World Access 2805 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA Phone: 800.284.8300 Websites: worldaccess.com, accessamerica.com, snapconcierge.com Number of employees: 625+ Executive: Jon Ansell, President & CEO Products/Services: Specialty insurance & assistance, including concierge, identity theft protection, international claims management, travel insurance and assistance. Clients: Credit card companies, employers, event ticket firms, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, insurance providers, travellers and travel companies Data: Manages +13 million calls, 700,000 claims and 20,000 medical transports a year Reach: As a member of Mondial Assistance Group, the world's largest travel insurance and assistance provider, World Access is one of 37 operations in 28 countries. World Access is part of the Allianz family of companies.

World Access takes care of people, their loved ones, their health and their belongings by providing specialty insurance and assistance to millions each year.

The company offers insurance plans to protect travel and entertainment investments that are cancelled, interrupted or delayed. Their assistance programs range from luxury to essential services, including concierge, travel assistance and emergency medical evacuation.

World Access clients include travel companies, healthcare programs, employers, banks, credit cards, event ticket firms and more.

"With heightened global security and climate concerns, Americans need more customized care," said World Access President & CEO Jon Ansell. "Our retail brand, Access America, has travel insurance plans that cover natural disasters, terrorism, business travel and more."

Founded in the mid-80's to help American travelers with healthcare while overseas, the company has grown significantly in recent years. For example, World Access' concierge service is now a great benefit for companies that want to be an employer of choice, decrease employee stress and increase productivity.

"People need help now more than ever… and we know how to deliver it," Ansell said.

In 2004 and 2005, several hurricanes took lives, destroyed homes and wiped out vacations. World Access paid more than $2 million in claims to affected customers. And when the tsunami hit Southeast Asia, they flew in 14 doctors and nurses from regional operations and helped people relay messages back home and change travel plans.

"Our business is based on trust. We are guided by our core values to be caring, connected, proactive and professional," Ansell noted.

The World Access staff shares the company's core values. Earlier this year, employees heard about Richmond resident Robbie Vance, who was on vacation with his wife when his pancreas suddenly failed. Hospitalized in Texas and short of money, he needed $19,000 for a medical evacuation. World Access donated services and funds, securing a bed-to-bed transfer to VCU Medical Center.

"Our job is to take care of people," said Ansell. "How do we do it? We hire, reward and retain customer-focused employees who want to provide the highest level of service."