Etihad extends free COVID-19 insurance

This post includes everything you need to know about Etihad’s complimentary COVID-19 insurance cover.

Etihad has now extended its free COVID-19 insurance cover for all passengers flying with the airline up to 30 September 2021.

Who is eligible?

Everyone flying with Etihad regardless of ticket type is covered by this insurance policy. That includes passengers travelling on Etihad Guest Miles redemptions.

It does not matter whether you made your booking via an agent or direct with the airline. Both booking methods are covered.

The coverage is also automatic. There is no need to apply, fill out any forms or register with Etihad in advance.  

What are the benefits?

The insurance policy will cover your medical and quarantine costs if you end up being diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling. The specific limits are:

• 150,000 EUR of medical expenses 
• 100 EUR per day for up to 14 days of overseas quarantine 
• 1,500 EUR for funeral costs 
• Medical repatriation for traveller and family also covered at actual cost 

There are a few things to remember. The insurance only covers you while you are away from home. If you test positive for COVID-19 on your return, you will not be eligible for any cover. 

Crucially for expats, ‘home’ is defined as the country where you live more than 180 days per tax year. So British expats living in the UAE would be covered on visits back to the UK.

The insurance cover starts four hours before your first flight and lasts for a maximum of 31 days. On longer trips, you will not receive any cover if diagnosed with COVID-19 after the 31-day point.

How does it work?

You must contact the Etihad COVID-19 Assistance Team as soon as you have a COVID-19 diagnosis. Etihad will only reimburse medical care and quarantine costs they have pre-approved.

The contact details for the COVID-19 Assistance Team are:   

• English: +971 4 507 4007
• Arabic: +971 4 507 4002

Full details of Etihad’s COVID-19 insurance can be found here.

What COVID-19 insurance are other UAE airlines offering?

Emirates and flydubai are providing passengers with more extensive multi‑risk travel insurance with every flight, including cover for COVID‑19. The cover is currently available for all travel booked by 31 March 2021. However, it is highly likely it will be extended.

Air Arabia is providing passengers with a limited insurance policy capped at USD $20,000 for all travel up to 30 June 2021.

My thoughts

Providing free COVID-19 insurance for all passengers is a smart move by Etihad.

The prospect of travelling again is starting to look a little more realistic. The number of destinations exempt from quarantine on arrival in Abu Dhabi is slowly beginning to expand. This week Morocco and Saudia Arabia were both added to the Abu Dhabi green list.

The COVID-19 insurance adds a layer of reassurance for travellers and will definitely influence my choice of airline when we finally return to the skies.