Europ Assistance USA Press Releases

EA Launches Travel Site NetGlobers

10-Jun-2009

In line with its pioneering spirit, the Europ Assistance Group is now launching NetGlobers, the first global community web portal focused on travel risks at www.netglobers.com

NetGlobers combines content generated by users and “official” information regarding a great many geographical regions around the world.

This innovative website provides concrete and interactive answers to an increasingly important issue, namely, travelers’ perceptions that are often swayed by an overexposure to certain events in the media, or on the contrary, a lack of precise information.

A community portal combining discussion forums, travel reports, and official information, NetGlobers aims to help users prepare for their stays by providing them with an overall view of the risks associated with their chosen destination.

Launched globally in English during an initial phase, NetGlobers will be made available over the coming weeks in French, Italian, Spanish and German. This initiative again illustrates the Europ Assistance Group’s commitment to providing the world’s citizens with the best possible advice on preparing safe travel.

A new source of official information updated daily

Are there any risks of an epidemic in Cambodia at present? In which regions is H1N1 A particularly widespread? Travelers will find complete and precise answers to such questions on NetGlobers, presented in the form of country cards, along with travel advice and a dedicated “medical advice” section.

This information concerning over 193 countries is made available free-of-charge to users by the Europ Assistance Group through its partner Crisis Consulting, a firm specializing in the analysis and management of mobility risks. With its advice designed to be responsive and analytical in real time, NetGlobers provides users with a warning system aimed at relaying important information through daily updates. The warnings are displayed automatically on the site and are integrated into the relevant country cards.

NetGlobers, combining official and community risk resources

NetGlobers allows travelers to consult different points of view, and to select their destination with all the facts to hand, and a global overview of the risks observed.

NetGlobers’ interactive community content is provided by forum discussions, scores given by travelers themselves based on their personal perception of the risks concerning a given destination, and detailed travel reports regarding the health, political and social risks of a country visited. These Travel Reports may include text, video and photos and are an unprecedented way of sharing personal experience alongside the reality of health risks. The Travel Reports created by the NetGlobers community can be exported to NetGlobers’ personal pages.

NetGlobers: responding to the needs associated with more remote travel

Now that far-ranging travel is available at a lower cost, travelers are venturing into increasingly remote regions on a quest for escape and new discoveries in a tourist context.

Given that the number of pandemic risks is increasing by the day, the question of health risk prevention measures has now become a major concern for travelers. Today, 47% of travelers are concerned at the time of their departure about a health problem involving themselves or family members, according to the 2009 Ipsos-Europ Assistance survey of Europeans’ holidays.

Finally, given that travelers are increasingly likely to consult the opinions of others prior to going on vacation; NetGlobers provides a unique service, without relying on the various existing institutional sites, to offer the traveler a new resource to stay safe when away from home.

2nd Chance, an opportunity to win the trip of a lifetime

Following the popularity of the “Best job in the world” contest from Tourism Queensland, for the launch of NetGlobers, the Europ Assistance Group decided to keep the dream alive for the many that missed out, by offering users a 2nd Chance, a web-based campaign aimed at promoting worldwide awareness of NetGlobers.

Entries have been open since May 14, 2009. To enter and win a round-the-world trip, candidates must log onto www.2ndchance.netglobers.com and create interactive Travel Reports including photos, video and text about health risks, which will be posted on NetGlobers. The ten Travel Reports that attract the highest number of votes from the NetGlobers community will be presented to an international panel of judges to select the winning Travel Report. Participants have the chance of winning a one-year, round-the-world trip worth a total of 20,000 Euros, followed by the option of a six-month job placement abroad in the Europ Assistance Group subsidiary of the winner’s choice.

Contact: Jessica Ashley 240-330-1040 or jashley@europassistance-usa.com

News from Baldrige National Quality Program

28-May-2009

Paige Schaffer Appointed Examiner for 2009 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

Paige Schaffer, Vice President of Operations and Chief Service Officer of Europ Assistance USA located in Bethesda, MD, has been appointed by Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Deputy Director of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the 2009 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The Award, created by public law in 1987, is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive.

