The health of an organization’s most important resource—its human capital—is of utmost importance in today’s complicated and challenging fiscal environment. Vaughan outlines key considerations facing international employers in the face of a global pandemic.
A pandemic is a genuine worldwide health threat that international employers cannot ignore. Public health officials warn that even in these health-conscious times, a new virus could make its way around the world in as little as three months. Planning for unexpected health issues related to a pandemic is a critical business decision for employers with domestic employees and international assignees across the globe. Once a globally mobile employee contracts H1N1, they may not be able to return home for treatment.
While it is hard to predict just how many people have or will contract the disease, experts warn that one person out of every 1,000 cases diagnosed will die. Certain demographics are at a higher risk of contracting the H1N1 virus, including pregnant women, persons who are six months to 24 years of age, and persons aged 25 years through 64 years who have health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
According to the World Health Organization, the potential that a virus could mutate and infect a population that has not been exposed previously to it can cause a worldwide pandemic much quicker than in the past due to the ease of global transport.
“Unlike natural or man-made disasters, true pandemics are likely to be very disarming. The availability of resources, freedom of movement, and rationing of care may all quickly lead everyone to become mere spectators,” said Gregory Cain, a global health solutions expert at CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB), Claymont, Delaware. “This is what makes preparation beforehand critical in limiting exposure and transmission.”
Preparation
In the event of a pandemic, preparation is essential, and prevention is a major component of preparation. Employers with a globally mobile workforce need to be proactive and manage the situation by either speaking to their international health benefits provider regarding business continuity or seeking an international insurer for extra support.
Some international insurance providers are making arrangements to sustain expatriates’ access to care through such measures as:
- suspension of referrals, prior authorization, and medical necessity requirements;
- suspension of “too soon to fill” requirements for prescriptions;
- coordination with, supporting, and complementing public health efforts with international medical directors; and
- providing 100 percent coverage for preventive care benefits.
- Symptoms of H1N1
Experts recommend that medical care be obtained if anyone becomes ill and experiences warning signs of the H1N1 virus. In adults, emergency warning signs that could signal the need for urgent medical attention may include:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
- pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
- sudden dizziness; or
- •severe or persistent vomiting.
Additional warning signs that may need urgent medical attention manifest in children. These warning signs may include:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing;
- bluish skin color;
- flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough; or
- fever with a rash.
“We encourage employers and employees to contact their international insurer for pandemic preparedness literature based on public health agency policies such as the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization,” said CIEB Medical Director Dr. Lyndon Laminack. “These agencies also offer guidelines that can be linked to a company-wide planning process.”
This material is provided for informational purposes only. It is believed accurate as of the date of publication and is subject to change. Such material should not be relied on as legal or medical advice. We recommend that you consult with your independent legal and/or medical advisors. For more information, employers and employees should contact their international insurer.
Ken Vaughan is senior vice president, CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits, Claymont, Delaware. He can be reached at +1 302 797 3564 or ciebmarketing@cigna.com.