Global savings and quality care: the five-company ecosystem
Agathi Kanellou, Global COO of MCI Group, tells ITIJ about effective financial control, the scale of the group’s work, and how its organisations all work together
As industry leaders prepare to gather this season to discuss the future of global travel insurance, the conversation naturally turns to providing exceptional care alongside managing complex financial realities. International medical claims require sophisticated management. Insurers and assistance organisations navigate diverse healthcare systems, billing practices and regulatory environments daily.
Effective financial control starts the moment a patient receives care. Medical Claims International approaches this through proactive engagement. The Top Claims Circuit (TCC) identifies complex hospitalisations, surgeries, and intensive care admissions immediately. This early intervention facilitates thorough medical auditing alongside continuous doctor-to-doctor communication. By evaluating clinical and financial information simultaneously, Medical Claims International ensures fair, justified, and medically appropriate expenditure while protecting the quality of care.
The scope and scale of what we do
The scale of this work is significant. During 2025, MCI audited 35,000 invoices and reviewed close to €190 million and US$3.5 million in healthcare expenditure. accessible cost. Approximately €43 million in value was generated through avoided costs, medical deductions and prompt-payment savings. The Top Claims Circuit alone intercepted €8 million in costs before they reached the billing stage.
The true strength of Medical Claims International relies on the solid ecosystem of the MCI Group
These results stem directly from a deeply integrated structure. The true strength of Medical Claims International relies on the solid ecosystem of the MCI Group. Exceptional financial negotiation requires a foundation of seamless medical and operational support. This is achieved through a powerful synergy of five specialised companies offering quality healthcare all over the world at the same time.
The alliance
Within this strategic alliance, each entity fulfils a crucial role. While Medical Claims International leads the financial negotiations, rigorous clinical auditing, and cost containment, the surrounding organisations deliver the essential business expertise and patient care.
MCI Assist provides vital medical coordination and patient support. MCI Finance guarantees secure, transparent payment processes and financial compliance. MCI LATAM ensures indispensable local knowledge and strong provider relationships across Latin America. Finally, The MCI Academy develops the specialised talent required to lead the industry forward.
These complementary capabilities work together seamlessly around a shared objective. Insurers gain complete visibility over their programmes, providers enjoy dependable payment processes, and patients receive fluid, supportive care experiences. Medical Claims International can really save your money, thanks to the ecosystem of the five companies and the partnerships based on transparency and trust.
Building these transparent relationships requires consistency and specialised expertise. Embracing this collaborative model optimises every aspect of the assistance cycle. Ultimately, this integrated approach honours the fundamental purpose of the profession: helping people when they need it most, anywhere in the world, ensuring they receive this vital support at a fair and highly accessible cost.
About MCI Group
MCI Group is a global medical assistance organisation bringing over 30 years of operational expertise to the industry. By delivering seamless medical coordination, cost containment, provider management, and professional training, the company supports global assistance organisations and travellers while advancing standards in care and operational excellence.
Agathi Kanellou
Global Chief Operating Officer of MCI Group
Agathi has over 17 years of experience in the international healthcare and travel insurance industry, and has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth, innovation, and global expansion. Since joining MCI, she has successfully led critical initiatives in cost containment, business development, and process optimisation. She combines her extensive management expertise, dedicating her career to enhancing international healthcare services and setting new industry standards for operational excellence and patient-centric care.
October 2026
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Editorial Team
The Editorial Team updates the ITIJ website daily, and works on features for the print edition. With expert industry knowledge and years of experience in writing about complex travel insurance issues, the Editorial Team is ready to investigate and report on the topics that matter most to ITIJ's readers.
