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Aetna Global Benefits International Health Plan
Aetna Global Benefits (AGB) is the new name for international medical insurance specialist Goodhealth Worldwide. Aetna is America’s leading diversified healthcare benefits company, serving more than 36 million people worldwide. AGB has offices in Tampa, London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta and Shanghai, has over 30 years of experience and its 400,000 customers are in over 100 countries worldwide.
March 2010 Product Reviews
PRODUCT
AGB has introduced a number of changes to its International Health Plan (IHP) product suite:
■ New born care. Up to $100,000 and 90 days of hospital stay for inpatient treatment of an acute medical condition.
■ Congenital anomalies. Where this manifests itself in a new born baby, again up to $100,000 of benefit is available. Pre-existing conditions are excluded where symptoms exist or advice has been sought prior to the plan’s start date.
■ Changes have also been made to the “congenital anomaly” and “hereditary” policy definitions.
The IHP product itself offers four cover options, ranging from the low cost Major Medical plan, through Foundation and Lifestyle to Lifestyle Plus.
The top of the range Lifestyle Plus plan includes maximum annual benefits of: Maximum annual aggregate limit $1.6 m; full cover for inpatient, day case and outpatient treatment and for oncology, reconstructive surgery and CT/MRI scans; psychiatric cover included up to 30 days a year or $5,000 as an outpatient; hospital cash benefit $125 a night up to 20 nights; up to 120 days of rehabilitation; new born cover and accommodation; parent accommodation with child; complications of pregnancy covered and up to $10,000 (20% co-insurance) for other pregnancy/childbirth (subject to an initial waiting period); ancillary charges (e.g. wheelchairs) covered up to $1,000 per medical condition; accidental damage to teeth covered and up to $1,500 (with 25% co-insurance but no excess) for other dental treatment; organ transplants covered; chronic conditions covered up to $15,000; AIDS/HIV covered up to $10,000; home nursing up to 28 weeks; ambulance cover (by the most appropriate form of transport); up to ten sessions in aggregate for alternative therapies; up to $30 per session for traditional Chinese medicine; HRT covered up to 18 months; and evacuation cover, including of mortal remains.
Standard excess is $100, but optionally this can be changed to nil, $50 or $250. Other options allow customers to, for example, choose a provider network (with direct settlement), have a semi-private room, removal of some restrictions and medical history disregarded underwriting. The plan can be Sterling, US dollar or euro denominated and the plan is available to individuals or groups.
RATING
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
New benefits will appeal to those planning or having children. | Lifestyle Plus includes pregnancy benefits that not every client would be able to benefit from. |
Range of plans and options available. | Limits on some benefits and overall. |
Aetna is an internationally known brand. | We didn’t find the website particularly easy to use. |
LITERATURE
A range of literature is available online.
WHAT THEY SAY
Debra J Williams, managing director, Europe, Aetna Global Benefits said: “The International Healthcare Plan is designed with the needs of globally mobile employees in mind. It provides the worldwide medical cover they require, with a first class level of service they can rely on.”
WHAT WE SAY
The changes that AGB has made will not affect many clients, but will be welcomed, especially by those with or planning a family. The IHP suite offers a range of plans and options to suit most clients, and the Aetna name is known worldwide. The top of the range Lifestyle Plus plan will mostly appeal to those with families or to those who simply want the highest levels of cover.
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