Traveltrust Joins the International Assistance Group: Supporting Complex Airline Repatriations

Paris, France, 29 September 2026 -With medical travel arrangements on commercial airlines being a complex affair, we are thrilled to welcome Traveltrust as an Accredited Service Provider to the International Assistance Group.

With over 43 years’ experience, Traveltrust has grown into a global organisation focusing on complex, time-critical travel logistics. Headquartered in San Diego, USA, Traveltrust has operations across the UK, the USA and Australia.

‘Our medical assistance partners and providers demand a range of support services, particularly where they face challenges’, commented Louise Heywood, the IAG’s General Manager. She added: ‘ Medical repatriations on commercial airlines are often complex and time-consuming affairs, so Traveltrust adds a vital component in navigating those issues.’

‘We support medical assistance and commercial medical escort companies with a proven fast, reliable and expert service,’ said Noah Meyerson, Traveltrust’s Managing Director. He added ‘With IAG’s unique blend of partners across the globe, our priority is to provide the best possible travel options and solutions for every patient and every case, wherever in the world they are.’

Travel Trust’s experience includes the very complex area of stretchers on commercial airlines, where availability may be limited and decisions need to be made quickly, requiring in-depth knowledge of booking systems and procedures.

Holding full IATA status, Priority for Travel Trust operates 24/7, and the skills of its 20+ team include English, French and Mandarin Chinese.

The IAG’s Accredited Partner status is awarded on completion of an ISO9001-compliant vetting process. It is open to the complete range of organisations that support the vital core of medical assistance.

247 Aviation: International Assistance Group’s newest air ambulance Accredited Service Provider, with a distinctive European location

Paris, France, 11 August, 2026  – We are pleased to announce that 247 Aviation Air Ambulance has joined the International Assistance Group (IAG)’s global network as an Accredited Service Provider.

Operating from Belfast International Airport, with planned expansion the in mainland UK, 247 Aviation adds valuable capability to IAG’s worldwide air ambulance network, enhancing coverage across Europe, North America and beyond.

“I am delighted to welcome 247 Aviation to our worldwide family of air ambulance providers following their successful application to become an Accredited Service Provider through our ISO 9001 vetting process,” stated IAG Network & Quality Manager, David Cléro. “With their strong credentials and commitment to quality, we look forward to 247 Aviation contributing to our objectives of strengthening global coverage and advancing industry standards.”

Dr Neil Crooks, Medical Director of 247 Aviation, commented: “Our focus is firmly centred on delivering a high-quality, consultant-led air ambulance service validated through independent external accreditation. Becoming part of the International Assistance Group adds an important dimension of collaboration, peer review and ongoing knowledge sharing, helping us continually improve the services we provide to patients, clients and assistance partners worldwide.”

Accredited by both CAMTS Global and EURAMI, and operating under a worldwide AOC, 247 Aviation provides a comprehensive range of aeromedical services. Its fleet includes two Learjet 45XR aircraft for rapid long-range international missions and two Pilatus PC-12 NG/NGX turboprops, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions for regional and European operations.

As part of the wider SERE Aviation Group, 247 Aviation benefits from aviation, medical transport and charter expertise. The organisation also holds approvals as a CAMO (Continuous Airworthiness Management Organisation) and Part 145 maintenance organisation, reflecting its commitment to aircraft safety and regulatory compliance.

In addition to adult critical care transfers, 247 Aviation provides paediatric and neonatal transport services, commercial medical escorts, integrated ground ambulance support and comprehensive hospital liaison services worldwide.

Located at Belfast International Airport, 247 Aviation provides IAG with one of its most westerly air ambulance bases in Europe, offering excellent access to transatlantic routes and strengthening connectivity between Europe and North America for executive and medical aircraft.

Poland: MoniMed to provide airport and cross-border ground ambulance as Accredited Service Provider to the International Assistance Group

Paris, France, 2 June, 2026 – Expanding our ground ambulance options, we are delighted to announce that MoniMed Transport has joined the International Assistance Group as our latest Accredited Service Provider.

