Health

Travel Insurance and Coronavirus: Are You Actually Covered?

People planning to travel to countries where their are coronavirus cases and still many tourists from China may want to check their travel insurance. It’s possible their insurance policy might not provide coverage for claims, losses or costs associated with the coronavirus.

The mysterious coronavirus that causes pneumonia-like illness sent the Chinese city of Wuhan – considered the epicentre of the virus – into lock down in mid-January. Its has now spread to multiple countries, including Australia.

Australian travellers have been advised to “reconsider your need to travel” to China overall and “do not travel” to Hubei Province (which includes Wuhan) by the Australian government’s latest update on its Smartraveller website.

The “do not travel” warning is typically associated with “extremely dangerous” situations.

According to Smartraveller, the updated travel warning may mean travel insurance policies could be void. Also the Australian government “may be unable to help.” Above all if you travel to the identified locations and get into trouble.

Does travel insurance cover coronavirus

travel insurance coronavirus

Given the rapid spread of the virus and the latest warnings, Aussie jetsetters may be eager to know if their travel insurance will cover them in the event their travel plans are disrupted by the coronavirus.

Exclusive Canstar analysis of travel insurance policies from some of Australia’s largest insurers has found there is some variation as to how different providers approach epidemics, pandemics and virus outbreaks like the coronavirus.

Canstar analysts found that CoverMore; – which provides travel insurance on behalf of NRMA, SGIO and SGIC and is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited. – Would not fully cover all insurance claims caused by an epidemic, pandemic or outbreak of infectious disease.

However, CoverMore told Canstar that depending on your policy, there may be cover available for medical expenses for people who have contracted the coronavirus and have been hospitalized.

“Even if medical coverage is available to you for this event, there may not be coverage for travellers’ cancellation or amendment of travel plans. Also other additional expenses as a result of the coronavirus epidemic,” CoverMore said

On the other hand, Budget Direct’s policy documents did not specifically mention any exclusion. The also stated the insurer would cover the costs of travel cancellation. If customers were unable to travel because of restrictions placed upon them during or after an epidemic.

Travel Insurance policies issued after 20th of January

insurance travel

But the insurer recently issued a travel alert on its website. Indicating that customers would be excluded from Insurance coverage for claims associated with the coronavirus. If their policy was purchased after 20 January.

CGU and HBF’s travel insurance policies – both underwritten by CGU Insurance; – said they would not offer cover for pandemics, epidemics or other infectious disease outbreaks if the customer’s insurance was issued after an alert. Or warning had been distributed regarding any outbreak or possible outbreak.

AAMI and Southern Cross Travel Insurance policies also said any claims, costs, losses or damage would not be covered if they were associated with epidemic or pandemic illnesses, or with the outbreak of other infectious diseases.

Southern Cross Insurance issued an update recently, indicating it would assess claims normally if the insurance was purchased before 11am AEDT on Tuesday, 21 January. But did say if customers bought a policy after that time it “would consider that you would have been aware of the outbreak”.

Travel Insurance before or after a travel warning

travel insurance and coronavirus

Canstar finance expert Effie Zahos said it was important for travellers to read the fine print of their insurance policies. Also question their insurers to ensure they were aware of what is included and excluded on their policies. Because above all most policies differ.

“Whether or not you’re covered can come down to when you took out your insurance policy. Also whether you travelled before or after a travel warning was issued,” Ms Zahos said.

“Generally, when official travel warnings are announced, a lot of insurance policies are void. So it’s very important to monitor destination warnings prior to travel.

“Always be sure to look up your destination on Smartraveller. Even more make sure you are aware of any risks or safety advice.”

Smartraveller advised travellers that Chinese authorities may expand travel restrictions further at short notice. Which could result in “significant disruption” to public transport services. Also, accommodation providers may refuse to accept guests with high temperatures. Even more those who have recently visited areas affected by the virus outbreak.

Travel insurance customers who are concerned about their level of cover may want to call their insurer. Above all to find out more information and check their policy’s Product Disclosure Statement.

What is new coronavirus?

travel insurance

The virus’ scientific name is 2019-nCoV, and it is part of a broad family of viruses that cause respiratory illness. The deadly SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus outbreak of 2003, that caused an estimated 774 deaths, was also a coronavirus.

The new coronavirus – which has not previously been detected in humans – was initially linked to exposure to animals at a seafood market in Wuhan, but authorities have since confirmed it is spreading via human-to-human contact.

The virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience fever, flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.

There is no vaccine for the virus at this stage, and development of such vaccines can typically take up to 10 years, but scientists in Australia have just made a major breakthrough. Experts at Melbourne’s Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity became the world’s first scientific lab outside of China to develop a lab-grown version of the disease, which is expected to be critical in testing potential vaccines and identifying people who may have been infected.

What locations have been impacted by the coronavirus?

cases coronavirus

A number of Chinese cities, including Wuhan, are now subject to travel bans. Lunar New Year holidays were also extended across the country in a bid to discourage travel, and Chinese citizens have been banned from international group travel to limit the spread of the virus.

There are reports the infection has spread to people in Hong Kong; Japan; Taiwan; Thailand; South Korea; the United States; Singapore; Malaysia; France; Nepal; Canada; Macau; Vietnam and Australia.

Health and biosecurity authorities in multiple countries have been screening airport travellers for the coronavirus.

Where can travellers and their family members find more information?

coronavirus

Smartraveller has information about the coronavirus outbreak available online for travellers. Including what to avoid during your trip. Also what to do if you feel sick while travelling or after returning to Australia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said any Australians who believe they have family in the affected area of Hubei Province should contact its emergency line on 1300 555 135 locally or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

The Department of Health is monitoring the situation closely. It said everyone should practice hygiene measures to protect against the infection. Including washing your hands, covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing. Also avoiding contact with wild or farm animals. The public health information line is available on 1800 004 599.

Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP