Employee FAQ

World Class Health is an employer-provided benefit that gives you and your adult dependents access to top-tier surgical care through a global and U.S. Center of Excellence (COE) network. The program connects you with leading hospitals and physicians for major procedures such as orthopedic, spine, cardiac, bariatric, gynecologic, and gastrointestinal surgeries. World Class Health coordinates every step of the process—from care navigation to travel logistics—so you can focus on your health and recovery. The specific procedures covered may vary based on your employer and other eligibility factors.

Centers of Excellence are hospitals or programs recognized for delivering consistently high-quality care for specific procedures or conditions. They emphasize evidence-based medicine, specialized expertise, strong clinical outcomes, and a high-quality patient experience.

No. There is no cost to enroll or to speak with a World Class Health Nurse Navigator.

Eligibility depends on your employer’s benefit design. In most cases, eligible employees and their adult dependents who are enrolled in an employer-sponsored health plan can use World Class Health. Your Nurse Navigator will confirm your eligibility details.

No. Participation is completely optional. World Class Health is an additional benefit and does not replace your existing health insurance.

You can contact World Class Health through your employer’s benefits portal or designated contact information. A Nurse Navigator will explain the program, confirm eligibility, and answer questions before you decide whether to proceed.

Covered procedures vary by employer but typically include major surgeries such as:

• Orthopedic: knee replacement, hip replacement, shoulder replacement, ACL/PCL repair, rotator cuff repair
• Spine: spinal fusion, laminectomy, laminotomy, microdiscectomy
• Cardiac: coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve repair or replacement
• Bariatric: gastric bypass, gastric sleeve
• Gynecologic: hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy
• Gastrointestinal: hernia repair, gallbladder removal

Your Nurse Navigator can confirm whether your specific procedure or condition qualifies.

Yes. World Class Health can coordinate virtual or in-person second opinions with specialists in its network.

You may choose to receive care elsewhere, but World Class Health coverage, pricing arrangements, and travel support apply only to participating providers within the network.

Yes. You may explore World Class Health options at any time. A Nurse Navigator can help compare providers, costs, and timelines before you decide.

Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your employer’s health plan design. For many employers, co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles may be reduced or waived when you receive care through World Class Health. In other cases, standard cost-sharing applies just as it would for care received elsewhere. Your specific obligations are determined by your employer’s benefit design, so you should refer to your open enrollment materials or contact your HR or benefits team for details.

If you are enrolled in a Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible high-deductible health plan, IRS rules generally require that the deductible be met before non-preventive benefits can be covered. In these cases, deductible waivers may be limited or not permitted. Your Nurse Navigator can help explain how your plan applies.

Some employers choose to offer a care allowance as part of their World Class Health benefit.

If your employer offers a care allowance, it is a taxable cash payment paid through your employer after your procedure is completed. The amount varies by employer and is intended to help offset eligible out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, co-pays, or other costs related to your care.

Your Nurse Navigator will confirm whether a care allowance is offered and explain how it works before you proceed.

Yes. World Class Health provides price transparency and will share pricing details and available options before scheduling.

Procedures completed through World Class Health are processed through your existing health insurance. Whether and how costs apply to your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum depends on your employer’s benefit design. Refer to your open enrollment materials or contact your HR or benefits team for details.

In some cases, international Centers of Excellence offer specialized expertise, shorter wait times, and high-quality care at lower overall cost. Many are internationally accredited and recognized for strong clinical outcomes.

All World Class Health partners undergo rigorous evaluation. Hospitals meet international accreditation standards, and physicians are highly experienced specialists recognized for their expertise.

World Class Health coordinates travel logistics such as flights, lodging, ground transportation, scheduling, and local support. Travel benefits vary by employer.

A valid passport is required for most international destinations. World Class Health will guide you through any visa requirements if applicable.

Yes. You will be presented with multiple provider and destination options and can choose what feels right for you.

In many cases, yes. Companion travel coverage depends on your employer’s benefit design. Your Nurse Navigator can confirm what is included.

Your Nurse Navigator serves as your primary point of contact. They coordinate clinical care, scheduling, travel logistics, and communication with providers, and ensure you understand each step of the process.

No. World Class Health partners include English-speaking providers or professional medical translation services.

Yes. With your permission, World Class Health ensures that relevant medical records are securely shared with your U.S. care team.

Post-operative care and rehabilitation depend on your employer’s health plan. Your Nurse Navigator will outline what is covered and help coordinate next steps.

Yes. World Class Health follows strict privacy and data-protection standards. Your information is shared only with your consent and only with providers involved in your care.

No. Employers receive only de-identified or administrative information necessary to administer the benefit. Your personal medical details remain private.