Mondial Assistance reported a 57 per cent 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 per cent 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.”