Based in Central Poland, MoniMed Transport supports air ambulance missions at all Polish airports and into nearby Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Additionally, MoniMed’s complete bedside-to-bedside ground transport service operates across Europe and into Belarus and Ukraine, including the arrangement of hospital admissions under its medical team’s supervision.

‘Meeting all the requirements of our ISO9001 vetting process, MoniMed also showed the dynamism and commitment of a family-run business focused on a ‘can-do’ attitude,’ commented IAG’s Network & Quality Manager, David Cléro. He added: ‘Our partners and providers very much look forward to meeting the MoniMed team at our next Forum in October.‘

MoniMed crews are BLS/ALS-trained paramedics, nurses, and ICU doctors, with English in their language range, and composed to meet the needs of each specific mission. Their fleet of four Mercedes ground ambulances is equipped to meet internationally recognised standards in BLS, ALS and ICU transfers with doctor support.

Founded as a ground ambulance company 6 years ago, MoniMed traces its history back to 2012 as a nursing and medical care company. Today, they serve a range of well-known assistance companies and air ambulance providers.

Poland has a significant and dynamic travel market. With culture and history at its heart, it draws in 22 million visitors each year. The desire to explore culture and history is also a key driver for the over 40 million Poles who travel abroad each year. 

Unique Hong Kong: MediLink-Global Assist appointed International Assistance Group’s Core Partner

Paris, France, 29 May 2026 – The coveted International Assistance Group’s Core Partner status has been granted to MediLink – Global Assist, we are delighted to announce. This follows our established and respected ISO 9001-accredited vetting process and covers the unique, vibrant, and densely populated Hong Kong Special Administrative Area.

Established Core Partners within the International Assistance Group will benefit from MediLink’s comprehensive range of medical assistance services, together with their discipline in medical claims management, which has served international insurance organisations for many years.

MediLink will now be able to access IAG’s robust, tested international network through a dedicated and comprehensive platform, participate in focused networking events and awards, and benefit from a range of in-person and online educational opportunities. And to display the IAG’s Core Partner badge.

‘We are thrilled that MediLink has committed to becoming a Core Partner in our extraordinary group of partners and providers,’ stated IAG’s General Manager, Louise Heywood, adding: ‘In an area where medical bills are high, I am sure everyone will significantly benefit from MediLink’s systematic approach to managing and containing costs.’

MediLink’s network of 16 inpatient and 1,200 outpatient facilities within Hong Kong covers a landmass smaller than that of Rome, London, Istanbul, or New York City, where 7.5 million residents are mainly concentrated in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. It has more skyscrapers than anywhere else in the world.

In addition to over 35 million trips from mainland China, Hong Kong draws in over 12 million international visitors, one-third from long-haul markets such as Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and Australia.

 

APRIL Asia Appointed as IAG Assistance Partner in Vietnam

Paris, France, 20 April 2026 – APRIL Asia, through its dedicated APRIL Assistance teams, has been appointed as the International Assistance Group’s (IAG) Assistance Partner in Vietnam. The appointment extends a long-standing collaboration, with APRIL Asia having served as IAG’s Assistance Partner in Thailand for many years, where its teams have been recognised three times with IAG’s Quality Award.

“APRIL’s teams in Vietnam set out a robust, efficient and localised approach during our ISO 9001 vetting process,” stated IAG’s General Manager, Louise Heywood. “As three-time winners of our coveted Quality Award for their operation in Thailand, our partners look forward to the APRIL approach in what can be a very demanding country.“

“Being appointed by IAG in Vietnam is the natural next step in a partnership built on consistently high standards of care. Our teams in the region have deep local expertise and a proven track record in delivering assistance services in complex healthcare environments. We are proud to bring that same level of excellence to Vietnam,” said Romain DiMeglio, CEO of APRIL Asia and the Middle East.

Already serving an international client base, APRIL Asia’s assistance teams in Vietnam have direct agreements with over 70 medical facilities across five cities, where private treatment is the preferred pathway.

