Headline News

Cover-More launches travel app in New Zealand

The app provides travellers with a range of services, such as GPS tracking, travel alerts and assistance access

Seedly launches travel insurance product

The product is exclusively available to residents of Singapore, and is underwritten by HL Assurance

Three-quarters of 18–24-year-olds planning overseas travel in 2024

They have been dubbed ‘Generation T’ by ABTA due to their love of travel

UK’s first human case of swine flu strain detected

The UKHSA has formally notified the WHO about this discovery

Thousands of Brits heading abroad for medical tourism

However, regulations are being discussed after more than 25 British nationals have died in Turkey

Most companies aren’t protecting their travelling employees from cybercrime

US and Canadian business travellers are at an increased risk due to lack of protection provided by their employer

France implements law to limit disruptions during strikes by air traffic control

Flight services throughout Europe should also be improved by the new legislation

China to trial visa-free travel for six countries

French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish and Malaysian citizens will be allowed to enter without a visa

more headlines

November 2023 Issue

Collage of young travellers and technology

Welcome to the new and dynamic era of travel insurance

Innovative travel insurance offerings are keeping pace with the evolving demands of a new generation of travellers. These digitally savvy consumers prioritise convenience, flexibility and control. Insurtechs know that there…

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Navigating the world of cultural differences in healthcare

How do assistance companies navigate healthcare systems in a culturally diverse world while respecting the local norms of patients and medical providers? Megan Gaen finds out

Understanding international healthcare services in China

For travellers and expats, China’s healthcare system can seem fragmented and complex, especially for those who don’t speak the language. Alex Wright guides us through the system and how best…

Industry standards in medical assistance

We reached out to industry experts to assess whether there should be an international medical assistance standard. They share their thoughts with Mario Pierobon on standardization within the industry

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The case for legal assistance benefits and why students are vulnerable

In the second part of their legal assistance benefit examination, Richard D Atkins, General Counsel, International Recoveries, and Laurence M Levin, Managing Partner, International Recoveries, tell ITIJ about the issues…

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Interview: Dr Dipti Patel, Director, National Travel Health Network and Centre

Dr Dipti Patel, Director of the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre, spoke to Michelle Royle about dealing with advice on emerging infections and what travellers should do to…

Industry Voice: How parametric opens the door to a new age of insurance offerings

Daniel Green , Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Faye, speaks to Michelle Royle about the power of parametric solutions, and the hassle-free benefits they give customers

Industry Voice: Managing AI responsibly in insurance

Artificial intelligence has game-changing potential for insurers, but those adopting it require a cohesive strategy in order to get the most out of it, argues Selim Cavanagh, Director of Insurance…

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The lifeline of air ambulance operations

Henrik Abitz, Head of Mission Control at Air Rescue Group, talks to us about the critical role of mission controllers

Interview: Lynne Fung, Executive Director of Business Development, Matilda International Hospital

Lynne Fung, Executive Director of Business Development at Matilda International Hospital, tells ITIJ about their recent world-first accomplishment, and why it’s so important to their organisation

Assistance in Senegal

Ibrahima SAMB, Managing Director of Dakar Assistance, outlines the company’s specialisms, and tells us about plans for the future

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A rescue at sea and a risky operation

Public-private cooperation and the processing of sensitive data were key to the success of a high-risk intervention by Iris Global

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It's a Nordic thing

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted travel in countries around the world, and the Nordics – consisting of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – are no exception. How have travel…

Insurance for international students in the US: do policies make the grade?

Students heading to the US for long periods of study need the right insurance in order to be able to use America’s notoriously expensive health system while they’re there. Cathy…

IPMI for remote workers in the oil and gas sector

Fiona Keating examines the insurance risks and solutions for remote workers based in extreme locations

Read Issue

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The case for a legal assistance benefit

In the first of a two-part series, Richard D Atkins, General Counsel, International Recoveries, and Laurence M Levin, Managing Partner, International Recoveries, tell us about foreign criminal justice systems, and…

EURAMI Update – October 2023

The 1st EURAMI Conference is almost here! Find out more about our exciting agenda and outstanding speakers.

Customer Success matters at Blink Parametric

Simon McDonald, Head of Customer Success at Blink Parametric, shares insights on how the principles of customer success are embedded across all levels of engagement between the travel Insurtech and…

Interview: Dr Joseph Lelo, Medical Director at AMREF Flying Doctors

In the first of a three-part series, Dr Joseph Lelo, Medical Director at AMREF Flying Doctors, tells ITIJ about additions to their fleet, their advantageous location, and a successful mission

Interview: Carlos Fernandez, CEO at Big Tree Services

ITIJ spoke to Carlos Fernandez, CEO at Big Tree Services, about changes in the industry and plans for the future

Interview: Ricardo Madrid Janeiro - MAWDY and the Mexican market

Ricardo Madrid Janeiro, General Manager at MAWDY Mexico, speaks with Michelle Royle about insurance trends in Latin America, the company vision, and new tech solutions

Interview: Chris Rolland – Clear thinking

Chris Rolland, AllClear Travel Insurance Group Chief Executive Officer, talks to Michelle Royle about his career, new technology in the sector, and what’s next for the business

Interview: Dr Odemis Enriquez, Medical Director at Trawick International

Bringing IPMI to LatAm: Dr Odemis Enriquez discusses with Megan Gaen her new role as Medical Director at Trawick International and what opportunities the medical insurance market in Latin America…

Assistance on the Antarctic ice

Antarctica’s hostile environment makes medical assistance extremely challenging. Preparation and training are key, discovers Lauren Haigh

Factors driving cost increases in medical assistance

The pandemic ramped up the cost of assistance – but there are a range of other factors that have caused prices to continue to rise. Cathy Hudson looks into what…

