IAG strengthens APAC network as regional travel surges

Louise Heywood, General Manager of the International Assistance Group (IAG), said their network partners and providers are experiencing clear shifts as travel continues to rise across the region: “We’re seeing more movement, more complexity and more variation between markets. Travellers are returning, but they’re travelling differently and that’s changing the types of cases our partners are managing.”

In Malaysia, Across Asia Assist CEO Lorraine Paul said adventure-related incidents are rising: “We’re seeing more hikers, divers and eco-tourists, and with that comes more trauma cases in rural or island locations where access to care can be challenging.”

In Hong Kong, younger, independent travellers from mainland China now dominate inbound flows. “Travellers from mainland China still occupymore than 75% of the Hong Kong travel market, and 90% of them are travelling independently, the majority being younger travellers aged 20–35,” said Rachel Zhao, Head of MediLink-Global Assist. Outpatient cases remain the most common, with many travellers opting for cheaper care across the border in Shenzhen.

In Japan, the surge in inbound visitors is creating pressure on medical capacity. The country welcomed a record-breaking one million Australian visitors in 2025. “Medical facilities in Japan are not being able to catch up with the big increase in the number of inbound visitors who are seeking medical attention,” said Chikashi Takagi of MS&AD Grand Assistance.

He said patients often need to ‘self-triage’ due to the absence of a GP system, and that insurers are frequently surprised by Japan’s longer inpatient stays, driven by local fit-todischarge practices.

HealthMetrics Group VP Max Thum said remoteness can be a challenge in Indonesia. "Travellers often cannot tell their insurer precisely where they are, so we frequently need to identify the actual island in Indonesia ourselves before assistance can be coordinated.”

In South Korea, Flying Doctors Korea reports a growing shortage of specialist medical staff and a rise in younger FIT (‘free independent traveller’) travellers and digital nomads exploring remote areas.

Building on partnerships

IAG continues to expand its capabilities and partner network across APAC, building on long-term partnerships with World Travel Protection (Australia and New Zealand), HealLink Lima Rescue (China), HealthMetrics (Indonesia), Across Asia Assist (Malaysia), Flying Doctors Korea (South Korea), iXchange (Singapore) and CareJet (Philippines).

Over the past year, IAG has further strengthened its footprint by appointing new partners in Hong Kong and Vietnam, adding Union International Assistance (UIA) to its network in 2025, and expanding APRIL Assistance’s responsibilities across Vietnam. In India, the addition of AMA enhances support across one of the world’s fastest‑growing travel markets.

Louise said this expansion reflects the increasing complexity of travel patterns throughout APAC, not only for international visitors entering the region but also for the growing number of travellers moving between countries.

“Reliable local support has become essential as travellers venture further afield and seek increasingly adventurous and remote experiences,” she said. “Remote islands, motorbike accidents and differing clinical practices, particularly in Japan’s ski regions, continue to challenge assistance teams. This is where strong, trusted partnerships make all the difference.”

IAG continues to invest in partner capability through its forums, e‑learning modules and EduTour program. The Thailand EduTour in October 2026 will give operational personnel an on‑the‑ground view of local healthcare capability, meeting assistance providers and visiting medical facilities.

Over the past year, IAG has further strengthened its footprint by appointing new partners in Hong Kong and Vietnam

Language barriers also remain a factor in several destinations. IAG’s translation partner Lexxika plays a vital role in ensuring medical teams receive fast and accurate information to support clinical decision‑making. “Clear communication can make all the difference between a smooth case and a delayed evacuation,” said Louise.

Through its selected network of partners, chosen using IAG’s ISO-accredited quality processes, the world’s largest alliance of independent assistance companies remains focused on ensuring travellers receive dependable support and expert care wherever their journeys take them.