As an Examiner, Schaffer is responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications submitted for the Award. The board is composed of approximately 500 leading experts selected from industry, professional and trade organizations, education and health care organizations and government.

Those selected meet the highest standards of qualification and peer recognition. All members of the board must take part in a preparation course based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and the scoring and evaluation processes for the Baldrige Award.

Awards may be given annually in each of six categories: Manufacturing, Service, Small Business, Education, Health Care, and Non-profit. Awards have been presented to 77 organizations, including the (2008) Award recipients: Cargill Corn Milling North America, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and Poudre Valley Health System.

Information about the Baldrige National Quality Program and the application process is available from the Baldrige National Quality Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Administration Bldg., Room A600, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020, telephone: 301/975-2036, fax: 301/948-3716. Information also can be found on the Baldrige National Quality Program's website at http://www.nist.gov/baldrige.

The Award Program is managed by NIST in close cooperation with the private sector. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) in Milwaukee, WI, administers the program. For further information about Paige Schaffer contact 240-330-1040. For further information about the Baldrige Award, reporters may contact Michael E. Newman, NIST Public Affairs Office, 301-975-3025, michael.newman@nist.gov.

EA Response to Swine Flu Outbreak

01-May-2009

Europ Assistance is closely monitoring the Swine Flu outbreak and is available to help customers with questions or concerns about travel in affected areas. Europ Assistance doctors are currently in Mexico visiting hospitals to assess the local situation. Europ Assistance advises customers to follow the recommendations of the US Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization.

Information from the World Health Organization:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/

Information from the United States Centers for Disease Control:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

For updates on the situation, please visit our blog at www.meandmeblog.com

EA Group Announces 2008 Results

29-Apr-2009

Claude Tendil, Chairman of the Management Board of the Europ Assistance Group and Martin Vial, CEO of the Europ Assistance Group, today presented the Europ Assistance Group's results for 2008, revealing a sharp rise in sales and operating profit.

In 2008 the Group's sales totalled 1.208 billion euros, up by 15% compared to 2007. With this excellent result, for the fourth year running the Group has enjoyed buoyant growth in its activities around the world.

This fine performance, which has resulted in the Group virtually doubling in size since 2004 (640 million euros) also demonstrates the wisdom of its strategic decision taken back in 2004 to develop new growth opportunities in the Health and Home & Family markets while at the same time continuing to push ahead in its traditional core businesses (Automotive and Travel assistance).

The Group's Travel business grew by 74.2% between 2004 and 2008, while the Automotive business expanded by 58.6%. At the same time, the Health and Home & Family activities saw respective growth levels of 185.9% and 69.5%. The percentage of the group's global revenue accounted for by the automotive business fell from 45% to 41.5% between 2007 and 2008, chiefly benefitting the Travel business, whose relative share of the Group's overall sales rose from 29% to 32%, confirming the continued realignment of the Group's activities, with Health and Home & Family now accounting for almost a quarter of the Group's sales (24%).

With current operating income of 46 million euros, up by 18% compared to 2007 (39 million euros) the Europ Assistance Group has boosted the profitability of its businesses thanks to the programs initiated over recent years concerning the productivity and re-engineering of its activities throughout the world.

Finally, in 2008 the Europ Assistance Group achieved a net profit of 14.6 million euros, (a reduction due to the falls in the financial markets during the second half of 2008).

These excellent operational results demonstrate the continued rise of the Europ Assistance Group, which hopes to enjoy another year of sustained growth in 2009 subject to the global economic climate.

Contact: Jessica Ashley - 240-330-1040 - jashley@europassistance-usa.com

Online Sales of ID Theft Protection Available

27-Apr-2009

Europ Assistance USA Debuts Site for Online Sales of Identity Theft Prevention and Resolution Product, IDBeMe

Bethesda, MD, April 17, 2009 – As millions of Americans have just finished filing their taxes using highly sensitive personal information, Europ Assistance USA has launched a website for sales of its identity theft prevention and resolution product, IDBeMe™. The website, located at www.identity-theft-ea.com, also provides information about identity theft and resolution tips for the public.

