Headline News

Travellers are spending more than in 2023

Travellers are spending approximately 40 per cent more on travel than they did in 2023, according to Yonder Travel Insurance

Longhua Hospital opens new branch in Shanghai

The new 500-bed facility boasts multilingual staff, and offers both Western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Nine out of 10 Brits seeking out winter sun

However, four in 10 said they are more likely to forget travel insurance for winter trips than summer

European Commission reveals the 2024 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism

Dublin, Ireland and Grosseto, Italy were selected out of 40 destinations from across 21 countries

Top five digital nomad visas in the world announced

The Digital Nomad Index is a ranking system evaluating the factors important to digital nomads

New academic hospital for Cyprus

Vivant Medical Investments and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) have announced plans for a new academic hospital in Cyprus

ITIJ December 2023 Issue Out Now

Travel and health insurance underwriting best practice; changing expat demographics; how to cover pre-existing conditions; all the sessions from ITIC Global, and the ITIJ Awards 2023

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Flight-free travel to grow in 2024

Byway reveals two in five UK holidaymakers would rather take flight-free transport

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December 2023 Issue

Travel and health insurance underwriting: best practice makes perfect

Contending with the challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic, in tandem with ever-changing consumer needs, travel and health insurance underwriters must draw on all their skills to maintain profitability while…

Collage about the modern expat, travel and insurance

Defining, understanding, and insuring the modern expat

Megan Gaen discovers the characteristics of 2023 expatriates, and what insurers are doing to provide them with policies that meet their needs

Collage of insurance and pre existing health conditions whilst travelling abroad

Providing insurance for pre-existing conditions

Jane Collingwood examines complex medical cover and speaks to risk rating experts about the dos and don’ts for providers

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EURAMI Update – December 2023

The latest from the European Aero Medical Institute (EURAMI)

The Power of Parametric - December 2023

Carl Carter, Chief Commercial Officer of multi-award-winning Blink Parametric, shares insights on the relevancy of real-time flight disruption solutions ahead of the winter travel period

Interview: Maria Angela Varde, Assistant General Manager, BrightCare Assist

A bright future: Maria Angela Varde, Assistant General Manager for BrightCare Assist, talks to Michelle Royle about her role in the company, challenging times, and what’s next

Interview: Sarah Melia, General Manager at Bupa Health Services

Healthcare in the digital age: Sarah Melia talks to Megan Gaen about the company and how Covid-19 and technology changed its healthcare services in the UK

Interview: Andreas Friedrich, Chief Operating Officer of AXA Partners Spain

Customer centricity and embracing AI: ITIJ speaks with Andreas Friedrich about artificial intelligence, teleworking, and the importance of mental health provisions

Natalya Butakova from AP Companies working from her laptop

Industry Voice: The changing face of assistance for expatriate clients

As global expat communities diversify along with their typical destinations, assistance companies are adapting their offers to suit, says Natalya Butakova, CEO of AP Companies Global Solutions

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Industry Voice: Will pressure on UK businesses see an uptake in EAP offerings?

Sickness absences put extra strain on businesses at a time when many people are struggling to access healthcare services. Tim Heard, Business Psychologist and mental health expert at healthcare rm…

Industry Voice: The three risk factors in corporate travel plans

When preparing a travel risk management programme, businesses should consider the risk implications of the traveller and the activity as well as the destination, explains Kate Fitzpatrick , Regional Security…

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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…

Graphic for an Interview with Dr Dipti Patel

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…

air ambulance plane and truck at airport

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

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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…

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

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…

Longhua Hospital opens new branch in Shanghai

The new 500-bed facility boasts multilingual staff, and offers both Western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

New academic hospital for Cyprus

Vivant Medical Investments and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) have announced plans for a new academic hospital in Cyprus

healthcare innovation GettyImages-1369661892

Mayo Clinic to redesign Rochester campus

It will be introducing facilities with new care concepts and digital technologies

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