Emirates Is the First Airline to Cover COVID-19 Medical Expenses

Emirates has announced that it will cover medical expenses and quarantine costs for passengers who might be diagnosed with COVID-19 while traveling.

Passengers will be covered for medical expenses up to €150,000 ($176,000) and quarantine costs of €100 ($118) per day for 14 days in isolation. The coverage is free for passengers booking on the airline.

According to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates group chairman and chief executive, “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.”

Maktoum said that the plan was “an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this initiative.”

The initiative covers customers flying in all classes of service and to all destinations the airline serves from now until October 31. It is valid for 31 days from the first sector of the journey, meaning coverage extends if the passenger travels onwards to another city after landing at the original Emirates destination.

The coverage begins by booking a ticket, no forms are needed. If a flier has been affected they should call the hotline found at emirates.com/COVID19assistance. The airline warns that passengers must be in compliance with local authorities as to travel restrictions to be eligible for the program.

American travelers may now travel to Dubai but there are restrictions. A COVID-free test taken no more than 96 hours before departure is necessary. Other restrictions and warnings if you test positive are available at the Emirates website.

Note: these restrictions are changing as of August 1; the new rules are posted at the bottom of the web page.