IDBeMe offers a comprehensive identity theft protection program. Services such as credit monitoring help alert customers to suspicious activity on their credit reports. If fraudulent activity is suspected, IDBeMe’s Resolution Specialists step in to completely restore a victim’s identity, relieving the victim of countless hours of phone calls and paperwork. The program also includes assistance with medical identity theft through the help of an in-house team of US trained and certified physicians and nurses.

The online sales site is powered by Europ Assistance’s Plug&Sell™ technology. Plug&Sell is a breakthrough e-commerce platform that provides businesses a variety of value added, tailor-made solutions for online retail sales. Plug&Sell has been built to be flexible and easily connectible to any B to B to C platform. http://plugandsell.europ-assistance.com

“The launch of this site not only makes it possible for the public to purchase our identity theft protection services directly, but also will allow business partners to use our e-commerce platform to sell new products to their customers,” said Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO of Europ Assistance USA. “We provide an easy way for our partners to add a valuable product to their own service offering.”

Europ Assistance USA has provided identity theft protection services since 2003. Millions of Americans have access to Europ Assistance USA’s services through insurance, banking, and employee benefits programs.

Contact:
Jessica Ashley
Europ Assistance USA
240-330-1040
jashley@europassistance-usa.com

MSC Cruises chooses the EA Group

15-Apr-2009

MSC Cruises chooses the Europ Assistance Group to design and deploy its international travel insurance program

MSC Cruises, the leader in the cruise market, and the Europ Assistance Group, a leading player in the travel insurance and assistance sector have signed a global agreement to design and deploy a personalized worldwide international travel assistance and insurance program>

This major agreement, which is being centralized and managed by the Europ Assistance Group within the same unit internationally, will enable MSC Cruises to offer its clients in 16 countries a complete range of travel insurance and assistance options perfectly adapted to differing consumption patterns and the differing attitudes to risks of its local clients while at the same time conforming to local insurance legislation. >

Developed specifically on behalf in MSC Cruises, this range of travel assistance and insurance solutions is carefully tailored thanks to the Europ Assistance Group’s highly original and innovative approach to insurance cover personalization.

A genuine innovation in the cruise market, this global agreement will enable MSC Cruises to further reinforce its position as a quality operator in the tourism market, while at the same time supporting its rapid growth by offering its clients a high-added value range of services, seen as a genuine competitive advantage for the company.

As part of a long and close business relationship with MSC Cruises in the Italian market, this agreement clearly demonstrates Europ Assistance’s dynamic approach to marketing when it comes to offering its clients high-performance products and services perfectly adapted to the requirements of its international customers and the emerging needs of consumers.

MSC Cruises is the largest entirely-European cruise company, and has the most modern fleet in the world. In 2008, it welcomed on board more than 800,000 passengers. The company has gained worldwide renown for its excellence in terms of hospitality, impeccable service and food, its cutting-edge fleet and carefully thought-out furnishings and design. >

The ships were designed with environmental protection in mind. MSC Cruises holds the leading position when it comes to environmental quality certification and is the only company to have received from the Bureau Veritas the coveted ‘Six Golden Pearls’ award, the most prestigious international recognition in terms of environment, health and safety.

_______________________________________________________________________

About Europ Assistance

Founded in 1963, as the inventor of the assistance concept, the Europ Assistance group operates on a global basis in order to bring its 300 million worldwide private and corporate clients appropriate solutions to deal with day-to-day or emergency situations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

100% controlled by the GENERALI group, the Europ Assistance group today covers 208 countries with its range of services, and has 70 companies, employing 5,500 salaried staff, in 33 countries: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Libya, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, French Polynesia, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In 2007, the Europ Assistance group carried out more than 12 million interventions throughout the world, processing 62 million calls, thanks among other things to its medical staff comprised of 400 doctors and nurses, backed up by a network of 410,000 approved partners available at all times and supervised by the Assistance Managers based in 36 call centres.

