The Canadian branch of Zurich Insurance Company, Zurich Canada is specialized in the group insurance assistance and travel niche. It has introduced a product enabling employers to assist eligible employees hospitalized as a result of COVID-19.

Zurich Canada explains that this product is available to large employers, typically those with 5,000 or more eligible employees. It enables employers to provide cash benefits to eligible employees hospitalized for more than five consecutive days as a result of COVID-19. The product is available in most industries.

Uninsured costs

According to Zurich Canada, the cash benefits can help with the costs that primary health insurance may not cover. Benefits are provided for hospitalizations exceeding five consecutive days. They include an amount per day (subject to a maximum number of days) and an additional lump sum amount upon discharge from the hospital. In total, individual employees may be eligible for up to $4,000 of benefits.

The employer, who is the policyholder, pays cash benefits to the eligible employees, then submits its claims to Zurich Canada for reimbursement, according to the firm. “During this global health crisis, we understand how important it is for employers to protect their most valuable and vulnerable assets – their employees," said Zurich Canada CEO Saad Mered.

Altruism at work

Zurich Canada has announced that net profits from the sale of this product will go to a charity of the customer's choice. “We also recognize that we have an opportunity and a duty to support our communities, which is why any profits from the sale of this product will be donated to charity," added Mered.

Reminder of early warning signs

In the COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool provided on its website, the Public Health Agency of Canada strongly urges anyone who has any of the following symptoms to isolate at home or another suitable location: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or headache

People with the following symptoms are asked to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room:

  • Severe difficulty breathing (e.g. struggling to breathe or speaking in single words);

  • Severe chest pain;

  • Having a hard time waking up;

  • Feeling confused;

  • Losing consciousness.

​If they experience the following symptoms, they should call their family doctor or their province’s telephone consultation service. In Quebec: 811 or 1-877-644-4545, the number dedicated to COVID-19:

  • Mild to moderate shortness of breath;

  • Inability to lie down because of breathing difficulties;

  • Chronic health problems that you are having trouble managing because of breathing difficulties.