MetLife Announces Enhancement of Travel Assistance Program with AXA’s International Teleconsultation Service

Insurance Weekly News

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Weekly News -- MetLife announced that AXA will enhance its travel assistance program by providing international teleconsultation through AXA Partners,1 becoming the first global life insurer to offer AXA's international teleconsultation service to U.S. employees going overseas. The new service will enable employees traveling outside the U.S. and Canada to have face-to-face virtual medical consultations with U.S. providers anytime from anywhere in the world.

"Consumers today expect immediate information when they have a problem or a need - and this is especially true when it comes to their health," said Jessica Moser, Vice President of Small Business Solutions at MetLife. "Employers that recognize the demand for instantaneous care will not only keep their overseas employees happy and productive, but it will go a long way in terms of attracting and retaining top talent as well. We're pleased to partner with AXA to make this service available to U.S. employees."

With over 35 million trips by U.S. citizens overseas annually according to the National Travel and Tourism Office, there's high demand for a U.S. healthcare experience when traveling globally. The addition of AXA's international teleconsultation will address this need by providing access to a 24/7 medical team made up of U.S. trained, licensed physicians and advanced practitioners who can provide medical advice, treatment options, assistance with prescription refills and provider referrals.

"Given the complexities of healthcare systems around the world, employees are looking for providers that are familiar to them, especially when they have an immediate need," said Dr. Cai Glushak, International Medical Director at AXA Partners. "If employees face an emergency or simply need a quick prescription refill, they don't want to go through the ropes of navigating the local healthcare system or finding an in-language physician. They want a service that allows them to have accessible care in real-time."

AXA's secure virtual platform allows employees to use text, audio or video communication with the physician while living or traveling outside the US or Canada. It offers members a registration system, virtual waiting room, storage of medical history and discharge instructions as well as access to prescriptions globally or a direct referral to AXA's provider network. The international teleconsultation service is included within existing travel assistance services, so there is no additional fee to the employee or that person's employer. About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. About AXA Partners Within the AXA Group Innovation Unit, AXA Partners is AXA's global team, dedicated to co-build with Partners tailored innovative solutions combining insurance, assistance and high value services across sectors: Automotive, Mobility & Travel, Protection & Health, Home & Utilities, Telecommunications, Retail, Bancassurance and Global Assistance. Its 10,000 employees are located in 40 countries. About AXA Assistance USA AXA Assistance USA headquartered in Chicago, Illinois provides travel, medical and lifestyle assistance to its customers, both individuals and businesses while they are traveling. AXA Assistance provides the most extensive worldwide network and the most comprehensive service capabilities in the business whether it's reducing the friction of everyday life, handling extraordinary situations or saving lives. For more information on AXA Assistance USA, please visit http://www.axa-assistance.us. Teleconsultation services are provided by HAA Preferred Partners, LLC, an AXA Assistance Company.

_______________1 MetLife facilitates access to AXA Travel Assistance and International Teleconsultation Services for U.S. employers who purchase group life insurance from MetLife. To obtain these services, the employer must enter into a separate agreement with AXA. These services are distinct from the insurance provided by MetLife. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180221005785/en/

Keywords for this news article include: Business, MetLife Inc.