Further information at www.europ-assistance.com & http://plugandsell.europ-assistance.com/

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises currently has the most modern fleet in the world with nine ships (MSC Fantasia, the largest ship ever built for a European ship-owner, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica, MSC Melody) sailing all year round in the Mediterranean, North Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, North and South America, the Indian Ocean and South Africa. MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica will be launched in 2009 and 2010.
MSC Cruises is the only company to have received the "Six Golden Pearls' award from Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental protection.
www.msccrociere.it; www.mscpressarea.com

Press Contact
Philippe Moucherat
Group Communications Deputy Director
Europ Assistance Group
Tel : +33 (1) 58 34 23 82
pmoucherat@europ-assistance.com

Maurizio Salvi
PR Director
MSC Cruises
Tél. : + 39 081 7942262
maurizio.salvi@msccrociere.it

EA USA Launches Beneficiary Companion

18-Feb-2009

Europ Assistance USA Launches “Beneficiary Companion” Program as Service Enhancement for Insurance Policies

Bethesda, MD, February 18, 2009 – Europ Assistance USA (EA), the professional partner helping businesses strengthen customer relationships through travel, health, and personal services, today announced the launch of a new service available as an enhancement for insurance policies called Beneficiary Companion.

Beneficiary Companion provides an added service to the insurance beneficiary, taking care of a number of administrative tasks that are required when a loved one dies. This assistance includes the important process of closing the deceased’s credit and financial accounts to protect assets from identity fraud.

“The Beneficiary Companion service is another way EA is helping insurance companies provide products that are in tune with the concerns and struggles of the American family,” said Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO at Europ Assistance USA. “Assistance services are the perfect complement to the financial guarantee of insurance and help drive sales and policy retention for our insurance clients.”

EA is an established leader in providing insurance companies added value services to differentiate their products. EA provides 24/7 travel assistance and identity theft resolution to customers of many of the country’s largest insurance companies.

Contact:
Jessica Ashley
Europ Assistance USA
240-330-1040
jashley@europassistance-usa.com

EA USA and WBS Renew Partnership

16-Jan-2009

Europ Assistance USA and Worldwide Benefit Services Renew Partnership

Bethesda, MD, January 16, 2009 – Europ Assistance USA (EA), the professional partner helping businesses strengthen customer relationships through travel, health, and identity theft services, has signed an agreement with Worldwide Benefit Services (WBS) to extend their coorperation in selling assistance services in the insurance, banking, and employer marketplaces.

“EA has been working with WBS for over eight years,” said Kirk Voisin, EA vice president of business development, client services, account management and marketing “They have become much more than a trusted Managing General Agent (MGA) for our products and we enjoy a great collaborative relationship with the WBS partners.”

“Worldwide Benefit Services is extremely pleased with our ongoing relationship with Europ Assistance USA,” said Chris Ward, principal, Worldwide Benefit Services. “EA provides such top of the line customer service for clients enrolled in our ID Theft Assist brand. We look forward to highlighting EA’s other product lines in 2009 and to continued success as partners.”

“EA greatly values its relationship with WBS,” said Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO of Europ Assistance USA. “This agreement affirms our commitment to work together closely as we both grow our businesses.”

Contacts:
Jessica Ashley
Europ Assistance USA
240-330-1040
jashley@europassistance-usa.com

Chris Ward
Worldwide Benefit Services, LLC
973-316-1355
cward@worldwidebenefitservices.com

Finch Joins EA USA as National Sales Director

23-Oct-2008

Finch Joins Europ Assistance USA as National Sales Director

Bethesda, MD, October 23, 2008 – Europ Assistance USA, the professional partner for strengthening customer relationships through travel, health, and identity theft services, today announced that Suzie Finch has joined the organization as National Sales Director.

