Emirates airlines to offer free COVID-19 medical and quarantine coverage

Emirates becomes first airline to offer such coverage amid COVID-19 pandemic

Emirates Airlines will offer free coronavirus medical and quarantine coverage for its travelers in the United Arab Emirates and around the world, the company's Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum announced on Thursday.

The airline said in a statement that passengers can claim medical expenses of up to 150,000 euros ($173,799) and quarantine costs of 100 euros ($115) per day for 14 days if a traveler tests positive for the virus.

Coverage is effective immediately and is valid for 31 days for travelers flying on the airline until October 30, 2020, according to a statement.“Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination,” the statement read.

Emirates chairman said “this will boost travel confidence and once again positions Emirates and Dubai as aviation industry leaders.”

Travelers do not need to register or fill in any forms ahead of their travel plans, according to the airline.
Tourists traveling to the UAE are required to show proof of insurance with COVID-19 coverage in order to be granted entry into the country. Alternatively, passengers may declare that they will bear the costs for treatment and isolation if necessary before travel.

As of July 23, all travelers arriving in or transiting through the United Arab Emirates must present a negative PCR test result starting on August 1.

In March, the UAE suspended all passenger flights  to and from the country in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Dubai welcomed the return of tourists on July 7 as the emirate continues to ease lockdown measures.

Emirates Airline gradually began resuming flights over the past few weeks and is expected to operate flights to 60 destinations in August.  

                                                                        Rukhsana Manzoor Deputy Editor