Local representation is a key factor when dealing with an under-resourced public healthcare system. Upfront payments and a lack of international language skills pose a real challenge for travellers and expatriates.

To counteract opportunistic pricing, APRIL conducts medical case reviews, audits, and cost comparisons against a proprietary database. Agreed tariffs and discounts are applied to medical facilities within the network. As a full assistance provider, arrangements can be made for ground transportation, nurse escorts, medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains, as well as assistance with accommodation and legal advice.

Vietnam continues to grow as a major travel and expatriate destination. In 2025, over 21 million arrivals were recorded, a 20% increase over 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Culture, international connections, and ease of visa applications are expected to further stimulate the inbound travel market, particularly from outside the immediate region.

International Assistance Group Strengthens its Global Commercial Medical Escorts Capability with the Accreditation of Prime Nursing Care

Paris, France, 9 February, 2026 – We are delighted to welcome Prime Nursing Care as our newest Accredited Service Provider for Commercial Medical Escorts, following their successful completion of our rigorous ISO9001 quality vetting process.

EURAMI-accredited for over 10 years now, having achieved the first Advanced Care accreditation, Prime Nursing Care brings significant international experience in bedside-to-bedside commercial medical transportation. Their team of 75 compassionate and knowledgeable doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics speak nine languages and conduct hundreds of missions each year.

‘Prime Nursing Care is a significant addition to our well-developed, global commercial medical escort capability, said Louise Heywood, the International Assistance Groups’ General Manager. ‘Our growing number of partners demand more than just capacity; they expect clinical professionalism and operational understanding, which Prime demonstrated in their application”

Whether it is business-class escorts, first-class flatbeds, or commercial stretchers, no matter where the patient is located at, Prime Nursing Care’s experienced doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics use the latest equipment to ensure patient safety both in the air and during connecting ground transfers. Each clinician has a minimum of 3 years’ post-graduation critical care or emergency care experience and advanced life support training.

Headquartered in Florida, USA, with a branch in Switzerland, Prime Nursing Care coordinates its global operations through a dedicated 15-person team, with clinical oversight from a full-time medical director, a clinical care team and a case review group.

Aiming high in Nepal: CIWEC Hospital joins the International Assistance Group as an Accredited Service Provider

Paris, France, 2 February, 2026 – Serving diplomats, aid workers, and adventure travellers for over 40 years, we are delighted to welcome Nepal’s CIWEC Hospital in Kathmandu as an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) to the International Assistance Group (IAG).

‘Through our international ISO 9001 vetting process, CIWEC has demonstrated their ability and commitment to serving our Core Partners, in what is a very demanding environment,’ stated IAG’s General Manager, Louise Heywood. She added: ‘We very much look forward to their unique perspective in our collaborative medical discussions, helping travellers and expatriates.’

CIWEC receives over 5,000 visits to its 24/7 emergency rooms each year, of which 800 require inpatient care. Set up as a general hospital, CIWEC has a notable reputation for treating high-altitude and extreme-cold medical conditions and is already well-known to key IAG Core Partners.

Under the directorship of Dr Prativa Pandey, the medical team blends a range of international and adventure experiences to serve the diverse inbound community. Dr Pandey is a past President of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM), was initially trained in India, and has 10 years of residency experience in the USA.

Nepal is an extraordinary destination. In addition to the natural wonders of the Himalayan Mountains attracting mountaineers and trekkers, Nepal also boasts rich spiritual sites, including the birthplace of Buddha, plus other sites significant to Hindus. Over 1 million visitors are attracted each year, drawn from across the globe.

MCI Latam: New Core Partner for Dominican Republic

Paris, France, 19 January 2026 -We are thrilled that our Spanish Assistance Partner, MCI Assist, has successfully established an office in the Dominican Republic (MCI Latam), which has attained our valued Core Partner status.

After many years of experience in the Spanish-speaking Latin American market, the establishment of a permanent office in the Dominican Republic includes investments in modern offices, MCI’s cutting-edge technology, and local training.