Finch will lead the business development division of Europ Assistance USA, which is charged with sales of travel, health, and identity theft assistance services to businesses looking to enhance their insurance, banking, or employee and member benefits offerings.

Finch has sixteen years of strategic sales and account management experience with American Express. Her most recent position was Vice President of the Hotel and Resort Group of American Express Merchant Services.

“Suzie will help Europ Assistance bring travel assistance benefits to new markets,” said Kirk Voisin, vice president of business development, marketing, and client services at Europ Assistance USA. “Her financial services expertise will also strengthen our ability to offer fee-based products to that industry.”

Finch has won numerous awards and commendations for sales production and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of South Alabama.

Contact:
Jessica Ashley
Europ Assistance USA
240-330-1040
jashley@europassistance-usa.com

Patrick Leroy Appointed EVP of EA Region 3

16-Sep-2008

The Europ Assistance Group’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Vial has appointed Patrick Leroy as Executive Vice-President for the Europ Assistance Group’s Region 3.

In his new role, Patrick Leroy will have responsibility for the performance of the Europ Assistance Group's businesses and subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, North America and South Africa, in addition to the group's international health insurance activities (IHS Assurances), remote medical site services and "Travel for Treatment" (IHS Services).

As Executive Vice-President for the Group's Region 3, Patrick Leroy will also serve as General Manager of Europ Assistance UK & Ireland.

As a member of the Europ Assistance Group's Executive Committee, Patrick Leroy will be reporting directly to Martin Vial. He will be taking up his new post on September 16.

Region 3 of the Europ Assistance Group is one of the Group’s four international management regions set up in 2004 with the aim of gaining leadership of the global modern assistance market. It accounts for 16% of the Group's total sales and covers 65 million of the Europ Assistance Group's estimated 300 million clients throughout the world.

The Europ Assistance Group Executive Committee now comprises:

Martin Vial, Chief Executive Officer
Odile Collignon, Deputy Managing Director – Resources Centre Director and Strategic Marketing, International Sales and Innovation Director
Andrea Mencattini, Executive Vice President – Italy, Germany, Central and Eastern Europe, CIS (Region 1), Managing Director of Europ Assistance Italy
Thierry Depois, Executive Vice President – France, Icare, Benelux, Tunisia, Libya (Region 2), Managing Director of Europ Assistance France
Patrick Leroy, Executive Vice President - United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, North America, South Africa, the International Health Solutions Division, (Region 3), Managing Director of Europ Assistance UK & Ireland
Manrico Iachia, Executive Vice President –Iberian Peninsula, Latin America, Middle East, Asia (Region 4), Managing Director of Europ Assistance Portugal
Patrick Guet, Director of Reengineering, of Operations and Information Systems
Pascale Giet, Director of Group Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility

Patrick Leroy

Since 2003, Patrick Leroy has held the post of Chief Executive Officer of the International Assistance Group, a global alliance of 25 independent assistance companies, present in 46 countries.

He began his professional career in 1980 with Fichet Bauche as a Financial Analyst before joining the Ministry of the Economy and Finance for the Ivory Coast in 1982 as Financial Analyst with responsibility for the estimation of tax receipts. In 1983, Patrick joined Price Waterhouse, initially as an Auditor (1983-1986), eventually becoming a consultant. In 1987, he joined Avis – Rent a Car as Planning Manager before moving on to become Finance Director for Europ Assistance in 1990 and CEO International Operations in 1995. In 1999, Patrick Leroy joined Accor’s Leisure and Tourism Division as Financial Director before taking on the running of the Tour Operators for the Northern Europe region. In 2000 he was appointed as General Manager for the Frantour travel agency chain. Patrick Leroy subsequently joined Nouvelles Frontières – Corsair – TUI as Vice-President of the Seat-Only Division, a post he held until 2002 when he joined the International Assistance group as Chief Executive Officer, before taking up this new position within the Europ Assistance group.

Patrick Leroy holds a Master’s degree in management from Paris IX- Dauphine University - (1980) and a Management Accountant degree (DECS) - (1985). He is also President of the Self Insurance Institute of America’s International Committee and a member of the International Federation of Health Plans where he will now be representing Europ Assistance UK & Ireland.

