(Photo: arabianbusiness.com)

Emirates Airlines will cover expenses for passengers who contract COVID-19

The travel industry has struggled since the announcement of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but Emirates Airlines is hoping to gain more passengers with the announcement of their new insurance plan. The new insurance plan will provide coverage for passengers who contract COVID-19 on any Emirates Airline flight with financial assistance for medical expenses and funeral costs.

The new insurance plan will provide financial assistance including quarantine costs, medical expenses, and other fees for the care of COVID-19 patients. Emirates announced on July 23 they will be updating their insurance policy to encourage travel confidence in regards to COVID-19.

In an Emirates press release they disclosed that will pay up to $174,500 in medical expenses, $117 per day for quarantine costs, and $1,756 to cover approved funeral arrangements. Emirates wanted to make sure every passenger was covered without extra hassle while booking so every passenger who buys a ticket will automatically be covered by the policy up to 31 days after traveling.

As directed by @HHShkMohd, @emirates will be the first airline to offer free cover for COVID-19 medical costs for customers when they travel to & from UAE & around the world. This will boost travel confidence & once again positions Emirates & Dubai as aviation industry leaders. pic.twitter.com/9mUBeDnx1X

— HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (@HHAhmedBinSaeed) July 23, 2020

This new policy is set to end on October 31 but they might consider renewing the policy in the near future if it proves to be necessary. Emirates Group CEO, Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, disclosed in a statement, “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.”

The CEO goes onto reassure passengers will be safe during their flight and working on a new system of operations that adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols. According to the new policy, Emirates will not cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and all medical expenses must be approved before they are covered.

The claim also states that all expenses will only be settled directly with the clinic, hospital, or other medical facilities. According to the guidelines outline, if a customer pays, they will not be able to claim these expenses and services will not be paid or reimbursed. Emirates COVID-19 Cover Assistance will determine and organize coverage for passengers.