- Evacuation for emergency treatment, Pakistan
Problem
A 17-month-old girl with British parents was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Karachi, suffering from seizures and slipping in and out of consciousness. A CT scan showed a lack of blood and oxygen to the brain, while a MRI indicated meningitis. Because of the girl's serious condition, the hospital recommended a move to a facility that could offer more specialist care.
The solution
Cigna liaised with International SOS (ISOS) to determine where the girl would receive the most effective treatment. Admission to hospitals in the nearby UAE was not guaranteed, so an air ambulance to Munich or London was put forward as the best solution. Throughout the process, a Cigna case manager with nursing experience discussed all the options recommended by the treating physician with the family and after they assessed quotes for both London and Munich, the family agreed to seek treatment in London. The girl was evacuated to London, where she was successfully treated and able to follow a full rehabilitation plan. - Specialized treatment, Singapore
Problem
A British family was based in Singapore when their teenage daughter was diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening eating disorder. The girl required specialized treatment without delay.
The solution
It wasn't possible for the daughter to receive the treatment she needed in Singapore, so Cigna located an eating disorder specialist facility in the UK; however, her treatment program would require a long separation from her family. Cigna attempted to ease some of this stress and worry by assigning two Cigna case managers - one in Singapore and one in the UK - to work together. While one talked directly to the daughter on a regular basis, the other relayed the girl's progress continually and compassionately with the rest of the family. The two case managers worked together with the family until the treatment concluded and the girl was able to return to her parents in Singapore. - Infant evacuation, UAE
Problem
In Dubai, a baby was born two months prematurely with a number of associated health problems. When the baby's condition did not improve, the family sought further treatment outside of Dubai. Although Germany was the nearest center with the medical facilities they required, the specific procedure that the baby required had a low success rate in Europe.
The solution
Cigna's chief medical officer identified that Cincinnati Children's Hospital had an excellent success rate in this rare procedure and the mother agreed to travel with her baby to the United States for treatment. Cigna worked with International SOS (ISOS) to begin the process of evacuation as soon as the baby was deemed fit to fly and provided guidance and support for the family throughout their stay in America. The procedure was a success and once the baby's condition was stable, a quick repatriation was organized, allowing the family to return to Dubai to celebrate Christmas together. - Emergency medicine, Malaysia
Problem
An employee's flight to Malaysia had already taken off when he realized that he had left his insulin behind at home. He was able to call his office mid-air to let them know.
The solution
The man's employer contacted a Cigna case manager, who was able to track down a local Malaysian provider and pharmacy. Later the same day, the customer received a delivery of insulin to his hotel an the local pharmacist agreed to prescribe the same medication on an ongoing basis. - Clinical support, India
Problem
A family with a baby had relocated to India at the request of their employer. While there, the baby developed digestive problems that lasted for several weeks and caused severe dehydration. The baby was only able to tolerate one particular brand of formula, manufactured in their home country and unavailable elsewhere. The employee had to ask his colleagues traveling from the home office to bring them over a fresh supply, but the family was always preoccupied that their reserve would run out.
The solution
The employer contacted Cigna for help in finding a straightforward way of obtaining the formula. The case manager contacted the formula manufacturer and arranged for the family to receive the product directly.
How Cigna helps Employers: Case Studies
North American Article
When you're abroad and facing a medical crisis, you need swift, efficient and compassionate support. Here's how we provided health care solutions for our clients and customers in Pakistan, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and India when they needed them most.
