Cigna reaches out to Canadian expats
Cigna Global Health Benefits (Cigna) is now offering medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefits to Canadian expatriates and their eligible family members through its CignaLinks network expansion into Canada, as part of a partnership with Cowan Insurance Group, a provider of third party administrator services in Canada. Under the relationship, provincial and expatriate health plans are managed together for eligible customers, making it easier for customers to use their benefits wherever they may be in the world.
Cigna Global Health Benefits (Cigna) is now offering medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefits to Canadian expatriates and their eligible family members through its CignaLinks network expansion into Canada, as part of a partnership with Cowan Insurance Group, a provider of third party administrator services in Canada. Under the relationship, provincial and expatriate health plans are managed together for eligible customers, making it easier for customers to use their benefits wherever they may be in the world.
According to a recent study conducted by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, in 2012 the private sector spent Ca$60.3 billion on health care. Annual growth rates were forecast at 2.6 per cent for 2014, which is higher than public sector annual growth rates (forecast at two per cent). Through this relationship, customers now have access to a direct reimbursement experience utilising a strong national network of healthcare professionals that are part of the CignaLinks Canada network, according to a release from the company.
“Research and feedback tell us that customers want affordable healthcare services and products that are easy for them to use when they need it,” commented Robyn Cameron, senior vice-president for the North America market at Cigna Global Health Benefits. “By working with Cowan, we’re able to introduce a unique offering to customers that combines affordability with convenience without sacrificing quality of care or quantity of access to doctors.”
Jason McCormick, vice-president of international benefits at Cowan, meanwhile, said: “Navigating the healthcare landscape of a foreign country can be very challenging for an expatriate employee and their dependents. Multinational employers want their expatriate employees to have a comprehensive healthcare programme so that when they travel, their medical needs will be covered. With this relationship, Cigna’s insured members who are working in Canada, and their dependents, gain access to a significant network of providers from coast to coast that offer direct reimbursement, and tap into cost mitigation opportunities through our innovative tools, relationships and partners.”