Emirates unveils industry-first travel insurance for international passengers
Emirates has become the first airline in the world to offer Comprehensive Travel Cover
Emirates has become the world’s first airline to offer Comprehensive Trave Cover, the airline announced on June 17. An industry-first travel insurance product, it will include medical cover for conflict-related incidents, backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support across a range of disruption scenarios.
Importantly, the cover is not restricted by government travel advice, and covers trip cancellation cover, compensation for baggage delay or loss, unlimited medical expense and emergency evacuation cover worldwide, among other generous benefits. Newly added conflict cover provides reimbursement for medical expenses of up to US$ 25,000 and a free trip extension of up to 30 days.
When itineraries include connecting on other airlines or Emirates services are unavailable, Emirates will also rebook disrupted customers to their destination at no additional cost, including where flights have been cancelled due to conflict-related disruption.
Available to customers from today, Wednesday, June 17, it must be added on at the time of booking, or can be added to your existing booking via the Manage Booking portal.
Unlike Etihad, who announced on June 12 that it would be introducing complimentary medical travel insurance for visits to the UAE capital between July and December 2026, travellers must pay for Emirates’ Comprehensive Travel Cover.
The price is dependent on your home country, as well as how long your trip is. A quick look online for a week-long trip from Manchester to Dubai puts the cost at GBP 46 (Dhs226), while a two-week jaunt from Milan to Dubai comes with travel insurance for EUR 74 (Dhs315).
Comprehensive Travel Cover is available to purchase in the following markets:
Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
What to know about Etihad’s Abu Dhabi travel insurance
From July 2026, visitors flying with Etihad Airways will automatically receive complimentary medical travel insurance for up to 15 days during their stay in the UAE
The initiative, launched by Etihad Airways in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and The National Insurance Company, Daman, will be available from July to December 2026.
The insurance will be automatically included with eligible Etihad tickets, meaning travellers won’t need to fill out any forms or submit a separate application.
