July 24 2020  |  Airlines & Airports

Emirates offers free global COVID coverage

By Hibah Noor

As the pandemic has worn on and in many countries the daily new cases have significantly decreased, a number of borders are gradually beginning to open. The next step for the travel industry is to help people feel safe to travel again. Of particular concern is how to deal with medical expenses should one contract the virus while traveling.

Emirates airline, the United Arab Emirates flag carrier, was quick to implement new preventative safety measures, and now the airline has added another type of safety feature that should help travelers rest more easily.

Traveler costs covered

The airline has announced that it has become the world's first to offer to cover customers' medical expenses and quarantine costs should they contract Covid-19 during their trip with the airline.

Emirates has stated that it will pay medical expenses up to €150,000 (US$174,540) and quarantine costs of €100 (US$116) per day for up to14 days, should they be diagnosed with the coronavirus during their travel while away from home.

Effective immediately, this coverage will be available to all customers at no extra cost until October 31, 2020. It's valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first leg of their trip, so the benefit remains even if they travel onwards from their Emirates destination.

Registration unnecessary

Travelers do not need to register or take any specific action to enable availability of this coverage. Should they become infected with the virus they simply have to phone a hotline.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman and Chief Executive said: “Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, 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.”

He added: “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.”

Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety

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