Today, Emirates announced it would cover medical expenses and quarantine costs if its travelers are diagnosed with COVID-19 during their journeys. The Middle Eastern carrier became the first airline worldwide to execute this kind of initiative. Let’s investigate further.
How much will Emirates cover?
The passengers of Emirates should travel with “peace in mind,” said the carrier, due to the launch of the COVID-19 assistance. The objective is to boost the travel confidence of worldwide passengers, as the airlines are trying to recover from the current crisis.
To do that, Emirates will cover medical expenses of up to EUR 150,000 and quarantine costs of EUR 100 per day for 14 days. The insurance is free to its customers, said Emirates in a statement. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman, and Chief Executive said,
“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.”
Recently, Emirates has relaunched several destinations across the world. It has also announced new flights for the next months. Since the carrier depends entirely on its international network, the launch of this medical expense program makes sense. It is also requiring COVID-19 testing for some passengers, including those coming from the US.
Reading the fine print
Nevertheless, there is a fine print in Emirates initiative. Let’s look into it.
The cover’s launch is effective immediately, but only covers customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020. That means that the first flight has to be completed on or before 31 October.
After that, the cover is valid for 31 days. It benefits customers almost regardless of their location, as long as it was mentioned in the trip booking form. That means they can travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination, said the airline. Nevertheless, there is no assistance in the country of residence of the travelers.
The passengers will also “benefit from repatriation assistance, assistance with medical and hospital costs, and assistance with quarantine accommodation costs in an approved designated facility”.
What is the insurance covering?
According to the terms and conditions of the free COVID-19 assistance, there are several items that passengers must take into account.
First, COVID-19 testing expenses are not covered. If the passenger tests positive, Emirates urges him to contact the carrier as soon as possible, because the payments will be settled only with the medical facility. “If you pay, you will not be able to claim these expenses later,” said Emirates.
Also, it excludes deliberate and fraudulent acts, consumption of alcohol, and drugs that are not medically prescribed.
When does the cover end?
NEXtCARE will assist Emirates. It will provide a doctor to diagnose the travelers of Emirates and take care of the traveler while he recovers. As Emirates states, “COVID-19 Assistance cover ceases on the day on which NEXtCARE’s doctors consider that it is possible for you to be repatriated.”
“It is an investment on our part, but we are putting our customers first, and we believe they will welcome this initiative,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
What do you think of Emirate’s measure? Let us know in the comments.