Using ground-based medical transportation

Oliver Cuenca speaks to industry experts about the viability and key considerations of transporting patients by ground ambulance

Treatment and evacuation options in the Caribbean

Fiona Keating explores the considerations and challenges of assisting patients who find themselves needing medical care while visiting the tropical archipelago

Interview: Lorraine Audrey Paul, Co-Founder and CEO of Across Asia Assist

Assistance across Asia and throughout the world: Oliver Cuenca spoke to Lorraine Audrey Paul about how her company has grown, and how it distinguishes itself from its rivals

Interview: Marek Cichewicz – Funeral repatriation from Poland and across Europe

Oliver Cuenca spoke to Marek Cichewicz, President of FIAT-IFTA, the World Organization of Funeral Operatives, and CEO of Bongo International Funeral Services, about his company and work

Interview: Francois-Xavier Duchateau – Commitment to customers

We speak with Francois-Xavier Duchateau, Group Chief Medical Officer, Allianz Partners, about industry challenges, mental health policies, and harnessing new technology

Industry Voice: Improving assistance for Spanish travellers

Irene García Saez, Deputy Chief Business Officer and Chief Data Officer at MAWDY, and Carlos Reolid García-Romeu, Deputy Technical Director at MAPFRE, talk about how technology is helping them better…

Insurtech collage technology and integration

What do insurtechs want from their insurance partners?

In the second of our two-part series, Lauren Haigh spoke with insurtechs to find out what they need from insurers to ensure the smooth integration of services

Battling sophisticated medical fraudsters

Can insurers tackle smart, tech-savvy criminal gangs who are increasingly involved in medical fraud? Alex Wright investigates

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Complying with multiple patient privacy laws

Assistance and aeromedical providers must comply with strict data privacy laws when transferring patients across borders. Cathy Hudson investigates

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Communication: the key to cost containment

Whether between payers and providers or patients and physicians, establishing – and maintaining – a relationship is paramount when it comes to ensuring the right care and costs. Megan Gaen…

Interview: Dr Ilya Rapoport, – Fighting fraudulent medical claims from providers

Dr Ilya Rapoport, Medical Director at AP Companies Global Solutions, discusses how stringent processes, in-depth knowledge, and advanced technology can help to deter and detect fraud

Sir Zahal Levy healthcare magnifying glass

Interview: Sir Zahal Levy – To Europe and beyond

President and Founder of MediHelp International Sir Zahal Levy spoke to Megan Gaen about bringing private medical insurance to Central and Eastern Europe and the industry-wide issues that still need…

Interview: Claire Hargreaves – A globalised approach to insurance provision

Claire Hargreaves, Managing Director, UK, EU and CIS at Global Benefits Group, spoke to Michelle Royle about the global health insurance marketplace, and creating a company culture that reflects these…

ITIC Americas: Attracting and retaining staff in insurance and assistance

Lauren Gumport and Daniel Durazo discuss the current best practices on attracting talent, retaining staff and employee wellbeing

ITIC Americas: Hospital billing best and worst practice

On the second day of our ITIC Americas conference, Serge Avice du Buisson, Victor E. Navarro and Diane Lynn discussed in-depth the process of hospital billing – both good and…

ITIC Americas 2023 Disaster Preparedness Panel

ITIC Americas: Disaster preparedness

In the second of our ITIC Americas sessions, Jose Marchand, Yanni Jota and Edmund Santiago discuss what have we learned from the pandemic

ITIC Americas: Cruise assistance

In the first of our ITIC Americas sessions, Federico Tarling, Thomas Lescot and Sergio Abril discussed the availability and quality of care in popular cruise destinations

Jet patient transport

As a platform for air ambulances, fixed-wing jets provide a solution for transporting patients long distances very quickly. Jon Adams summarises and compares four of these aircraft

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The price is right for taking flight

Geopolitical events and public health crises can inflate air ambulance costs, but there are ways that assistance companies can ensure value for money. Assistance and air ambulance professionals share with…

Moving medicines

International prescribing represents a potential legal minefield of risks for insurers, assistance companies and medical escorts. So, what can be done to make it as safe as possible for patients…

Go to Review

CASE STUDY: Out of the ordinary

After decades of experience in aeromedical transports, one might think they have seen it all – however, sometimes there is a case so extraordinary that even the most experienced flight…

Airlec Air Ambulance life support machine

CASE STUDY: Mission impossible

In situations, where patients are in need of help in foreign countries, and where other fellow air ambulance competitors denied their help, Airlec once again proved their competence in organising…

Swiss Air-Rescue Rega contagious patients

CASE STUDY: Transporting highly contagious patients

Missions to transport contagious patients are demanding, and part of the everyday work of the crews of Swiss Air-Rescue (Rega). Thanks to Rega’s strong innovative drive, repatriating patients on board…

CASE STUDY: Crossing three continents on land, sea and air

When a 42-year-old crew member on a cargo vessel developed chest pain while on duty in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea near North Africa, the crew of Redstar Aviation…

AXA Hong Kong teams up with UMP

AXA Hong Kong has partnered with UMP Healthcare to offer ‘enhanced cross-border medical and healthcare services’ in mainland China

Cleveland Clinic London opens new outpatient centre

The Cleveland Clinic London has partnered with the Moorfields Private Eye Hospital to open a new outpatient centre for eye-centric cases

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UK workers want private healthcare amid NHS crisis

Private dental insurance is the most requested after decline in access to NHS dentists

Vietnamese expat hospital opens in Laos

The hospital has a focus on cardiology and endocrinology, and will primarily serve the country’s Vietnamese expat community