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Innovation //
Foreign students in Australia can now purchase health cover for the duration of their studies down
under. When they have a claim they can process it online and get paid at any of the thousands nationwide
Australia Post branches.
Quantum change in Japan
The joint venture between Mondial Assistance and
Millea Holdings became effective on January 6th
2006. The remainder of the year was focused on
absorbing the significant volume generated by the
Japanese partner and on preparing for further
increases in 2007. The ambition to become the
leading assistance company in this important market
took a major step forward.
South-East Asia
Growth for core business lines
Truly excellent bottom-line results were achieved in
Thailand in 2006, in spite of a troubled political and
economic situation. However the latter inevitably had
an impact on growth due to diminished consumer
confidence.
The relatively small size of the local Singaporean
market restricted growth somewhat, however the
Singapore operation continued to grow its non-
local business. A number of non-profitable accounts
were rationalised in 2006, with better bottom line
results expected in 2007.
Advance Australia
Mondial Assistance’s Australian business continued
to surpass the growth secured elsewhere in the
Group, to the extent that it is now one of the
largest of the Group companies – a significant
achievement given the company’s size when it
was acquired in 2001. E-commerce sales of
travel insurance solutions and student health-
care services continue to drive growth. The Group
increasingly provides foreign students to Australia
with health coverage for the duration of their studies,
or links the coverage to the host educational
institution.
Ahead of target in China
The roadside assistance activity increased tenfold
between January and December 2006, putting
Mondial Assistance in the undisputed role of market
leader in China for such auto services. The Group
managed to extend its early lead in this key growth
market by continually challenging itself to ‘raise the
bar further’ in terms of customer service. Development
of travel insurance solutions was slower than
expected due to the complex regulatory environ-
ment. However the strong growth in the roadside
assistance business means the Group remains well
ahead of target in China.
18
Asia-Pacific
Strong growth continues
Contribution by the Asia Pacific region to the Group’s business con-
tinues to increase through all 4 business lines. This region currently
represents 8.8% of the Group’s total sales. In 2006, Australia was still
a major contributor. However China confirmed its tremendous mar-
ket potential and many South-East Asia countries demonstrated
excellent dynamism.
International presence
+ 25.8%
in turnover
8.8%