Covid-19 in Your Workplace: How Can Your Insurance Help You?

On May 20, the AMCHAM HR Committee held the virtual event Covid-19 in Your Workplace: How Can Your Insurance Help You? This event focused on the practical challenges companies were facing during Thailand’s third wave of Covid-19. AMCHAM Human Resources Co-Chair Chris Shultz, Director, Group Learning & Organizational Development, DKSH, introduced the event’s speakers: Derek Heng, General Manager, Marsh; Wimon Chanthongkham, Mercer Marsh Benefits Leader, Marsh; Dr. Wuttiwong Sombooruangsri, Deputy Executive Vice President, Muangthai Life; and Dr. Tontnaid Ayana, Chief Medical Officer, Cigna Thailand.

The event began with Derek Heng providing some background into insurance policies in Thailand and how they are applied to employees. He gave an overview of what typically happens to an employee after they are found Covid-19 positive. He provided insight on the use of hospitals versus hospitels; a new term for hotels that have been refitted to provide medical services to people experiencing less intense Covid-19 symptoms. Derek also spoke on specific insurance coverage and provided flowcharts with case examples.

Wimon Changthonkham then moderated a panel discussion with Dr. Wuttiwong Sombooruangsri and Dr. Tontnaid Ayana regarding the use of vaccines, choosing the appropriate treatment path, and the current burden of medical facilities in the Kingdom. They also discussed proper measures for returning to the workplace after being vaccinated and insurance coverage if a vaccine results in an injury. The event ended with a robust question-and-answer session. The presentation and a recording of the event are available on the AMCHAM Member Portal.