About the Europ Assistance Group

Founded in 1963, as the inventor of the assistance concept, the Europ Assistance Group operates on a global basis in order to bring its 300 million worldwide private and corporate clients appropriate solutions to deal with day-to-day or emergency situations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
100% controlled by the GENERALI group, the Europ Assistance group today covers 208 countries with its range of services, and includes 70 companies present in 33 countries, employing 5500 salaried staff: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Libya, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, French Polynesia, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
In 2007, the Europ Assistance Group carried out more than 12 million interventions throughout the world with 62 million calls processed, thanks among other things to its medical staff comprised of 400 doctors and nurses backed by a network of 410,000 approved partners available at all times and supervised by the Assistance Managers based in 36 call centres.

For further information please visit www.europ-assistance.com

Contact: Philippe Moucherat
Group Communications Deputy Director
Europ Assistance Group
Phone: +33 1 58 34 23 82
E-Mail: pmoucherat@europ-assistance.com

The Care Revolution is Underway!

06-Aug-2008

Europ Assistance Group CEO Martin Vial's book, The Care Revolution, is now available.

About the book:

After the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution, will the new revolution of the post-industrial era be that of personal services? Powerful social and cultural trends are driving this new global paradigm including an ageing population, increasing urbanisation, broken families and the priority today attached to health and well-being which are all factors set to bring about an explosion in the demand for personal services in both industrialised and emerging countries: the Care Revolution is underway!

The “Care Revolution” is more than just a revolution in personal services, as it also embodies qualitative changes in the demand for tailored services. It is a clear indication of a new demand from consumers to be personally taken care of in solving their problems, whether day-to-day situations or the more dramatic.

Personal services are a major economic sector, but one which is still undervalued and given insufficient regard. As Martin Vial sees it, the combination of the latest technology and tailored local access to services will make it possible to expand the range of possibilities while also generating greater economic value. At the same time, the author argues the case for a huge effort to professionalise the various participants in this industry and to ensure that their activities receive the recognition they so rightly deserve.

The Care Revolution is also a social and ethical challenge as the health and “treatment” of the elderly form the very nucleus of this revolution. “Life Management Programs” are designed to support us throughout our lives to guarantee our physical and psychological health and well-being. The challenge of dependency is also a major factor: we need to devote ever more financial and human resources to caring for an expanding dependent population, in which the use of new technologies will need to be extended to all.

To support this global revolution, many key economic players have made their contribution, although the prevailing economic model still remains to be defined. One thing is certain though: the various participants in the “insuristance” sector (a combination of traditional insurance and modern forms of personal assistance services) will certainly be at the very forefront of events.

Martin Vial is the Chief Executive Officer of the Europ Assistance Group, present throughout the world with 33 companies. As the former Chairman and CEO of Aéropostale, and the former General Manager and subsequently Chairman and CEO of the La Poste Group, Martin Vial is a graduate of the ESSEC and of the École nationale supérieure des Postes et Télécommunications. As a senior advisor at the French Court of the Exchequer, he is a knight of the National Order of the Légion d’honneur and in the National Order of Merit. He is also the author of the book La Lettre et la Toile discussing the development of the Internet in France.

The Care Revolution is available for puchase at Amazon.com

ID Theft Prevention Tips for Students

05-Aug-2008

ID Theft Lessons Learned: Back to School Advice for College Students

Bethesda, MD – August 5, 2008. As the school year begins, Europ Assistance USA, the professional ally for people in crisis or distress, is cautioning college students and their parents to take precautions to protect against identity theft.

As students arrive on campus for the fall semester, many are unaware of the danger inherent in not properly protecting personal information such as social security numbers. Educational institutions struggle to secure the unending stream of personal student data that filters through their campuses, and students need to take steps to help ensure the protection of their information and deter fraudulent activity. Moreover, with the popularity of social networking sites, students may feel safe to share seemingly innocuous personal information such as date of birth which can help identity thieves commit fraud.

