Business Editors/Health and Medical Writers
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2001
Plans Provide Much-Needed, Affordable Coverage
for Individuals and Families During Times of Transition
eHealthInsurance, the leading source for health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses has partnered with Fortis Health, a division of Fortis Insurance Company, to offer short-term health insurance plans for individuals and families in 43 states.
Through www.eHealthInsurance.com, consumers can research, compare and purchase plans that will cover themselves or their families, for a one- to six-month time period.
Short-term plans are advantageous for individuals transitioning between family or employer plans because the approval process is fast and the length of coverage is flexible. Potential customers include recent college graduates or individuals no longer covered under a family plan, as well as individuals who recently left a job or are taking time off between jobs.
The approval process for short-term plans through eHealthInsurance is completely automated and features online applications, electronic signature and credit card payment processing. Leveraging this technology, eHealthInsurance can help consumers gain approvals for short-term coverage within 24 hours of application approval. Cost varies by individual and will be dependant on coverage type, medical history and geographical location.
"eHealthInsurance's expansion into the short-term market is a natural and exciting continuation of our mission to get health insurance in the hands of individuals who have not been able to easily access these products in other ways," said Gary Lauer, President and CEO of eHealthInsurance. "Many people believe the myth that health insurance is not affordable or accessible, but if they come to eHealthInsurance they will see that we have the broad selection that will enable them to find a health insurance plan that will meet all their needs, whether for a short period of time, or as their primary coverage for the long term."
About Fortis Health
Fortis Health is the leading developer and provider of Individual Medical, Small Employer, Short Term and Student Health Insurance products, issued and underwritten by Fortis Insurance Company, John Alden Life Insurance Company and Fortis Benefits Insurance Company. In business since 1892, the company provides health insurance coverage for over one million people nationwide. Fortis Health is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., and has operations offices in Minnesota, Idaho, Texas, Florida and Ohio.
Fortis Health is part of Fortis, Inc., a financial services company that, through its operating companies and affiliates, has built leadership positions in a number of specialty insurance market segments in the U.S. The company has approximately $25 billion in assets under management and is a part of Fortis, an international financial services provider active in the fields of insurance, banking and investment. Fortis' listed companies are Fortis (B) of Belgium and Fortis (NL) of the Netherlands.
About eHealthInsurance
Founded in 1997, eHealthInsurance (www.eHealthInsurance.com) markets individual, family and small business health insurance and was responsible for the nation's first Internet-based sale of a health insurance policy. The company has become the leading destination for purchasing health insurance online. It offers the broadcast selection of plans from the leading health insurance companies nationwide at the best available prices, and delivers unparalleled customer service through qualified customer service professionals.
eHealthInsurance is funded by The Sprout Group (Credit Suisse First Boston), Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Goldman Sachs, Lightspeed Venture Partners (formerly Weiss, Peck & Greer Venture Partners), QuestMark Partners and Dell Computer. The management team and board include former or current executives of Aetna, Arthur Andersen, Foundation Health, Healtheon, Hewlett Packard, IBM, MetLife, PacifiCare, Silicon Graphics, United Healthcare, Viewpoint Corporation (formerly MetaCreations) and other leading healthcare and technology companies.
eHealthInsurance.com is a registered trademark of eHealthInsurance Services, Inc.
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COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group
