More and more Swiss are falling ill or having accidents abroad
The TCS recorded an increase in the number of people who fell ill or had an accident abroad in 2024. Repatriations have also increased by 24% since 2022. Most cases were reported from Italy, France and Spain, but there were also many cases from Thailand and the USA. TCS would like to remind everyone that there are some important precautions to take before traveling to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Travel has become more popular since the lifting of health restrictions in 2022. The increase in travel activity also has an impact on the number of illnesses and accidents reported abroad. In 2024, the TCS recorded 4,967 cases of illness and 2,267 personal accidents abroad - a total of 7,234 incidents. That is an average of around 20 cases per day. This represents an increase of 8% compared to 2022 and 11% compared to 2023.
Repatriations are also on the rise
Some of these incidents required more complex operations, such as repatriations. These are carried out by TCS ambulances for short distances and by scheduled flight or air ambulance with TCS doctors and nurses for more serious cases. In 2024, the TCS carried out 1,323 repatriations. That is more than three per day and corresponds to an increase of 24% compared to 2022 and the lifting of health restrictions. The main causes include broken bones and other serious injuries as well as serious illnesses.
Repatriations from all parts of the world
Most repatriations were from European countries, with Italy (185 cases), France (155 cases) and Spain (120 cases) leading the way. However, some missions involved much longer distances: 66 repatriations were carried out from Thailand and 40 from the USA. These complex missions require extensive logistics and qualified teams to ensure the safe return of patients to Switzerland. As soon as an alarm is forwarded to the emergency call center, the medical data of the person concerned is obtained and analyzed by TCS doctors. After assessing the situation, a decision is made as to whether repatriation is necessary. Depending on the distance, an ambulance from TCS or a partner is called out. In particularly serious cases, an air ambulance is requested in cooperation with partners such as REGA.
Minimize risks
To minimize the risks during a trip, the TCS recommends taking a few precautions. First and foremost, it is important to follow your doctor's advice and refrain from traveling if you have any medical problems. At the destination, activities should be chosen with caution: Dangerous or extreme undertakings significantly increase the number of accidents. Another source of risk is the underestimated health risks in some regions of the world and the lack of vaccinations required for trips to several countries. When renting two-wheelers, such as a scooter, it is important to wear appropriate equipment and strictly adhere to the traffic rules in order to avoid falls with sometimes dramatic consequences. In order to be prepared for these cases, it is highly recommended to take out travel insurance.
