As of 1 January 2008 a new provider will handle claims cases on behalf of the public travel health insurance scheme in Denmark, also known as "The Yellow Health Card" will handle claims cases. SOS was awarded the assignment in competition with three other companies participating in the last part of the Danish Regions’ EU round of tendering. The task will, among other things, include reimbursement of invoices and expenses as well as the handling of emergency cases for travelers who are injured in areas of Europe covered by the National Health Service.
Jan Sander, SOS International's executive vice president, is pleased with the Danish Regions' choice of SOS and is looking forward to the cooperation.
- "We approach the task with great humility. It is the first time since the mid-eighties that the scheme is to be handled by another provider. We must guarantee that the scheme will work optimally when Danes need help abroad", says Jan Sander.
- "At the same time we are confident that we are able to rise to the challenge to the full satisfaction of the regions and the travelers. We already have all the necessary functions, routines and contacts. Our organization is well geared to handle the new challenge", he emphasizes.
According to Jan Sander, the tender process was good and carried out very professionally. He believes this bodes well for the future cooperation. Jan Sander sees good opportunities in adding new quality to the scheme based on some of the services SOS also has in its product portfolio.
SOS International already administers "The Red Card" covering Danish motorists in Europe under their comprehensive motor insurance. At the same time SOS is the largest provider of assistance services to Danish and Nordic travelers covered by travel insurance abroad – for instance when it comes to the increasingly widespread annual travel insurance.
- "It gives some advantages that we administer several schemes. When opening a new case we immediately have an overview of coverage under several insurance schemes and can therefore render fast and efficient assistance", says Jan Sander.
As an example he mentions a Danish motorist who is has an accident abroad involving personal injury as well as damage to the vehicle. In this case the policyholder only has to call one number. Besides, Jan Sander points out that it will facilitate the procedure for repatriation; as of 1 January 2008 repatriation is no longer included in the scheme after the highly publicized changes of "The Yellow Health Card".