Aetna Forms Strategic Alliance with Starr International in Hong Kong

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aetna (NYSE: AET), a leading global diversified health care benefits company, and Starr International Insurance (Asia) Ltd., have formed a strategic alliance to offer medical insurance and health care solutions in Hong Kong. As part of the new relationship, Aetna’s medical insurance policies in Hong Kong are being underwritten by Starr International, a leading insurance firm licensed by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority. The new underwriting took effect on January 24 for new Aetna policies and on March 1 for renewals.

“We are pleased to collaborate with a highly rated firm that shares our mission to provide easy access to cost-effective, high-quality care for our globally mobile customers living and working in Hong Kong”

“We are pleased to collaborate with a highly rated firm that shares our mission to provide easy access to cost-effective, high-quality care for our globally mobile customers living and working in Hong Kong,” said Michael Elliott, general manager of Aetna International’s Asia-Pacific region.

“Working together, we can offer a range of competitive benefits plans, which along with our health advisory tools and case management, wellness and prevention programs, offer real value,” said Elliott.

Ross Matthews, president and CEO of Starr International Insurance (Asia), a member of Starr Companies, said, “Aetna has been a pioneer in its focus on helping its members live healthier lives. The strategy can lead to better health as well as help stem the rising costs of medical care. This alliance is a great fit for us as part of our mission to provide the very best cover at an affordable cost.”

In Hong Kong, Aetna offers individual and group health care benefits plans for expatriates and local nationals as well as health care management services. The company has maintained offices in Hong Kong since 2007 and employs 48 people there.

In December 2012, Aetna was honored with an Asia-EMMA award for the most innovative use of technology in global mobility by the Forum for Expatriate Management. The company offers free provider directory apps that lets its international members find nearby doctors and hospitals in Aetna’s network of more than 70,000 providers around the world. Aetna also has apps that can help its customers understand their symptoms, monitor their exercise and eating habits, and track their claims. Last month, Aetna introduced a mobile app that allows its international customers outside the U.S. file their claims from their smartphones.

About Aetna International

Aetna International is committed to helping create a stronger, healthier global community by delivering comprehensive health benefits and health management solutions worldwide. Aetna International's expatriate business is one of the industry's largest and most prominent international health benefits providers, supporting more than 500,000 members worldwide. The organization’s expatriate offerings include medical, dental, vision, life, disability and emergency assistance. Aetna International’s health management business collaborates with health care systems, government entities and plan sponsors around the world to design and build locally applied health management solutions to improve health, quality and cost outcomes. For more information, see www.aetnainternational.com.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 37.3 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services and health information technology services. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.

About Starr Companies

STARR COMPANIES (or STARR) and the STARR Logo are trademarks worldwide for the services offered by the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on five continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident & health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance.