KUALA LUMPUR – Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. The mosquito-borne disease caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes is a serious threat as there are currently no vaccine or specific anti-viral drugs.

With the recent confirmed localised community spread of Zika virus infection in Malaysia, the general public are advised to take simple and practical steps to help keep Dengue and Zika at bay. Stepping up to provide reprieve and address rising public concerns – Tokio Marine is now offering coverage for Zika at no additional cost to existing and new customers of the company’s MosBite Insurance that pays up to RM4,500 for an affordable annual premium starting from RM31.80.

Existing medical insurance or employee benefits will cover hospital bills if one is hospitalised due to Dengue or Zika. However, unexpected out-of-pocket expenses such as hiring part-time babysitter for your children, take away food, transportation costs for hospital visits or additional nutrients during recovery are not. Such expenses can easily cost up to few thousand Ringgit which will be a burden for the underserved market.

Tokio Marine developed and launched MosBite Insurance back in 2014 responding to the need for a simple, affordable and relevant product amidst rising Dengue cases in Malaysia. Positioned as an insurance cover to compliment one’s existing medical insurance or employee benefits – MosBite Insurance will lighten financial concerns and reduce out-of-pocket expenses in the event of contracting Dengue. 

With the inclusion of Zika coverage, the company hopes to do its part in helping customers cope with current Dengue and Zika endemic affecting the region by providing a higher level of protection at no additional cost.

For more information on MosBite Insurance, please visit the company’s website at www.tokiomarine.com or call 1300 88 8833.