"We have been operating commercially in Russia since 1996. Having reached critical size, we were looking forward to having our own offices in Moscow and running operations locally," explains Rémi Grenier, Chairman of the Mondial Assistance Group. "Over the last few years we have seen the assistance market change; today we are ready to develop tailor-made services for our traditional partners."

In Russia, the assistance market is growing fast under the influence of several factors: with a population of 142 million, over the last few years the country has enjoyed strong economic growth resulting in rapid development of the new middle classes. These new consumers travel more in their own country and overseas, and they require assistance and travel insurance to suit this new lifestyle.

Furthermore, over two million foreign tourists visit Russia every year. The government has launched important reforms in the public health area which favor the development of the assistance and related services market.

Mondial Assistance Russia, under the direction of Andrey Chepurin, ensures the continuity of all existing contracts in Russia and also countries in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).

The new subsidiary already employs around twenty people in assistance, as well as doctors and shared services, thus offering Mondial Assistance’s traditional range of travel insurance and assistance. The group manages several assistance contracts for key international car manufacturers that can be broadened now to Russia.