More than two years into the pandemic, most Americans still underestimate the prevalence of long COVID-19. In fact, 61% of survey respondents estimate that long COVID affects up to 20% of the population, while actual studies show it impacts 31% of North Americans who have contracted the virus. What’s more, one-third of Americans greatly underestimate the likelihood of the post-viral syndrome.

As we enter a new phase of the pandemic, where may people no longer see COVID-19 as a crisis, it’s important to increase awareness of the possible long-term ramifications of contracting the virus. Long COVID has the potential to last for months or years, and without a safety net like disability insurance, it can be a debilitating event both physically and financially.

A 2022 Long COVID Survey suggests that Americans might be financially unprepared for contracting long COVID. Nearly one in two respondents (44%) said they either don’t know how they would pay for expenses outside of insurance payouts if they were out of work for three or more months or said that they flat-out couldn’t pay for expenses.

More than one-third (35&) of respondents don’t know what type of insurance they would be able to use to pay for expenses if they were to get long COVID or another chronic illness for longer than three months.

One-fifth (21&) of respondents think they would be able to use unemployment insurance or worker’s compensation.
Another one-fifth expected to rely on Social Security Disability Insurance.

There are many insurance carriers who have voluntary programs to assist employees with preparing for possible long COVID. If you would like additional information, please give us a call.