New Web Tools for Your CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits Members
CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB) recently released a series of translation tools that will allow members to search for language translations of pharmaceuticals and medical terms and phrases on the website, at http://www.cigna.com/expatriates.
The tools are a significant addition to our service offering, and members can access the tools from a computer with internet connection. Additionally, the tools are accessible in a mobile-friendly format which allows members to access them from any web-enabled mobile phone or PDA.
The pharmacy translation tool is annually updated and provides language translations for 340 brand name drugs in 24 countries. If, for example, a member in Australia with hypothyroidism takes Synthroid® in the United States, the Drug Translation Guide can help them determine the generic, which is levothyroxine sodium, and the brand name, Oroxine®, for the equivalent drug in Australia.
Members can select a brand name drug and the destination country. The tool will provide a listing of dosages available, the brand name of the drug in the destination country, and also the generic term for the drug.
Medical terms and phrases can be searched in any of 10 languages on a computer and 6 languages on a web-enabled phone or PDA. Members using the medical term and phrase translations will select the language of origin and the destination language and can then search the term or phrase. If a member is seeing a doctor in Germany and needs to say “I have a heart condition,” they can quickly use the Medical Phrase Translation to determine the German equivalent: “Ich habe Herzbeschwerden.”
Additionally, users who access the tools from a computer have a pharmacy information tool available to them that provides country-specific data regarding how to recognize a pharmacy, pharmacy hours, reliability of pharmacies, and whether pharmacies in a specific country typically have multi-lingual staffs.
Danielle Rizk, CIEB's Health and Wellness director observes, “The tools are a considerable enhancement to the member experience. CIEB is providing members with resources at the point of service. If a member needs assistance communicating a medication, or a medical term or phrase to a clinician who does not speak their language, they can either access translation tools via their handheld device or call CIEB free of charge.”
CIGNA Envoy Launches August 29th!
CIEB has just released a preview of the new web portal, www.CIGNAenvoy.com, which offers advanced web tools and enhanced functionality while making it easier for members, clients, brokers, and network providers to access the resources they need. To view the preview and for more information about the portal, visit http://www.cignaexpats.com/envoytour. The web portal launches on August 29th.
Member PortalAccess to coverage details and health information anywhere in the world is fundamental to successful expatriate assignments. Not only will CIEB members have access to their benefit details on CIGNAenvoy.com, but they can also print temporary ID cards, view claims history, download forms, and access health tools and services. Individuals can even search for doctors, hospitals, and specialists where they can receive local care from preferred providers.
Building upon the latest web development technology, CIGNAenvoy.com streamlines all of the most important tools CIEB members need. The array of resources available through CIGNAenvoy.com provides assistance for members during the pre-departure process and while on assignment.
Employer PortalThe employer portal on CIGNAenvoy.com allows employers to identify their covered employees and view plan details. It even offers user-friendly features to simplify the administration of international benefits. Employers can subscribe to the CIGNA Envoy Billing Management System, enabling online retrieval of premium invoices in PDF or spreadsheet format through a secure mailbox.
Keeping Your Employees In The Know: IBAN Numbers
Banks in Switzerland, and most European countries, are now using the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for Euro wire transfers. Although these numbers have been available for several years, they haven't been mandatory ' until now. Some banks are refusing to accept wire transfers that do not contain a valid IBAN, or are charging members substantial fees to process the transfers without a valid IBAN.
Communication has been sent to our members that are located in a country where the IBAN is operational. We have asked them to start including their bank's IBAN in the appropriate field on the claim form. We advised them to obtain the IBAN account number directly from their bank to ensure its accuracy. Please remind your members to do so if they have not already.
DISCLAIMER: “CIGNA” refers to any one of the underwriting companies owned directly or indirectly by CIGNA Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. CIGNA International, CIGNA International HealthCare Benefits, and CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits refer to these subsidiaries, affiliates and other contracted companies. Products and services are provided by these subsidiaries, affiliates and other contracted companies and not by CIGNA Corporation. “CIGNA” is a registered service mark.
CIEB's web-based tools, such as CIGNA EnvoySM, are available for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice. CIEB's web tools are not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician and not intended as a means for self-diagnosis. CIGNA Envoy is a service mark of CIGNA Corporation.
Any reference to other organizations or companies and/or their products or services, including their Internet sites, is not an endorsement or warranty of the services, information, or products provided by them, nor should a reference to other organizations be construed as their endorsement or warranty of CIEB's products or services. All trademarks (registered and unregistered) are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright 2008 CIGNA
The information provided herein is believed accurate as of the date of publication, and is subject to change. Products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions and are expressly excluded where prohibited by applicable law.