The history of AXA Assistance’s growth tallies with changing economic and social trends.
At the height of Europe’s post-war economic boom, the late 1950s were a time of reconstruction and deep-seated social change. More companies were paying annual leave, while cars and air travel were becoming more affordable: the result was an upswing in leisure travel. And as tourism developed, a new need emerged: travellers sought protection from unforeseen circumstances and the risks associated with travel. A Spaniard called Pedro Louis Poch noted this need, and responded by creating an unprecedented service offering: travel assistance. In 1959, he created GESA, the first ever assistance company and predecessor of AXA Assistance.
Driven by its innovative mindset, the new company soon extended its offering to include auto and home assistance. It was also the first assistance company to offer medial repatriation.
