Mondial Assistance reports Increase in Australian Traveller Medical Repatriations in 2007

As one of the leading assistance providers appointed by insurers to manage emergency medical benefits, Mondial Assistance has reported a 57% increase in the number of Australians requiring medical repatriation due to injury and illness while travelling overseas in 2007.

This is the second year running results have shown a significant spike in the repatriations by Mondial Assistance, with 2006 figures showing a 63% increase in repatriations compared with 2005.

Mondial Assistance repatriated 187 Australians in 2007, up from 119 in 2006. Additionally, Mondial Assistance's medical assistance team handled 68,000 medical assistance calls in 2007, of which 9,182 required further assistance and medical treatment.

Mondial Assistance lists the most common causes for repatriation in 2007 as pelvic and long bone fractures caused by injury whilst travelling, pneumonia and respiratory problems. Medical assistance teams travelled to destinations such as Laos, Uzbekistan and even a small French Island in Antarctica to repatriate the unwell travellers.

Chief medical officer at Mondial Assistance, Dr Steve Rashford, said the rise in repatriations could in some part be due to the business growth Mondial Assistance has experienced, however also said that, "While most travellers have a carefree travel experience a small number do encounter a health issue and it can be a real hindrance to their holiday, not to mention a financial burden. Even short hospital stays and doctor appointments in foreign countries can prove costly, as the 2007 repatriation figures attest."

Mondial Assistance uses its overseas network to provide emergency medical benefits across the world. In many cases, travellers are able to continue their travels or return unaccompanied home, with only a small portion requiring an escorted repatriation by the Mondial Assistance medical team.

The story of a Mrs Armstrong

Mondial Assistance's largest medical repatriation case for 2007 cost in excess of $500,000 and involved extensive medical treatment in the United States. Mrs Armstrong, suffered an aneurysm and required an emergency operation whilst holidaying in Hawaii.

After more than a month in hospital, Mrs Armstrong's condition was so serious that she was repatriated on a dedicated air ambulance from  Straub hospital in Honolulu to the Greenslopes hospital in Brisbane. The gravity of her condition meant that a doctor and nurse accompanied Mrs Armstrong on her journey, to ensure that she received medical supervision.

All of Mrs Armstrong's treatment costs including ambulances, doctors, surgeons and cancelled flight refunds, as well as flights and accommodation for her daughter to be by her side in Hawaii were covered by her insurer.

Mrs Armstrong is now recovering well at home. This case is a strong reminder that emergencies can and do happen.

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