RICHMOND, Va., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has selected World Access to continue to provide international assistance and claim services to the Association’s BlueCard Worldwide(R) Program and Federal Employee Program (FEP) through 2006, a three- year extension of their existing contract. BlueCard and FEP members who are living or traveling outside of the United States can use World Access’ 24-hour hotline service and worldwide network of healthcare providers. World Access will also provide a broad range of claim services, including translation, currency conversion, fraud screening, and payment in foreign currency.
BlueCard and FEP members will also gain access to World Access’ new travel health information website. The site will provide members with international hospital and physician information, as well as detailed health reports and other useful information on more than 170 countries. Website users are able to create their own customized destination guides. The site will be accessible to members via links to http://www.bcbs.com/ and http://www.fepblue.org/.
“In collaboration with BCBSA and FEP, World Access has built a comprehensive, global provider network to serve our customers,” said Frank Coyne, Vice President of Inter-Plan Programs at the Association. “As a result of our collaboration, our members will have enhanced, international access to healthcare providers.”
“We want to provide peace of mind for BCBS Plans’ members overseas, which is why we built an international health information website and a large network of hospitals and physicians around the world,” said Jon Ansell, President and CEO of World Access. “World Access is pleased to continue supporting BCBS Plans’ members with our broad range of services, technological innovation and extensive healthcare network.”
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of 41 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 88 million -- nearly one-third of all Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its Plans, visit http://www.bcbs.com/.
About World Access
World Access offers value added insurance and assistance products designed to help make life simpler and more financially secure for its clients and their customers. Many of the company’s products and services address the emergency and information-related needs of Americans when they are away from home. Founded in 1983, World Access is a member of the Mondial Assistance Group, the world’s largest travel insurance and assistance company, with 37 operations centers in 28 countries. The Mondial Assistance Group is owned by Allianz AG, one of the world’s largest insurers. For more information on World Access, visit http://www.worldaccess.com/ or call 804-673-1581.
World Access
CONTACT: Emily Porter, +1-804-673-1411, eporter@worldaccess.com, forWorld Access
