Aetna International has officially launched their provider designation program, a strategic initiative designed to help members access quality care wherever they are in the world. This program underscores the company’s commitment to simplifying the healthcare experience and supporting brokers and plan sponsors in delivering value to globally mobile populations.

A global standard for quality care

The Aetna International Provider Designation Program helps members find quality care in regions throughout the world. It works by marking select hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that appear in a member’s provider search results with a “Quality Care” label. This indicates that these facilities demonstrate a high standard of care in the country where the member is seeking medical services.

Defining “Quality Care”

The designation program uses specific criteria and data to identify providers that receive the “Quality Care” designation that appears within the search results of the Aetna International member website.  The data and other criteria looks at the provider’s:  

• Reputation for treating travelers and expatriates: High utilization by Aetna International members in the previous 24 months.
• Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) or local/regional equivalents.
• Full-service capabilities: Hospital or clinic with emergency services.
• English-speaking staff trained in Western medicine.
• Cost-effectiveness: Charging reasonable and customary rates for their services.

Program availability

The Aetna International Provider Designation Program is currently available in Central America, the Caribbean, South America, South Korea and Qatar. It’s also available in the United States, within the provider search results on the Aetna member website, using a separate set of quality indicators and data points. The company has plans to expand the Aetna International Provider Designation Program into new regions later this year.  

Why this matters for international health insurance brokers and their customers

The Aetna International Provider Designation Program is a game-changer for globally mobile members, their employers and the brokers who serve them. By simplifying provider selection with clear quality indicators and supporting direct-pay arrangements that reduce out-of-pocket costs, the program makes accessing care worldwide easier and more affordable.

As Angela Dunn, President of Aetna International, explains, “This initiative is part of broad strategy to continue to deliver a best-in-market global health insurance solution. With omnichannel access to care and a growing footprint of designated providers, we’re redefining what quality care looks like for today’s mobile workforce.”