‘MCI has been a valued and active partner within the International Assistance Group for assistance and medical cost containment for several years,’ commented Louise Heywood, IAG’s General Manager. ‘We are so delighted that they have passed our Core Partner ISO 9001 vetting standards and will be our focal point in the Dominican Republic.’

MCI’s Latin America office was inaugurated in December 2024 and forms part of a significant expansion in medical cases, telemedicine support and third-party administration. In the two years leading up to the opening of their new offices, growth across various activities over 75% and the provider network grew threefold.

With a keen focus on quality standards and compliance, the new operation adheres to ISO 9001, 27001, and 14001, as well as the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The Dominican Republic is an extremely popular tourist destination for both air travellers and the cruise market. In 2025, approximately 11 million visits will be recorded. However, medical cost inflation across Latin America continues to rise significantly, estimated at 12% for 2026. The focus on excellent assistance and cost containment must go hand in hand.

In December 2025, MCI hosted an IAG EduTour in the Dominican Republic. Over five days, the group of IAG Partner medical and operational representatives explored multiple regions of the country, combining professional insight with rich cultural immersion. The group visited hospitals, clinics and air evacuation facilities across the Island.

International Assistance Group’s global doctor house call capacity grows with Comfort Health

Paris, France, 4 December 2025 – We are delighted to announce that Comfort Health has been appointed as an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) to the International Assistance Group, which will expand our doctor house call capacity in 66 countries globally.

Established 10 years ago with a focus on both underserved and urban communities in Latin America, the organisation has grown to span the Americas, parts of Europe, and Oceania.

In addition to doctor house call services, Comfort Health has developed into the area of telemedicine with the ability to issue medical prescriptions in 38 countries.

‘The modern traveller demands more options than a referral to a busy family doctor or an emergency room with more urgent priorities,’ commented IAG’s General Manager, Louise Heywood. She added: ‘The appointment of Comfort Health is another sign of our commitment to expanding our network of partners and providers to meet that evolving challenge.’

With 24/7 alarm centres in Uruguay and Argentina, Comfort Health deals with over 4,000 patients each year through its network of over 1,000 medical providers serving business and leisure travellers, as well as expatriate communities.

In addition to passing the IAG’s ISO 9001 vetting process, Comfort Health already has established relationships with five key partners within the IAG.

London-based ground and air ambulance provider, SkyCare, joins the International Assistance Group as an Accredited Service Provider

Paris, France, 10 November 2025 – We are pleased to announce that SkyCare Repatriation Ltd has successfully joined the International Assistance Group as an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) after completing our ISO 9001 vetting process.

Operating from London Biggin Hill Airport, SkyCare’s ground ambulance fleet facilitates quick transfers to hospitals in Greater London and throughout Southeast England, supporting assistance companies, embassies, air ambulance providers, and insurance companies in the provision of medical repatriations.

The SkyCare fleet includes the Pilatus PC‑12 NGX air ambulance, a versatile, ICU-equipped fixed-wing aircraft optimised for critical care at altitude, making it suitable for neonatal to adult transfers across Europe and beyond. Additionally, their fleet of 60 road vehicles, including 20 specially equipped high-dependency ambulances (HDU), enables SkyCare to provide 24/7 bed-to-bed medical transport, including private air ambulance services, medical escort flights, commercial stretcher flights, and ground ambulance transfers, all of which are overseen by their team of experienced flight doctors and critical care medics.

‘With the United Kingdom, and London in particular, being a significant holiday and business destination, SkyCare gives our partners and providers a valuable choice in their ground and air ambulance options,’ explained IAG’s General Manager, Louise Heywood.

SkyCare Repatriation Ltd is regulated by both the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the UK’s Care Quality Commission (CQC), the national independent regulator for health services.

London alone represents over 50% of the inbound travel market and welcomes 20 million overnight visitors each year, served by five international airports and the Eurostar train. With a culturally diverse population of 9 million, residents play an essential part in outbound travel, whether it is for holiday, business, or visiting friends and family. In total, the UK outbound travel market accounts for nearly 90 million trips annually.