As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread and affect North Carolinians, there has been a few questions arise about the coverage we provide our first responder clients.
One of the many features of the VFIS A&S policy is coverage for infectious diseases that result from participation in a covered activity. The COVID-19 virus will be considered an infectious disease and covered as per the following policy terms.
Illness(es) – means any disease, sickness, or infection of an Insured Person while coverage under this policy is in force as to the Insured Person. The Illness must:
(1) manifest itself during a specific Covered Activity with the result that the Insured Person
interrupts his or her participation in such Covered Activity in order to receive immediate Medical
Treatment; or
(2) directly result from participation in a Covered Activity.
In addition, the policy includes a “Mandatory Quarantine Rider” which provides coverage as follows:
MANDATORY QUARANTINE RIDER
This rider is attached to and made a part of the above mentioned policy. It applies only with respect to Injuries or Illnesses that occur on or after the effective date shown above. Any changes in premium apply as of the effective date of this rider. This rider is subject to all of the provisions, benefits, limitations and exclusions of the policy except as they are specifically modified by this rider. If there is a conflict between the policy and this rider, the terms of this rider will govern. This rider amends the policy in the following manner:
The following is added to the definition of Illness:
(3) Illness also includes the Mandatory Quarantine of an Insured Person.
The following definition is added:
Mandatory Quarantine – means period of isolation intended to limit the spread of an Infectious Disease. The Mandatory Quarantine of an Insured Person must be ordered by appropriate medical officials while acting under the authority of the local, state or federal government.
Essentially this means the disability coverage in your policy is triggered by a Mandatory Quarantine order which causes you to miss work.
Aside from the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your local health authorities to help you mitigate exposure, the most important step you can take related to insurance coverage is to document any known exposure. You should be using the same procedures you have in place for bloodborne pathogen exposure.
We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are praying for your health and safety and stand committed to assist you during the coming days.
Thank you for your sacrificial service to your communities!
Jackie F. Ireland, Jr., President
VFIS of North Carolina
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