Europ Assistance USA Becomes Associate Members of the International Air Ambulance Alliance (IAAA)

BETHESDA, MD--(Marketwired - Aug 14, 2013) - Europ Assistance USA, the largest individual crisis protection provider, announced today that it is joining the International Air Ambulance Alliance. The IAAA is, an organization devoted to raising the professional standards of fixed wing air ambulance providers, while also creating business transparency for insurers, medical assistance companies and individual payers of air ambulance services.

"We are looking forward to playing a vital role in building a community of experts and participating in global industry discussion around fixed wing services," said Paige Schaffer, vice president of operations at Europ Assistance USA. "Globally we conduct 10,000 medical evacuations annually, so we place a high value on ensuring a consistent, safe and efficient experience for our customers who utilize these services and believe the ambitions and values of the IAAA align well with ours."

In addition to its membership, Europ Assistance USA will bring a high level of credentialing expertise and best practices to the IAAA. As a major buyer of fixed wing air ambulance services, Europ Assistance has developed rigorous compliance standards and proprietary technology that facilitates the sourcing of credentialed air ambulance providers worldwide.

"We are delighted that Europ Assistance USA has become a major advocate for industry change. We are also looking forward to its IAAA board membership participation, as we value independent and constructive advice from a payers' perspective to ensure that we are challenged to stay industry and patient focused, in the very fickle and diverse air ambulance industry," said Gary Andrews, president of the IAAA. "It is clear that Europ Assistance USA shares the same values as the IAAA, and we are delighted that the company's fixed-wing partners are aware of its commitment to the values of operating with business transparency and patient care improvement, globally."

About the International Air Ambulance Alliance (IAAA)
 The IAAA is the only not for profit organization dedicated to the fixed wing air ambulance industry, with the commitment of not only raising standards of care, but also working with NAAMTA for exclusive medical transport accreditation and acts as an advocate for fixed wing operators in a global niche industry.

About Europ Assistance USA
As the largest individual crisis protection provider, Europ Assistance USA takes care of customers and corporate clients when the unexpected happens, anywhere in the world, providing immediate support and assistance in times of emergency and distress. Leveraging its worldwide network of 35 always-open multilingual assistance centers and 423,000 partners in 208 countries and territories, EA USA services more than half of the Fortune 100, including insurance companies, financial institutions, corporations and government organizations, providing personalized medical travel assistance, identity theft resolution and beneficiary assistance services. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., EA USA is part of the Europ Assistance Group, which is owned by Global 500 insurance conglomerate Generali Group.