Effective today (Dec. 1), travellers buying tickets on Emirates will automatically receive expanded multi-risk insurance coverage that includes COVID-related expenses. The free coverage also extends to Emirates codeshare flights operated by partner airlines, as long as the ticket number starts with 176.
The industry-first initiative expands on current COVID-19 coverage introduced in July by the Dubai-based carrier. Provided by AIG Travel, it is designed to provide “peace of mind and stress-free, hassle-free travel” for passengers.
“By launching this new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover, we aim to give our customers even more confidence in making their travel plans this winter and moving into 2021,” said Emirates chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
“We see a strong appetite for travel around the world, especially heading into the winter holidays as people seek warmer climates and family destinations like Dubai. By launching this new multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover, we aim to give our customers even more confidence in making their travel plans this winter and moving into 2021,” he added.
Emirates customers will be covered when they fly to any destination, in any class of travel. Highlights of the coverage include:
• Out-of-Country Emergency Medical Expenses & Emergency Medical Evacuation up to US$500,000, valid for COVID-19 (contracted during the trip) and other medical emergencies while travelling abroad.
• Trip Cancellation up to US$7,500 for non-refundable costs if the traveller or a relative (as defined in the policy) is unable to travel because they are diagnosed with COVID-19 before the scheduled trip departure date, or for other named reasons – similar to other comprehensive travel cover products.
• Trip Cancellation or Curtailment up to US$7,500 if the school year is extended due to COVID-19 beyond the departure date, and the traveller or a relative (as defined in the policy) is a full-time teacher, full-time employee, or a student at a primary or secondary school.
• Trip Curtailment up to US$7,500 for non-refundable trip costs and additional costs to return to their country of residence if the traveller or a relative (as defined in the policy) falls critically ill, for instance, contracts COVID-19 while travelling abroad.
• Travel Abandonment up to US$7,500 if the traveller fails a COVID-19-related test or medical screening at the airport and is required to abandon the trip.
• US$150 per day per person, for up to 14 consecutive days if, while outside of their country of residence, the traveller tests positive for COVID-19, and if they are unexpectedly placed into a mandatory quarantine outside their country of residence by a governmental body.
“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Emirates and… our hope is to help alleviate some of the concerns travellers may have when planning travel during this time,” said Jeff Rutledge, CEO of AIG Travel.
Similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products, Emirates’ cover also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories.
Customers do not need to register or fill in any forms before they travel, and they are not obligated to utilize the Emirate coverage.
The carrier is also allowing passengers to request a refund or extend their ticket validity for two years without charge if their travel plans change before March 31, 2021.