It’s been about six months since Etihad Airways announced its passengers would have complimentary COVID-19 insurance. After one extension, the Abu Dhabi-based airline says that it will be extending this coverage further, through to October 1st, 2021.
“Extending Etihad’s COVID-19 global wellness insurance reinforces the effectiveness of Etihad Wellness, the airline’s health and hygiene programme. It’s an added benefit automatically provided to all guests – no exceptions.” -Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales & Cargo, Etihad Airways
Etihad’s passengers can worry-free
The airline says that guests who are diagnosed with COVID-19 during their Etihad trip won’t have to worry about medical expenses or quarantine costs. Based on our reporting in September, here are the finer details of the airline’s policy:
Etihad’s COVID-19 global wellness insurance will cover up to €150,000 ($180,000) of medical costs and up to €100 ($120) a day of quarantine costs in case of a positive diagnosis for 14 days.
Naturally, there’s a limit to the number of days of coverage. This insurance is only valid worldwide for 31 days from the first day of travel – which is still fairly generous.
An increasingly low-risk offer
As infection rates have been dropping worldwide, the offer of complimentary COVID-19 insurance becomes a lower risk for Etihad and its insurance provider. Furthermore, as vaccinations continue, the risk will continue to go down.
At the same time, however, the overall situation can change – with the biggest threat to progress at the moment being the new variants in circulation. Thus, it’s a wise move to have COVID-19 insurance when stepping into an airport and onto an aircraft – especially if it’s included in the ticket price.
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales & Cargo, Etihad Airways, adds that Etihad will continue to gradually expand its services to up to 60 destinations this spring. He hopes that by offering this coverage, the airline can “instill confidence to travel” and “reassure guests Etihad is doing everything it can to keep them safe and protected.”
Like most other airlines and their insurance policies, this insurance coverage is included with every Etihad Airways ticket. Guess need only book their flight with Etihad Airways, either directly or via a travel agent or other third party.
Eligible guests diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travels are requested to contact Etihad’s COVID-19 Assistance Team as soon as possible. It notes that “this is really important as you will not be reimbursed for any services that have not been organized by Etihad COVID-19 Assistance.”
The airline adds that travelers will not be covered for the cost of PCR tests. However, COVID-19 PCR testing is included with all flights from Abu Dhabi when travelers book and fly with Etihad up to March 31st, 2021. However, this offer excludes flights to China.
Does complimentary COVID-19 insurance persuade you to choose one airline over another? Let us know in the comments.