Sovereign Assurance calls in Best Doctors

Media release
For immediate release
Thursday 29 July 2010

Sovereign calls in Best Doctors
Introductory offer announced for new policyholders

From next week Sovereign customers will get unprecedented access to some of the best medical specialists in the world, as its partnership with the international Best Doctors network kicks off.

Sovereign is the first New Zealand insurance company to offer the service, which gives eligible policyholders[1] with serious illnesses a comprehensive expert second opinion by recognised international health experts.

The innovative network was set up more than 20 years ago by two Harvard Medical School-affiliated physicians and now operates in 30 countries, giving more than 15 million people access to advice, reassurance and recommended treatment plans from more than 50,000 peer-appointed specialists when they need it most.

Sovereign’s partnership brings New Zealand into the network, and it is marking the occasion with an exclusive introductory offer. Anybody who takes out a new TotalCareMax Living Assurance Comprehensive policy between 1 August and 30 September 2010 gets free access to the unique service for up to two years.

Sovereign’s clinical director, Dr John Mayhew, says: “Our partnership with Best Doctors means that these policyholders will get access to the three things that can help them the most if they’re diagnosed with a critical illness: lump-sum payments, expert advice and support – and answers.”

Sovereign will announce plans to make Best Doctors available to all new and existing customers in the coming months, as the offer is expanded.

Dr Mayhew says the network is an incredibly valuable resource for both patients and their doctors, allowing them to call on the very best minds in world health, when they need it most.

“We all know that healthcare services are under tremendous strain, in New Zealand and around the world. This is a proactive way to give our customers the confidence that they are getting the correct diagnosis and choosing the best treatment possible. For their doctors, it’s more than just a second opinion. It’s an unprecedented opportunity to tap into the some of the world’s best health resources, and get additional expertise and guidance from the leading players in their fields,” he says.

“We are lucky to have a high-calibre medical workforce here in New Zealand, considering the small size of the country. This is an ideal service to complement our quality care and enable New Zealanders to also have access to the level of international expertise that Best Doctors offers.”

ENDS

What is Best Doctors?

The Best Doctors network was set up in 1989 by two Harvard Medical School-affiliated physicians to connect seriously ill people with leading international medical specialists, to ensure they receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. It now operates in more than 30 countries, including Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, and gives peace of mind to more than 15 million people.

The Best Doctors network will link eligible Sovereign customers with 50,000 peer-appointed specialists - covering more than 400 speciality areas, such as oncology and cardiology - at no additional cost They can choose to have serious medical conditions completely re-evaluated from their clinical notes, and have their laboratory results reviewed and retested by top clinicians.

It is designed to give patients and their doctors and specialists reassurance and assistance, and the confidence to plan the appropriate clinical roadmap.

How Best Doctors works

A qualifying Sovereign policyholder who is diagnosed with a serious illness (e.g. degenerative, critical or chronic illness), and has concerns or questions about their diagnosis or treatment plan, can contact the Best Doctors office directly. A dedicated ‘Client Advocate’ – a medical professional – is assigned to oversee their case, take note of their medical history, and collect their medical records, test results and pathology specimens (with their consent).

This information is then evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel of international experts based in the United States, including doctors affiliated with Harvard Medical School. After a preliminary review they assign the best available expert physician in their worldwide network to the case.

The expert analyses the case in detail and compiles a full written report for the patient with an opinion about the patient’s diagnosis, condition and treatment options. The Client Advocate is available to answer any questions, and continues to support the policyholder throughout their treatment and recovery process.

With the patient’s permission, the report is also sent to the treating physician, so doctor and patient can discuss the information and use it as a clinical roadmap.

The process is secure and conducted independently of Sovereign, which does not receive a copy of the report or any other information from Best Doctors about a patient’s condition.

About Sovereign

Sovereign Assurance Company Limited (Sovereign) is New Zealand’s largest life insurer; protecting the lives of more than 600,000 people through the provision of personal insurances (such as life, income protection, disablement and trauma and major medical health policies) and employer sponsored compulsory and voluntary workplace schemes.

Sovereign’s financial strength is rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best[2] . Sovereign is part of the ASB group of companies, which is in turn part of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia group.

‘ Policyholder is defined as the life assured and his/her immediate family.

[2] AM Best Company Inc is a global organisation (and an approved rating agency in New Zealand) that undertakes public rating assignments. The current review was given as part of AM Best Company Inc’s (AM Best) award of an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating on 22 December 2009. A copy of the scale of which this rating forms part is available from Sovereign.

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