“Students need to be cautious of who has access to their personal information,” said Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO at Europ Assistance USA. “The freedom of dorm living and the fun of social networking sites can foster a great sense of community, but be careful to protect personal information that can be used to steal your identity, especially your social security number.”

Europ Assistance advises the following for students to help prevent identity theft:

Do not give out personal information such as social security number, date of birth or bank account details without first verifying that the need for such information is legitimate and your information will be protected.
Be wary of signing up for credit card offers at promotional booths and kiosks on or off campus.
Review your credit reports from the three major reporting agencies yearly for accuracy by going to www.annualcreditreport.com. You are able to access your credit report from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian from this site once every year for free.
Store birth certificates and social security cards in a footlocker or other secured place – not in your wallet or an unlocked drawer of your dorm room.
Shred pre-approved credit card offers, and lock up loan receipts and copies of documents with personal information.
Keep track of financial aid documents, the amounts applied for and the aid rewarded.
Immediately report stolen or lost student identification cards to your school security department.

Europ Assistance USA can work on behalf of educational institutions or the individual to quickly identify and address concerns when students fall victim to identity theft in its many forms. Europ Assistance provides start to finish, one-on-one support for victims throughout the entire recovery process, managing all necessary logistics to fully restore the stolen identity, including reporting a fraudulent student loan to the U.S. Department of Education and Federal Trade Commission to start an investigation.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA, headquartered in the Washington, DC Metro Area, is a part of the multinational Europ Assistance Group and its network of 71 companies, 5,500 employees and more than 850,000 service providers and medical personnel offering assistance services in 208 countries and territories around the globe. For close to half a century, the group has tailored solutions for assisting people wherever they may be and helping them respond to the unexpected throughout their daily lives. Services include identity theft resolution, data breach response services, emergency medical transportation, medical referrals, case monitoring, and claims management. Twenty-four hours a day at 34 assistance centers worldwide, multilingual assistance coordinators answer more than two calls per second and handle one assistance case every two seconds. www.europassistance-usa.com

###

EA USA Opens New National Headquarters

22-Jul-2008

Europ Assistance USA Opens New National Headquarters

Bethesda, MD – July 22, 2008. Europ Assistance USA, the professional ally for people in crisis or distress, has relocated its national headquarters to Bethesda, Maryland. The new facility, located on the 10th floor of 4330 East-West Highway, comprises approximately 33,000 square feet.

Europ Assistance USA has grown rapidly during the past five years and needed a significantly larger space to accommodate the increase in personnel.

The office space is primarily open, aligning with the company’s culture of teamwork and transparency. Employees and guests will enjoy sweeping views of Maryland and DC, adding a tremendous natural aesthetic to the space.

“We planned this space to enable greater service efficiencies while creating an environment appealing to our staff and visitors,” said Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO of Europ Assistance USA. “This new office provides us with the facilities, location, and space to support us as our business grows.”

The company was previously renting approximately 12,000 square feet in Downtown Washington, DC for its operational platforms with business development and other support functions located in a nearby building.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA is a part of the multinational Europ Assistance Group and its network of 71 companies, 5,000 employees and more than 850,000 service providers and medical personnel offering assistance services in 208 countries and territories around the globe. For close to half a century, the group has tailored solutions for assisting people wherever they may be and helping them respond to the unexpected throughout their daily lives. Services include emergency medical transportation, medical referrals, case monitoring claims management, identity theft resolution and data breach response services. Twenty-four hours a day at 34 assistance centers worldwide, multilingual assistance coordinators answer more than two calls per second and handle one assistance case every two seconds. www.europassistance-usa.com

###

ID Theft Service Offered as Voluntary Benefit

23-Jun-2008

Resolution Services Combat Workplace Productivity Loss Related to ID Theft Crime
Europ Assistance USA’s Service Now Offered as a Voluntary Employee Benefit

Washington – June 23, 2008 - Europ Assistance USA, the professional ally for people in crisis or distress, announces the availability of their ID Theft Resolution Services packaged specifically for employees to select during their benefits open enrollment. In an effort to maintain employee peace of mind and when facing identity theft, the offer consists of a comprehensive bundle including credit and fraud monitoring as well as resolution services.

