CIGNA International Launches Innovative CIGNALinks(R) Program In United Kingdom; Offers Negotiated Rates And Streamlined Claims Process

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB) has launched CIGNALinks(R) ... United Kingdom, an innovative program that uses the established network of CIGNA International to offer health care services at negotiated rates to expatriate employees and key local nationals in the UK. The program also will be available to British employees working outside the UK and all eligible family members when they return home for care.

“In the United Kingdom, we are leveraging CIGNA International’s domestic health insurance network, which is already in place and very robust. The provider network in the UK includes ‘select’ hospitals and clinics, which CIEB has identified as best in their geographic region, as well as all the hospitals and clinics with which CIGNA International has a contractual relationship,” said Virginia Hollis, CIEB vice president of global markets and head of the CIGNALinks program. “The benefits of CIGNALinks include negotiated network costs and a streamlined claims process that includes direct settlement between CIEB and the provider for in-network claims,” Hollis said.

CIGNALinks was first introduced by CIEB in June 2004 in Australia for expatriates living and working in Australia, as well as Australian citizens working abroad and returning home for medical care. The program is a new approach to health care coverage for expatriates that integrates CIGNA International’s global medical plans with the administrative services and provider networks of local health care companies in selected host countries. The program simplifies the administration of health care for expatriates and their families, addresses local compliance issues in those countries where government regulations may affect benefit offerings and access to care, and has the potential to save money for employers and their expatriate employees.

Under CIGNALinks, a covered member will go to a network provider, present the CIGNALinks ID card, pay any applicable coinsurance, and receive treatment. Typically, there are no deductibles to be met or claim forms to be filed except in special circumstances. CIGNA International’s Customer Service Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through a local toll-free telephone and fax.

In 2006, CIGNALinks programs will expand to Hong Kong, Spain, Singapore, and Middle Eastern countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.

CIEB is the world’s largest provider of employer-sponsored insurance plans for expatriate employees. CIGNA International, the global business division of CIGNA Corporation, markets life, accident and health insurance in selected markets around the world.

CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB) is a business unit of CIGNA International, the global business division of CIGNA Corporation. . CIGNA International markets life, accident and employee benefits - including health care insurance - in selected markets around the world. CIEB is the world’s largest provider of employer-sponsored insurance plans for expatriate employees and their insured family members.

CIGNA International

CONTACT: Gloria Barone of CIGNA, +1-215-761-4758, orGloria.barone@cigna.com

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