COVID-19 Disease and International Student Insurance Coverage - FAQs

What is COVID-19?

The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. The disease was first reported from Wuhan, China in December 2019. On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a “public health emergency of international concern. For all other questions regarding the disease itself, refer to the World Health Organization’s FAQ page.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

How does COVID-19 spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. 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 can then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then 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 out or exhales droplets.

Do IMG's insurance plans cover care for COVID-19 disease?

IMG offers several different types of insurance plans and their coverages may vary. You should always refer to your Certificate of Insurance as the definitive source for the terms, conditions and exclusions of coverage. IMG also has a dedicated resource page with more detailed information. You are also encouraged to contact the Customer Service department to get more details and clarification:

• US: (800) 628-4664
• Intl: +1 (317) 655-4500
• CustomerCare@IMGlobal.com

How does the coverage work if I contract COVID-19, and have departed my home country?

Coverage for COVID-19 disease and related care is provided if you have purchased and entered the destination country prior to either: 1) the CDC issuing a Warning Level 3 (avoid nonessential travel) for your Destination Country; or 2) a government agency of your Home Country publishing or issuing a Travel Warning or Emergency Travel Advisory regarding your Destination Country. Eligible Medical Expenses that may be considered for coverage include, but are not limited to, charges for illness, injury or medical evacuation.

If I contract COVID-19, how does IMG determine if it is a “new” medical condition?

Only a medical professional can diagnose when a person acquired COVID-19. IMG would rely upon the professional opinion of the treating physician.

Is testing for the COVID-19 testing covered under IMG plans?

Testing will be covered as a medical expense if the insured meets all terms and conditions of the insurance plan or policy.

In the event of COVID-19 testing and further treatment is needed, how does IMG insurance work?

COVID-19 is a medical condition and will be treated as any other illness subject to all the terms and conditions of the insurance plan or policy. Any charges incurred and associated proof of claim should be sent to IMG for benefit consideration.

How does the coverage work if I contract COVID-19, and have left the US and am in my home country?

Coverage for COVID-19 disease and related care may be covered under the “Incidental Trip” benefit (Section K of the Certificate of Insurance). Under this benefit, you could receive up to 14 days of home country coverage under specific conditions including: 

As an accommodation and supplemental benefit and subject to the Terms of this insurance, the Insured Person will be covered under this insurance during incidental return trips to his/her Country of Residence up to the number of days shown in the BENEFIT SUMMARY during the Period of Coverage beginning with the date the Insured Person first arrives back in his/her Country of Residence provided that: 

(1) The Insured Person has departed his/her Country of Residence prior to any Incidental Trip 

(2) The Insured Person has timely paid applicable Premium for at least thirty (30) days of continuous coverage 

(3) The Country of Residence is not the United States 

(4) The intention or purpose of the Insured Person’s return trip to the Country of Residence is not to receive Treatment for an Illness or Injury incurred or sustained while traveling outside of his/her Country of Residence 

(5) The Insured Person’s return trip to the Country of Residence does not result in receiving Treatment for an Illness or Injury incurred or sustained while traveling outside of his/her Country of Residence.