Cigna has retracted its previous statement about continuing to support international private medical insurance (IPMI) customers in Russia and will not confirm if it will provide treatment to its expat members in the country.
The insurer said the previous statement, which was given to Health & Protection and published earlier this week, had been issued in error and it has now issued a replacement.
In the new statement, Cigna said: “As per the international sanctions, which we are fully in compliance with, Cigna is not entering into any new relationships with businesses in Russia or Belarus.
“We are supporting the critical humanitarian efforts in Ukraine to help those most in need and have donated to the International Rescue Committee, Red Cross and UNICEF’.
In response to the new statement, Health & Protection asked Cigna several questions to clarify its position for its business and customers in Russia.
The insurer said it could not confirm if it was continuing to treat its IPMI customers based in Russia as allowed within the sanctions regime.
It also did not say if it was accepting new IPMI applications from potential customers in Russia.
While it is not entering into new business relationships, Cigna did not say if it had previously had plans to enter into new relationships or if it was in the process of doing so.
Cigna also did not say if it would be ending any existing relationships with businesses in Russia.
Cigna said the donation it had made to the International Rescue Committee, Red Cross and UNICEF was substantial, but would not give a figure.
Supporting customers
In its previous statement which Health & Protection published earlier this week, Cigna had said: “For our customers based in Russia, or Russian nationals who are based outside of Russia, we remain committed to supporting them, where possible and in line with sanctions and compliance, to provide them access to care.
“We’re keeping our customers updated on the latest information on the situation between Russia and Ukraine and how it affects them and their access to care through a dedicated landing page.”
At present this landing page says the insurer can still approve treatment in Russia and Belarus, however the payment of claims either to customers or healthcare providers may be disrupted by sanctions on banks and other institutions.
The page also highlights that with increasing international sanctions being imposed on Russian businesses and restrictions on their ability to pay or receive payment, this situation may change at short notice.
Ending business relationships
Earlier this month Bupa revealed it had chosen to end existing relationships with businesses in Russia while continuing to support customers undergoing treatment in the country.
Allianz also told Health & Protection it is no longer accepting new international private medical insurance (IPMI) applications from Russia.
However, the insurer confirmed existing members of its international health plans who reside in Russia will continue to be covered.
Fellow insurer William Russell highlighted that setting bills directly with medical facilities in Russia was proving to be one of the most difficult elements of continuing support for customers during the invasion of Ukraine.
It also noted that it expected people would choose to have treatment outside Russia where possible.
Now Health International revealed it is addressing queries from customers in and around Ukraine and Russia on a case-by-case basis to ensure it acts responsibly and appropriately towards these clients.