Long-term Disability Claims for COVID-19 Long-Haulers

I think I may have Long-Hauler symptoms following COVID-19, but I know there’s no way I can work

Researchers estimate that about 10% of COVID-19 patients will become long-haulers. Out of the 4631 new Canadian cases today, that means that about 463 of those infected will experience long-hauler symptoms.

You are definitely not alone.

As long as you have a short OR long-term disability policy through your work, you should be looking to your insurer to help you cover some of your lost wages while you are unable to work.

What is a Long-Hauler? What are their symptoms? Am I a Long-Hauler?

While most COVID-19 symptoms disappear shortly after the person is better, unfortunately, there are a number of cases where symptoms don’t go away, instead, they last for months. These patients have been given the name “Long-Haulers”.

These long-lasting symptoms are fairly similar to what people experience in the acute phase of COVID-19 and can include, body aches, difficulty concentrating, inability to exercise, headaches, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping and most commonly, fatigue.

WATCH ABOVE: Disability Lawyer interviewed about COVID-19 Long-Haulers and Disability Claims on Global News

If you previously had some symptoms of COVID-19 or think that you might have AND if you are feeling very run down and tired all the time, dejected, or you are feeling like you don’t have the motivation or energy to do even the simplest of tasks at home, it might be worthwhile to apply for short or long-term disability.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and feel that they are contributing to your inability to work, once again, you too should be applying for short or long-term disability. This is precisely why you pay premiums – so that you are covered for situations like these.

You should also see a doctor as soon as you can. Have your doctor explain, in writing,  why your symptoms prevent you from working. Provide that letter to your insurer.

Doing all of this will make your claim stronger in the event that your insurer does deny you or cut off your benefits.  Of course, if your insurer stops your LTD payments at any point, you should immediately contact a lawyer.

My long-term disability claim was denied because the insurance company says they don’t cover Long-Hauler Symptoms

If your insurer denies your long-term disability claim and tells you that they don’t cover Long-Hauler symptoms, put it back on your adjuster and ask them, “where in the policy does it say that Long-Hauler symptoms are not covered?” They likely will not be able to point to anything.

Your insurer absolutely should be covering you if Long-Hauler symptoms are preventing you from working.

It doesn’t matter what age you are either. Long-Hauler symptoms can affect people of all ages.

If none of that is working or you simply don’t feel up to fighting with the insurance company, give us a call. We can definitely assist.

I have other questions, who should I talk to?

Call us at 1-855-821-5900 for a 100% free consultation. Regardless of where you are in the LTD Insurance process, we are happy to talk with you and answer your questions, free of charge. You are not required to sign anything nor do you need to give a credit card number. Just ask questions and get answers from one of our disability lawyers in Ontario, BC or Alberta.