented health crisis are incalculable and as yet unpredictable. We hope that this crisis will make as many citizens as possible, as well as political and economic leaders, understand the priority to be given to the health of people and nature. Nature contains many healthy carriers of viruses, which, if we continue to mistreat her, could trigger new, even more deadly health crises. This means implementing strong, globally-coordinated measures in environmental protection, health, education and the fight against possible future pandemics. We’re just passing through this planet. Viruses know no borders, as this crisis proves, nor do pollution and environmental degradation.
More concretely, a vaccine to combat this coronavirus will not be available until 2022 at the earliest. In the meantime, battle plans are being drawn up to prepare for economic recovery and future pandemic preparedness…
