Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways offers global Covid-19 insurance cover to passengers

Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways has introduced the Covid-19 global wellness insurance cover, it announced on September 7.

Passengers will be covered for up to EUR150,000 of medical costs and up to EUR100 a day of quarantine costs in case of a positive diagnosis for 14 days.

Part of Etihad Wellness, the airline’s new health and hygiene programme, the insurance cover will span across all guests who are diagnosed with the coronavirus infection during their trip.

All Etihad tickets, regardless of the date on which they have been booked, will include the Covid-19 insurance for those traveling until December 31, 2020.

Introducing our COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover – just one of the ways we promise to keep you protected. If you’re tested positive for COVID-19 while you’re away, we’ll take care of your medical expenses and quarantine costs. Learn more: https://t.co/fRDv5UEJEG pic.twitter.com/2ooRz5UxKA

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) September 7, 2020

Guests with existing bookings will be enrolled automatically into the programme. The insurance is valid worldwide for 31 days from the first day of travel.

Duncan Bureau, senior vice president, sales and distribution, Etihad Airways, said: “The safety, health, and wellbeing of our guests and employees is our top priority, during and beyond the flight. The introduction of global Covid-19 insurance, in partnership with AXA, builds on stringent measures already in place as part of our Etihad Wellness programme, championed by our Wellness Ambassadors.

“This additional cover will not only instil confidence to travel but also reassure our guests that we are doing all we can to keep them safe and protected. As more countries start opening their borders, we are making it as easy as possible for our guests to plan their next trip, hassle free.”

“At AXA, we are focused on improving the customer experience and wellness of individuals during these times. As such, we are proud to partner with one of the world’s leading airlines, Etihad Airways, and provide their extensive loyal travellers with new protection solutions when needed most,” noted Adelane Mecellem, chief executive officer, Asia, Middle-East, Turkey and Africa at AXA Partners.

Customers can book their tickets on the carrier’s website or mobile app, by calling the airline’s contact centre or through a travel agency.

In related company news, Etihad has reinstated all staff allowances but has extended salary cuts for its employees until the end of the year. The cuts, however, have been capped at 10 per cent.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad extends reduced pay for employees till end of the year; caps cut at 10%

Etihad Airways reported a 50 per cent dip in passengers numbers during H1 2020, having ferried 3.5 million customers, compared to 8.2 million in H1 2019.

Read more: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad registers 58% dip in passenger numbers for H1 2020

Flagship carrier of the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, Emirates also announced Covid-19 related cover for passengers in July, allowing customers to claim medical expenses of up to EUR150,000 and quarantine costs of EUR100 per day for 14 days, regardless of the class of travel or destination on flights undertaken until October 31.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to be first airline to offer free cover for Covid-19 medical costs for passengers