Emirates and Etihad add travel insurance as Iran conflict keeps travellers on edge
As the Iran conflict continues to prompt stricter government travel advisories, two of the UAE’s largest carriers have introduced insurance policies to restore passenger confidence.
Emirates has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first airline-offered comprehensive travel insurance product with conflict-related medical coverage. Etihad Airways has partnered with Abu Dhabi authorities to provide complimentary medical insurance to international visitors.
The new airline-supplied coverage comes as travellers face growing uncertainty over flights to and through the Middle East. Conventional travel insurance policies often exclude destinations affected by conflict or government warnings.
Emirates adds conflict-related protection
Emirates said its new “Comprehensive Travel Cover” includes:
- Unlimited medical expenses and emergency evacuation worldwide
- Trip cancellation protection
- Compensation for delayed or lost baggage
- Up to US$25,000 in medical expenses arising from conflict-related incidents
- A complimentary trip extension of up to 30 days
- Coverage regardless of government travel advice
The Dubai-based airline’s insurance, developed with Travel Guard, also includes support beyond the insurance policy itself.
Customers affected by airspace closures or other disruptions can receive airline-managed hotel accommodation. If Emirates flights are unavailable, the carrier said it will rebook passengers on other airlines at no additional charge.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, said the new insurance product was developed in response to customer feedback. “We realised that travel demand remains strong, but there was a gap in the market with regards to travel insurance cover,” he said in the airline’s announcement. “We acted to address our customers’ needs. Together with Travel Guard, a leader in the global insurance industry, Emirates is pleased to offer an enhanced travel insurance product that is as comprehensive as it is reassuring for a wider range of situations. With strong demand for travel in summer, we are proud to offer our customers added confidence in planning their journeys to and through Dubai when they book with Emirates.”
Russel Antonio, Head of Global Business & Partnerships, Travel Guard, added that the comprehensive travel insurance “offers enhanced protection that sets a new benchmark in the industry and responds to the needs of today’s travellers.”
The product is available immediately and can be purchased at the time of booking or added later through the airline’s “Manage Booking” portal.
Etihad offers free medical insurance for Abu Dhabi visitors
Etihad and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism have announced complimentary medical travel insurance for international visitors arriving on Etihad-operated flights.
Beginning in July and running through December 2026, eligible passengers will automatically receive coverage provided by The National Insurance Company – Daman, part of PureHealth. No separate application is required.
The cover applies to visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights and is available to passengers whose journeys originate and are ticketed outside the UAE. It covers stays of up to 15 days and includes travellers using Etihad’s stopover programme.
“Abu Dhabi is one of the most captivating destinations in the world, and our job is to make both getting here and being here as seamless as possible. Giving comprehensive medical insurance with every eligible Etihad ticket means our guests can focus entirely on experiencing the extraordinary Emirati hospitality Abu Dhabi has to offer. This is what it looks like when an airline and a destination truly invest in their visitors,” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said in the airline’s announcement.
“Global interest in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, reflecting the destination’s unparalleled year-round cultural, tourism and entertainment offering,” said His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. “This initiative ensures we meet that demand with an exceptional, end-to-end visitor experience. Our partnership with Etihad will set a new benchmark for destination standards and ensure our guests feel welcomed, valued, and cared for from the moment they book.”
Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Company – Daman, added: “This initiative adds meaningful value to the visitor experience by integrating reliable medical insurance directly into the travel journey.”
A response to regional tensions
The insurance policies are a response to concerns among travellers transiting the Gulf. Some governments continue to maintain elevated travel warnings for parts of the region, which can invalidate or limit standard travel insurance policies.
Emirates’ new travel insurance is notable for extending coverage even when governments issue travel advisories — a provision that many travel insurance policies exclude. Etihad’s decision to include the insurance coverage in the ticket price is unique.
With summer travel demand remaining strong, the UAE’s two flagship airlines are betting that enhanced protection and greater flexibility will encourage travellers to keep booking despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
Featured Image: Boeing
