Access America 2004 Annual Report Download - page 15

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nearby Reunion Island. In Morocco, a new contract with
government authorities was established which led to increased
development of its healthcare services offer.
NORTH AMERICA
E-technology key growth driver across all
segments in the United States
2004 was the strongest year ever for World Access, our U.S.
based company. With development in all core markets, it
continued to post double-digit growth in all major business
lines. E-commerce evolved as the dominant sales method in
travel markets, while e-service and e-claims transactions grew
across all segments. World Access launched state-of-the-art,
web-based business applications for CRM, Claims, Financials
and HR for both the U.S. and Canada, and created dedicated
teams to promote growth in health care, travel insurance and
specialty markets.
Confident travellers help build Canadian insurance
business
2004 proved to be a banner year for travel in Canada, and our
Canadian subsidiary reaped the rewards. The number of
Canadians travelling outside their own provinces progressed
throughout the year, and was supported by the rising value of the
Canadian dollar and a better sense of security.The entity impro-
ved growth and profitability by expanding its partnerships and
product offer, and by focusing on the existing client portfolio.
By establishing a partnership with a middleware Company,
World Access Canada was able to venture into a new distri-
bution channel, and integrate its travel insurance products
directly to insurance brokers and their customers through an
easy-to-use online portal.
SOUTH AMERICA
Exceptional growth and innovative offers mark
Brazil’s 2004 performance
Mondial Assistance Brazil delivered outstanding performance
in 2004. This unit realised an increase of its annual sales of
42% by adding new services to its product offer, maintaining
a superior quality of the services it provides, and introducing
technological innovations. It also implemented two new
technology-based services: GPS tow-truck tracking and SMS
notification to the insurance broker or agent as soon as a
customer requests assistance. Mondial Assistance Brazil also
evolved toward activity diversification with a new medical
assessment service, which helps life insurance companies in
their risk management.
Cost containment and new client outreach produce
excellent results in Chile
Mondial Assistance Chile buoyed by a strong local economy
and a stable political and social situation, achieved excellent
results in 2004 thanks to rigorous cost containment and the
signing of major new agreements. The entity is well placed
today to confirm its leadership position as a full-range assis-
tance service provider in an increasingly competitive market.
THE NEAR MIDDLE EAST
Reinforcing local partnerships and client loyalty
In 2004, turnover in the Near Middle-East, comprised of
Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt increased due to the nurturing
and reinforcement of ongoing assistance partnerships. The
Group signed new contracts with clients in Lebanon, Jordan
and Syria.
2004 also was the year of
the Group's first evaluation of
800 clinics and hospitals in
108 countries. ”
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