BEIJING — Patients of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will have their treatment payments covered by medical insurance and fiscal funds, according to China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

Patients both confirmed and suspected of being infected with the virus shall receive treatment before settlement, Xiong Xianjun, an official with the NHSA, said at a press conference on Feb 20 in Beijing.

The payment will be covered by basic medical insurance, major disease insurance and medical assistance while the rest will be subsidized by fiscal funds, said Xiong, noting that those who are treated outside of their place of residence will not be limited by the reimbursement policy.

Medical insurances have temporarily covered medicines and medical services involved in the novel coronavirus diagnosis and treatment plan formulated by the National Health Commission, he said.

In addition, medical insurance funds for treating novel coronavirus can enjoy fast tracks in appropriation and settlement, Xiong added.