NEW YORK: UnitedHealth Group and ICICI Lombard, India's largest private general insurance company and second-largest health insurer, are partnering to provide ICICI Lombard's policyholders traveling to the United States with access to UnitedHealthcare's programs and services.

Through this initiative, any of ICICI Lombard's 1.6 million policyholders traveling to the United States who are covered by the insurer's Overseas Travel Insurance or Student Overseas Medical Insurance will have access to UnitedHealthcare's Options preferred provider network as well as medical management and organized resources that align to their health needs, all of which help millions of people take charge of their health.

The partnership with ICICI Lombard illustrates the increasingly global nature of today's health care marketplace in which health companies are offering broader access to more innovative health care solutions for a more mobile population.

UnitedHealth Group's growing global business is helping lead this trend by offering expatriate coverage for both US and international foreign companies.

A recent independent study by SK&A Information Services, Inc., a leading provider of health care information solutions and research, found that US physician offices accept UnitedHealthcare insurance more than any other plan.

Sudhir Menon, Head, Travel Insurance, ICICI Lombard, said: "This partnership is an innovative benefit for Indians who are increasingly traveling abroad for both occupational and educational purposes.

We are committed to continuously enhancing our service and value proposition and we look forward to leveraging the assets of UnitedHealth Group to deliver the best in service and resources to our customers throughout their travels to the United States."

Ori Karev, CEO of UnitedHealth International, said: "Our new partnership with ICICI Lombard is an important step in making access to cross-border health care more seamless for consumers, a model we are exploring in multiple markets.

ICICI Lombard is an outstanding partner committed to enhancing the quality and access to health care for its members.

We believe Indians traveling overseas will have peace of mind knowing that, when they visit the US, their health care needs will be met."