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To ensure that all its UAE members have continuous access to professional medical advice and the highest-quality healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, Aetna International has announced it will extend the access to its virtual healthcare services, vHealth, for a period of 90 days. The announcement comes at a time when governments and healthcare authorities, across the globe, are recommending social distancing, in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
Launched in 2018 for Aetna International members and very much in line with DHA’s vision of Doctor for Every Citizen, vHealth offers members confidential medical consultations with experienced doctors over the phone, without having to travel to a clinic or hospital. Members can speak to a doctor about any aspect of their health — with a single, trusted point of contact, for all their medical concerns.
With the extension of virtual health services, now all members in the UAE will benefit from confidential medical advice over the phone.
Richard di Benedetto, President at Aetna International, said, “The health, safety and well-being of Aetna International members is paramount. We know that many people will be concerned about visiting a doctor or hospital waiting room during this period, so we are giving all our members access to vHealth for any health condition.”
Additionally, any Aetna International member who undergoes diagnostic testing for COVID-19, as referred by a physician in an approved medical facility, will be reimbursed in full for the cost of the test and consultation. Members can apply for reimbursement following the standard claims process and will be able to make one claim per calendar month related to diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Members should continue to follow the guidance issued by the DHA and contact their local health care provider or a vHealth provider if they have any concerns.
Aetna International has also confirmed that existing health benefits are not affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Any medical advice and subsequent treatment will be covered by Aetna International, as it would any other eligible medical condition, in accordance with a member’s plan.
Commenting on diagnostic testing for COVID-19, Mr. di Benedetto continued, “Members referred by a physician in an approved medical facility for diagnostic testing for COVID-19 will be reimbursed in full. We recognize that each government or health authority may have slightly different advice regarding diagnostic testing, so members are advised to follow the guidance issued by their local health authority and to contact their local health care or vHealth provider if they have any concerns.”
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