With people yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually reopen, travellers are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travels. Dubai has been taking a phased approach in opening up and Emirates Airlines has followed suit by introducing an initiative to build up traveller confidence. The airline is the first in the world to offer travellers free cover against medical costs incurred if they contract Covid-19. However, the policy does not cover the cost of coronavirus testing.
All Emirates passengers can use the cover for medical expenses of up to GBP 136,000 (Dh638,118) if they contract Covid-19 during their travels. The cover gives travellers assistance for costs related to medical treatment, quarantine and repatriation if they get sick after taking an Emirates flight. All inbound travellers to Dubai, whether tourists or residents, must sign a form when they land guaranteeing, they have medical insurance that would cover treatment should they contract the virus.
How can travellers get Emirates’ Covid-19 assistance? All Emirates passengers flying between Wednesday, July 22 and Saturday, October 31 will automatically receive the cover at no additional cost and no extra forms to fill. This includes existing and new bookings, as well as Emirates flights booked via travel agents.
How long is the cover valid for? It’s valid for 31 days, from the date that travellers first fly with Emirates and it is the same for one-way and return tickets. The cover ends when travellers return to their country of residence, or after 31 days – whichever is sooner.
What destinations are covered? The cover applies to travellers flying on any Emirates flight, to and from any destination and across all classes of travel.
What should I do if I get sick and want to use Emirates’ Covid-19 cover? Travellers diagnosed with Covid-19 that want to make use of Emirates’ cover will first need to contact the airline’s Covid-19 response team. This can be done via a free hotline number (00971 4 270 8825) and support is available 24 hours a day. Travellers can also get in touch with the airline via WhatsApp (+971 56 35 89 937).
To avail of this service, travellers are advised to have their flight ticket, boarding pass, passport (including residency visa if applicable) and a positive Covid-19 test that’s dated after their first day of travel at hand.
For more details and latest Emirates developments, click here: https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/
As always, we advise you to follow FCO advice here prior to making travel plans.