Instances of identity theft continue to affect millions of Americans. In 2007 alone, the crime affected 8.4 million people nationwide, costing each an average loss of $5,720 according to a Javelin Strategy & Research Survey. Experts at Europ Assistance USA estimate that affected individuals can spend a significant amount of time - up to 600 hours or 75 eight-hour workdays - recovering from identity theft crime.

Due to the fact that time spent resolving ID theft-related crimes often takes place during business hours and employees who have become victims of identity theft frequently suffer from a loss of time, energy, and focus, employers should be particularly concerned with workplace productivity. Businesses can combat productivity loss while protecting employees by offering them high quality ID theft protection services, such as those provided by Europ Assistance USA.

Europ Assistance USA’s Identity Theft Resolution program includes the following benefits:

A complete resolution program that relieves the time burden identity theft victims suffer
Full resolution services, including assistance with medical identity theft and identity fraud committed against dependent children
Immediate credit card cancellation and replacement requests
Credit Bureau notification and alert activation
Free credit reports and ongoing credit monitoring with anytime access to credit report and score
Fraud monitoring
Special response for victims while traveling
Legal advice for uncooperative creditors
Inexpensive annual payroll deduction at significantly lower pricing than retail offerings

“In an effort to provide the most complete services for our customers, Europ Assistance USA is pleased to offer such comprehensive resolution benefits to help protect employees and ease anxiety related to identity theft crimes,” said Guillaume Deybach, CEO of Europ Assistance USA “A protected employee is a productive employee.”.

The implementation and administration of the voluntary benefit package is simple. Employers can offer the benefit during open enrollment and perform an annual payroll deduction. Administration consists of a once-annual data file submission indicating enrolled employees. For more information, please visit www.ea-idt.com.

Contact: Jessica Ashley, 202-331-1609 x 4410, jashley@europassistance-usa.com

EA USA Launches Premier Level of Service

04-Jun-2008

New VIP Assist Premier Service Provides Expanded Offerings for Travel, ID Theft Resolution

Washington – June 4, 2008 - Europ Assistance USA, the professional ally for people in crisis or distress, announces the availability of VIP Assist Premier, a comprehensive assistance package including travel, health and identity theft resolution services designed to help protect a corporation’s executive level personnel.

Europ Assistance USA developed VIP Assist Premier to provide users with an extended ability to drive choices in service, giving them the opportunity to choose among high-end extensions including greater medical evacuation options. Created to serve mainly C-level executives, companies subscribing to VIP Assist Premier services will be able to personalize the offerings to meet the needs of executives, and further protect employees traveling and at home.

“As we seek to offer the greatest depth of travel, identity and security assistance, we are pleased to offer this luxury extension of our services in an effort to meet the needs for the comfort and security of our executive clients,” said Guillaume Deybach, President and CEO of Europ Assistance USA.

In addition to the wide scope of travel assistance services offered to the executive traveler including medical referrals, assistance with lost items such as prescriptions, passports or luggage, and translation assistance, Europ Assistance USA’s VIP Assist Premier includes:

Medical Evacuation: Offered at any time and to any desired location.
Extensive Air Ambulance Options: Ensure rapid access to high-quality care through a variety of air transportation methods.
Political Evacuation: Offered during times of political unrest or instability.
Destination Intelligence: Online reports provide a wealth of useful information for pre-trip planning and during travels.
Identity Theft Resolution: Comprehensive service assists victims of identity theft by helping to resolve credit and financial issues resulting from the crime.

VIP Assist Premier is one of the most comprehensive benefits packages available, providing peace of mind for high-level executives on the road and at home.

Contact: Jessica Ashley (202-331-1609, ext 4410 or jashley@europassistance-usa.com)