How private medical insurance may increase your chances of survival in the wake of a possible New flu epidemic

The discovery of a new strain of bird flu, H7N9, a subtype of Influenza A virus was announced last month. So far, 60 people have been diagnosed with the new strain of flu, of which 13 people have died. As a result, Shanghai has declared a state emergency plan as a result of the outbreak.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence as yet to show transmission occurs from human to human. The results of a seven year old in Hong Kong, who was thought to have contracted the flu after a trip to Shanghai, came back negative for H7N9.

This week, the government expects to release a bird flu test which will be able to provide results rapidly in a matter of hours. Although H7N9 was deemed to have low virulence and only transmissible from animals to humans, the chance of the virus mutating to be able to spread from human to human has not been ruled out. Gene data sequences from the first three victims who died, published by the WHO Chinese National Influenza Center, revealed a gene present in the samples that was not found in the Avian samples, demonstrating that the virus already has the ability to adapt and thrive in humans. More alarmingly, findings by researchers at the South University of Science and Technology, suggest that the speed of mutation might be around eight times faster than the usual flu virus.

In uncertain times such as this, taking out private health insurance may provide more advantages besides access to private healthcare, should the virus spread.

Procuring treatment for an unexpected sickness or injury resulting from an accident might be challenging during such an outbreak. For example, if a parent was taking a child with a broken leg to the nearby accident and emergency department in a public hospital, the wait time could be as long as four hours or more. Furthermore, waiting in such close proximity to others at a time of a flu outbreak, where viruses can easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or others, increases the chances of catching the virus yourself.

Under the circumstances, having the option of obtaining treatment at a private hospital would be ideal, minus the increased expense. This is where private medical insurance comes in handy. A typical medical insurance policy will usually include inpatient benefits and have optional outpatient coverage available. Therefore, if an overnight stay is required, the inpatient portion may cover the cost of the hospital stay and other surgical procedures incurred. In Hong Kong, where private healthcare ranks among the worlds most expensive, basic treatment for a broken leg could cost as much as US$35,000, emphasizing the need for private health insurance.

Furthermore, there is an issue of availability of beds in Hong Kong. Towards the end of 2011, the government produced a Hong Kong fact sheet regarding public health which revealed that there are only approximately 35,000 beds available at any one time in Hong Kong. Around 27,000 beds are located in the region's 38 public hospitals, over 4000 in private hospitals, another 4100 in nursing homes and about 800 in correctional facilities. Given that the local population totals near 8 million people, the chances of getting a bed would be difficult for those unlucky to have contracted the virus in a flu outbreak.

Having a private insurance policy may increase the chances of securing a bed under such circumstances, as it affords access to both private and public beds compared to an individual who has only access to public beds.

Access to expensive drugs

The authorities are months away from developing a vaccine for this new strain of virus however, antivirals currently available on the market have been shown to be effective so far. However, new antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can cost over $1000 HKD for a box of 10 pills, an expensive price for many. Private medical insurance coverage may make drugs and vaccinations more affordable as they are usually covered under an outpatient section of a private health insurance plan.

Hong Kong has had plenty of experience in dealing with virus outbreaks, namely in regard to SARs, H5N1 Avian flu and Swine flu. With news of this recent outbreak, Chief Executive C Y Leung, has vowed to prepare Hong Kong if another outbreak befalls the region as birds are seasonally expected to fly south from the north to warmer climates.

In the worst case scenario, should there be an outbreak in Hong Kong, possessing international insurance may allow the patient to fly elsewhere to obtain treatment for a non flu related illness, subject to whether the regions state of quarantine. For the time being, people are strongly recommended to maintain high levels of hygiene practices including thorough hand washing, covering the mouth while sneezing and seeking medical attention should the individual experience flu like symptoms. Contact with live birds should always be avoided at all times.