Aetna, a top health care benefits firm, will provide full coverage for the entire value of a loss without a deductible for the administration of the H1N1 flu vaccine to its global benefits health plan members in the Middle East and Africa.

Known as first-dollar coverage, Aetna's insurance policy coverage typically exists all the way up to the full amount on the policy, said a statement.

The company will pay health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists to administer the H1N1 flu vaccine to all members at no cost.

This coverage is available to all members of Aetna Global Benefits, the international business segment of Aetna, even if their AGB plan does not include coverage for preventive care (or has coverage limitations).

In addition, any applicable co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles are waived for the administration of the vaccine.

“We are committed to helping decrease the cost or administrative obstacles that could affect our members’ access to the H1N1 vaccine,” said Mark Jardin, managing director for the Middle East and Africa region.

“As part of this commitment, we will also cover the cost of the H1N1 flu vaccine itself for members who may not be eligible or able to receive the vaccine free-of-charge in the country they are residing in.”

Aetna’s comprehensive H1N1 influenza education programme has been in place since April 2009 to provide members, customers and its own employees with information on the H1N1 flu and tips for preventing infection.

AGB is Aetna’s international business segment that supports more than 400,000 members worldwide. – TradeArabia News Service