Birth of assistance as a profession
In 1963, with backing from Generali, which was the first shareholder, Pierre Desnos founds Europ Assistance, the first service offering protection to people travelling abroad. In 1964, the Belgian subsidiary is created in Brussels, the first subsidiary outside France. In 1965, the company signs an agreement with the French aircraft manufacturer Marcel Dassault for the permanent availability of a special Falcon 20 equipped for medical purposes. In 1967, it offers a USA-Canada subscription. After Belgium, Europ Assistance opens a second subsidiary in Italy in 1968.