With recent surveys suggesting that travellers are as fearful of being quarantined as they are of catching COVID-19, Emirates says it will cover its passengers’ costs for up to two weeks (and over $5,000) if they test positive for the disease while travelling.

The Dubai-based airline says it is the first airline in the world to offer free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs and touts the “industry-leading initiative” as a way to boost travel confidence during these uncertain times.

The Emirates plan, which applies to any destination, in any class of travel, will reimburse medical costs for passengers up to €150,000 (approx. CAD $234) and quarantine costs of €100 ($155) per day for 14 days while they are away from home. That’s nearly $5,400.

“Emirates is proud to lead the way in boosting confidence for international travel. We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually re-open, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel,” says Emirates Group Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

He adds: “Emirates has worked hard to put in place measures at every step of the customer journey to mitigate risk of infection, and we have also revamped our booking policies to offer flexibility. We are now taking it to the next level, by being the first in the industry to offer our customers free global cover for COVID-19 medical expenses and quarantine costs should they incur these costs during their travel. It is an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this initiative.”

The coverage is valid for 31 days after the first date of travel for flights taken on or before Oct. 31, 2020 and includes flights to Dubai (which is now open to international travel) and onwards to other destinations served by Emirates.

Customers do not need to register or fill in any forms before they travel, and they are not obligated to utilize this coverage provided by Emirates.

Any impacted customer who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel simply has to contact a dedicated hotline to initiate the assistance.

The hotline number, and details of what COVID-19 related expenses are covered, is available HERE.

Emirates currently serves over 60 destinations in its network, including five times weekly service to/from Toronto. The airline marked 10 years of service to Canada in 2017.