Aetna Global Benefits(R) Announces Expansion of Expatriate Business to Europe

Aetna (NYSE:AET) announced today that its international health and group business, Aetna Global Benefits (AGB), will expand its current operations outside the United States in order to serve the European-based expatriate market, which represents an opportunity that more than doubles the size of the US expatriate market the insurer currently serves. Debra Williams has been named managing director of Europe and will be responsible for the expansion in European markets. "We have built a global infrastructure of multicultural and multilingual products and services that can be accessed from anywhere around the world," said Martha Temple, vice president and head of Aetna Global Benefits. "By expanding our distribution, as well as further customizing our products and services for new markets, AGB is demonstrating its commitment to providing expatriate benefits to an even broader customer base.” As part of its Global expansion strategy, the company’s Castleisland, Ireland service center that opened on May 2, 1998 will significantly grow its staff of AGB international service professionals assisting with member services. The service center is currently the largest employer in Castleisland. AGB insures 200,000 members worldwide and provides international benefits solutions to multinational corporations, nonprofit organizations, international schools, diplomatic and government entities and small and medium sized enterprises. "AGB specializes in meeting the needs of expatriates, regardless of their home country,” said Williams. "This is a natural extension of the current business and we’re prepared and excited to move into these new markets with innovative products and expanded services.” About Aetna Global Benefits Aetna Global Benefits (AGB) is the international health and group business of Aetna Inc. Established in 1978, AGB provides members with a single point of contact 24/7 to ensure consistency in care; to supervise medical evacuations and other emergency assistance; and to provide second opinions for complex cases, medical case management and also pre-assignment planning that could include anything from locating a disease management specialist to assisting with the procurement of medical devices or prescription medication. AGB processes and pays claims in virtually any language, using check, wire, or direct deposit in over 100 currencies. About Aetna Aetna is one of the nation's leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 35.9 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans and government-sponsored plans. www.aetna.com