Interview: Alessia Fortuni, Network Manager, BMC h24 Travel Solutions
Oliver Cuenca interviews Alessia Fortuni of BMC h24 Travel Solutions, about her company’s work providing assistance to travellers
As a company whose work is focused on Italy and the European market, what are the benefits and challenges of working in this region?
Operating in Italy offers significant advantages, including a well-established healthcare system and an extensive transportation network, both crucial for emergency medical and roadside assistance services.
As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Italy sees a high and consistent demand for BMC h24’s services, particularly in major cities, coastal areas and remote locations where immediate assistance is essential. However, challenges include navigating regional healthcare regulations, ensuring efficient coordination with local medical facilities, and managing the high seasonal fluctuations in tourist numbers.
As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Italy sees a high and consistent demand for BMC h24’s services
BMC h24 works closely with public hospitals and emergency rooms to obtain essential patient health information, allowing for better decision-making in medical repatriations and ongoing care. By leveraging its expertise and technological solutions, BMC h24 ensures seamless, high-quality assistance for both residents and international visitors.
Your company offers 24/7 multilingual operations – how does this work in practice when dealing with patients who speak different languages?
BMC h24 operates a 24/7 multilingual assistance service staffed by professionals fluent in multiple languages, ensuring effective communication with international patients. When a patient contacts BMC h24, they are immediately connected to an operator who speaks their language or assisted through real-time translation services. The company also collaborates with medical professionals and interpreters to provide seamless patient care.
BMC h24 is already expanding its services beyond Europe, particularly through international medical repatriations
Digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) driven translation software, further enhance accuracy and efficiency. This multilingual approach minimises misunderstandings and ensures patients receive clear medical guidance, making BMC h24 a reliable partner for travellers and expatriates requiring urgent assistance.
Has BMC h24 been exploring any other new technologies to enhance its operations?
Yes, BMC h24 is actively investing in new technologies to improve efficiency and customer experience. The company has integrated real-time case management software that allows for faster coordination between medical teams, patients and emergency services.
GPS tracking systems for ambulances and roadside assistance vehicles ensure rapid response times.
Additionally, we are currently developing an innovative digital solution designed to enhance accessibility and streamline communication between users and our services. This new technology will provide a more personalised and efficient experience, and we are preparing for its official launch in August. By leveraging these advancements, BMC h24 continues to enhance its ability to provide reliable, high-quality medical and assistance services.
What areas of your business are seeing the biggest growth in demand, and does this growth reflect any larger industry trends?
BMC h24 is experiencing significant growth in emergency medical assistance and repatriation services, particularly for tourists and expatriates. The demand for multilingual, 24/7 healthcare support has increased, reflecting a broader trend in the industry toward patient-centred, accessible medical services.
Additionally, the roadside assistance sector is expanding due to a rise in travel and mobility solutions, including electric vehicle support.
Telemedicine, AI-driven case management and real-time GPS tracking are becoming standard in healthcare and mobility assistance
These trends align with the global shift towards digitalisation, where telemedicine, AI-driven case management and real-time GPS tracking are becoming standard in healthcare and mobility assistance. BMC h24 continues to innovate by integrating these technologies into its service model.
How is BMC h24 looking to expand its operations in the future?
BMC h24 aims to expand its operations by strengthening its presence in key European markets and developing strategic partnerships. The company is focused on enhancing its multilingual assistance services, particularly in high-tourism areas where demand is growing.
In addition, BMC h24 is already expanding its services beyond Europe, particularly through international medical repatriations, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care and transportation worldwide.
Digital transformation remains a priority, with investments in telemedicine and advanced logistics solutions to optimise response times and improve service efficiency. Continuous staff training ensures that the company maintains high standards while scaling its operations globally.
April 2025
Issue
In this issue we focus on how AI is transforming claims management; how assistance firms navigate the unique challenges of working in Africa; and what the potential legal risks are when conducting a medical transfer.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor for Voyageur Group, joining in 2021. He writes for both ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision and air medical transportation. He also serves as Title Editor of the Assistance & Repatriation Reviews. Oliver holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University, as well as a BA in English with Creative Writing from Falmouth University.