COVID-19 Expat Updates

COVID-19 MetLife Worldwide

We are here for you.

For over 153 years, MetLife has been committed to protecting the health and well-being of our customers, their families, and our communities. 

MetLife Worldwide Benefits coverages include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Long Term Disability (LTD) and short-term traveler products. For expatriate employees, employers and brokers who have benefits with MetLife Worldwide Benefits, below are plan details and frequently asked questions to support you during this uncertain time. 

We want to assure you that MetLife is prepared, and has taken action to ensure our customers get the service they expect, the coverages they need are maintained, questions are answered, and claims are processed in a timely manner.

Below you will find important updates on available resources, benefit coverage and answers to common questions.

Supporting Expatriate Employees Through a COVID-19 Diagnosis

If an insured expatriate employee or their eligible family members who are covered by a MetLife Worldwide Benefits policy is diagnosed with COVID-19, or experiencing symptoms, we recommend they consult with their treating physician.

Please note, MetLife Worldwide Benefits plans are unique for each company. Please refer to the Certificate of Insurance for information on an employer’s plan. For information as to what is covered under the plan, expatriate employees may also refer to their Schedule of Benefits, which can be found on eBenefits. Read about the impact of the coronavirus on the various coverages below.

Coverage Support for COVID-19

MetLife Worldwide Benefits covers diagnostic visits and testing for COVID-19 when medically necessary at plan benefits.

MetLife Worldwide Benefits covers medical care for COVID-19 treatment at plan benefits. 

In addition, MetLife will cover the cost of approved vaccinations at 100% with no cost sharing.

There are no policy limitations that would apply to a pandemic event. MetLife is required to evaluate each claim in accordance with the terms of the policy and to use the same claim processes as it does for any other sickness or injury claim. Each claim will be reviewed consistent with policy terms and applicable insurance law.

IBTM plans provide coverage for urgent and emergent medical care, so medically necessary tests, office visits, and treatment for COVID-19 are covered. If an insured employee or dependent is admitted to the hospital because of a COVID-19 diagnosis, they will be covered for care related to the diagnosis, provided they meet the plan requirements. 

COVID-19 has no impact on life insurance plans.  Claims for life insurance benefits may be filed regardless of the insured’s cause of death and will be processed as usual in accordance with the terms of the plan. 

There are no policy limitations that would apply to disabilities caused by COVID-19. MetLife will evaluate each claim in accordance with the terms of the policy and use claim processes already in place for disability claims.

Resources

Below are other resources and benefits that are available for insured expatriate employees or their eligible family members with medical insurance through MetLife Worldwide Benefits:

Resources for COVID-19

Expatriate employees should contact Customer Service using the information on their ID cards if they have any questions or concerns. Our staff are trained and well prepared to handle inquiries and guide employees to nearest medical facility for care.

Expatriate employees can review the critical alerts and health warnings available on the “Travel Tools” section of our website, eBenefits, available any time.

COVID-19 PCR Testing Labs are available in the provider search tool on Travel EYE. There are approximately 2,300 testing sites in several countries. To find a testing site, enter the city and country of your choice under the medical network section and select COVID-19 PCR Test as the specialty.

Telemedicine allows covered employees and their families to seek care without traveling to a healthcare facility and potentially risking their health or the health of others. MetLife Worldwide Benefits offers a network of virtual medical providers to all employees of all customers. Services provided through the telemed network are covered at 100% for all conditions.

If an expatriate employee’s medical plan includes IEAP through MetLife Worldwide Benefits, critical incident support can be accessed 24/7. Employees can access the IEAP tab on eBenefits for information on how to get started.

 

If an expatriate employee’s medical plan includes emergency medical evacuation through MetLife Worldwide Benefits, they may be eligible for emergency medical evacuation if they suffer an emergency sickness, including COVID-19. MetLife will use any and all available resources to ensure a safe and timely evacuation, should one be needed. Expatriate employees should ask their employer if emergency medical evacuation is included in their medical plan or review their Schedule of Benefits on eBenefits.

Keeping You Informed

Product FAQs

For expatriate employees, employers and brokers who have benefits with MetLife Worldwide Benefits, below are some frequently asked questions and answers as they may relate to a plan with us.

For specific questions or questions not answered here, clients and brokers should contact their MetLife Worldwide Benefits Account Manager; expatriate employees should contact Customer Service using the information on their ID card.

Can't find what you are looking for?

Let us help. For brokers and employers please reach out to your Account Managers and expatriate employees please reach out to customer service using the information on their ID cards if they have any questions or concerns.

Short-term travelers with an International Business Travel Medical (IBTM) plan should need to obtain additional support and guidance while on a business trip, they should contact Customer Service 24/7 at +1 302-594-8400 – our staff are trained and well-prepared to handle:

  • inquiries on plan benefits
  • hospital and clinic referrals
  • emergency medical evacuations

U.S. Employees

Looking for information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) might impact your current policy? Go to our FAQs page for U.S. Policyholders.

U.S. Customers

Looking for FAQs and legislative updates to help Brokers and Employers navigate COVID-19?

MetLife is committed to navigating life together with you

We're in This Together

1 Telemedicine services are provided through vendor not affiliated with MetLife.

2 IEAP provided by a vendor not affiliated with MetLife.

3 Emergency medical and travel assistance services provided through vendor not affiliated with MetLife.

Like most group insurance policies, insurance policies offered by MetLife contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. Ask your MetLife representative for costs and complete details. MetLife’s worldwide benefits products are underwritten by Delaware American Life Insurance Company, a MetLife affiliate domiciled at 600 North King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, and other affiliates.