Coronavirus and insurance: What you need to know

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused an international effort to try to limit the spread. These actions have led to closures, including schools, restaurants and theme parks and cancellations of sports leagues and concerts. 

The crisis has also led to people losing their jobs as businesses close to make restrictions. This situation has likely led you to question your financial situation. 

QuinStreet’s financial service sites, including Insure.com, are here to help. We’ve compiled a list of resources to help answer your questions during this crisis. Here are pages that might help you with your financial questions related to the coronavirus. 

 

Health insurance

Guide to COBRA Insurance benefits

The coronavirus has forced businesses to close, at least temporarily. This has also led to layoffs and people looking to keep their health insurance. COBRA insurance is a way to maintain your former employer’s health insurance. Here’s what you need to know about COBRA and signing up. 

 

How to avoid surprise medical bills

Surprise billing, which is when you get a higher than expected medical bill, could become an issue for you if you get treated at a facility or by a provider not in your plan’s network. Here’s more about the issue and what to do if you get a hefty medical bill. 

 

Coronavirus and health insurance 

Many health insurance companies have changed policies in light of the coronavirus. Health insurers are waiving copays and out-of-pocket costs, removing barriers to telehealth and eliminating prior authorizations related to the virus. Find out more about how insurers are handling the virus and how to pay for care. 

 

How your health insurer has changed after coronavirus

Health insurers have made changes in response to COVID-19. Use this tool to find out about your insurer’s changes, including stopping co-pays and out-of-pocket costs and expanding telemedicine. 

 

How to buy an individual health plan

You’re able to get an individual health insurance plan either on the Affordable Care Act exchanges or directly through a health insurance company. A health insurer can’t reject you. The ACA stopped the practice. Here’s how you can shop for an individual plan and how much you can expect to pay. 

 

Travel insurance

Travel insurance protects your financial investment in a trip. Plans can include everything from a lost or damaged suitcase to a medical emergency to a trip cancellation. Here’s a look at travel insurance, what it covers, exemptions and how the coronavirus may affect a policy. 

Life insurance

Life insurance and coronavirus

Life insurance companies may delay approval, exclude coverage or deny you if you recently visited an area with a coronavirus outbreak. Here is expert advice about what to do if you’re thinking about buying new or more life insurance.

Term vs. perm: What life insurance is better for you? 

Which type of life insurance is better for you depends on what your finances, life situation and what you want out of a life insurance policy. Here are the differences and how to decide which one is better for you. 

 

Long-term disability insurance

Long-term disability insurance and coronavirus

Long-term disability insurance provides coverage if you’re disabled and can’t work for many months. This coverage could help someone who has long-lasting health effects from coronavirus. 

Long-term disability insurance protects your income

Long-term disability insurance is a way to help getting paid a portion of your salary if you’re not able to work. This coverage isn’t only for people with dangerous jobs. In fact, most disability claims aren’t related to work. Here’s more about disability insurance 

 

Auto Insurance

Car insurance and COVID-19: Payback credits, grace periods, waivers

People aren’t driving as much, which has led many car insurers to find ways to help drivers save money. Here are how car insurance companies are handling coronavirus. 

How to take care of your car during the COVID-19 lockdown

Even if you’re not driving to work, it’s still a good idea to make sure your car is running properly. Here are tips to make sure you are taking care of your car and what to do if you need car maintenance. 

How to file an accident claim during coronavirus pandemic

COVID-19 has caused many changes, but if you get into an accident, you should still file a claim. Here’s what you need to know about filing a claim during the pandemic.

Am I covered if I drive during a state of emergency

Many states implemented a state of emergency. Here’s what you need to know what that means for travel and whether your car insurance covers accidents during a state of emergency.  

 

QuinStreet’s sites are here to help. If there’s a financial topic that you’d like to know more about, go to Ask the Insurance Expert, post your question and we’ll look into the issue. 

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