The Swine Flu situation remains dynamic, both in Australia and worldwide, and Mondial Assistance is monitoring it closely.
Our approach is one of care and reason with Swine Flu. We continue to follow the lead of the Australian Government in its response to Swine Flu—the Government’s most recent move to a new response phase recognises that infection is mild in most cases of Swine Flu, and moderate overall.
The new phase, PROTECT, is a measured, reasonable and proportionate health response to the risk that the infection poses to the Australian community.
It is consistent with the message from the World Health Organization (WHO), when it lifted its Pandemic Alert to 6 that “countries will need to adjust their responses to accommodate the knowledge we now have that this disease is moderate in most cases”.
We will continue to monitor the responses by overseas governments to the WHO recommendation.
As a result our coverage position can be summarised as follows:
» if you contract Swine Flu and, as a result, are medically unfit to travel there is provision to claim under the policy, subject to the normal conditions of cover
» if you change your mind about travel because of the threat of Swine Flu there is no provision to claim under the policy
» if a traveller is quarantined by a government as a result of Swine Flu:
- there is no provision to claim for cancellation
- if you have Swine Flu and are quarantined there is provision to claim for any additional expenses
- if you do not have Swine Flu and are quarantined, we will consider your claim for additional expenses.
And as we have stressed from the beginning, in any eventuality Mondial Assistance will always cover medical-related claims for any Australian travelling overseas with a Mondial Assistance travel insurance policy, who contracts Swine Flu.
What should I do if I become sick while traveling?
If you need emergency assistance, please immediately phone our 24 hour Emergency Assistance Department reverse charge on + 617 3305 7499.
What else should I be aware of?
At all times, you should make your own careful assessment about the destinations to which you are travelling, regardless of the cover afforded by your travel insurance policy.
Where you are going to incur costs in excess of $2,000AUD which you wish to claim under your policy you will need to contact our 24 hour Emergency Assistance Department before you incur the expense. If you don’t, then your claim may not be paid in full.
Also, in the event of a claim, you should ensure you take steps to reduce costs as much as possible and submit your claim form with full supporting documentation.
Health care instructions
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3.Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. Don't share items such as food, cigarettes, cups, lipstick, or anything which could be contaminated with respiratory secretions.
5. If you get sick with influenza, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
6. Maintain greater than one metre distance from people who have flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing.
Warning signs
If a person becomes ill and experiences any of the following warning signs that are suggestive of an influenza-like illness, they should seek emergency medical assessment.
Symptoms of an influenza like illness include: • abrupt onset of fever • fatigue • muscle pain • joint pain • severe or persistent vomiting • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • other respiratory tract symptoms. In children the symptoms and signs may be more subtle, therefore early medical assessment is recommended.
A number of individuals have presented with overt pneumonia in the first instance which may have the following signs: • fever • cough • sputum production • chest pain • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • fatigue, anorexia and perhaps vomiting.
Health advice from Dr Steve Rashford, the Chief Medical Officer of Mondial Assistance Australia in relation to Swine Flu: "Our recommendation is that should you become unwell while travelling with any influenza-like illness (fever, cough, headache, sore throat, severe fatigue or muscle pain) or symptoms of a respiratory tract infection you must consult a medical practitioner immediately.
If you are unsure of the closest medical facility, please contact our 24 hour Emergency Assistance Department on +61 7 3305 7499. We have an extensive data base of medical facilities and hospitals in over 100 countries that have been visited and assessed by Mondial doctors.
Our staff will be able to provide you with directions to the most suitable medical facility. Once we have received your call we will continue to provide assistance and ongoing advice and management of your case. Mondial Assistance will liaise closely with commercial airlines and DFAT regarding your return to Australia, should this be necessary."
Medical management
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against Swine Flu. The Centers for Disease Control (DCD) recommend the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these Swine Flu viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in the body. If some one is ill, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
For further general information about Swine Flu, please visit: http://www.mondial-assistance.com/en/individuals/swine-flu.htm
