Emirates launches travel insurance with conflict cover, hotel support, free extensions

Dubai: Emirates has launched what it describes as the world’s most comprehensive travel insurance cover, adding protection for conflict-related medical expenses, trip extensions and disruption support.

The world's largest international airline also said the insurance cover is backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support "across a range of disruption scenarios."

The new Comprehensive Travel Cover is available from Wednesday and can be purchased when booking flights on emirates.com or added to existing bookings through Manage Booking.

The insurance product includes unlimited worldwide medical expenses and emergency evacuation cover, trip cancellation protection, and compensation for baggage delays or loss.

A new conflict-related cover feature provides reimbursement of up to $25,000 for medical expenses and allows customers to extend their trip by up to 30 days at no additional cost. The cover applies regardless of government travel advice, according to Emirates.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Listening 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 added, "Therefore, 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," the aviation veteran said in a statement, after unveiling plans to launch the insurance to Financial Times in Berlin last week.

The expanded medical cover in the insurance product is supported by Travel Guard - a leading insurance provider- and additional disruption support by Emirates on top of the existing travel insurance offering.

Russel Antonio, Head of Global Business & Partnerships, Travel Guard, said "this new comprehensive travel product offers enhanced protection that sets a new benchmark in the industry and responds to the needs of today’s travellers.”

Conflict-related medical cover: Reimbursement of up to $25,000 for medical expenses linked to conflict-related incidents.

Free trip extension: Customers can extend their trip by up to 30 days in conflict-related situations.

Worldwide medical protection: Unlimited medical expense and emergency evacuation cover worldwide.

Trip cancellation cover: Protection against eligible cancellations before travel.

Baggage protection: Compensation for baggage delays or loss.

Airline-managed hotel accommodation: Emirates will arrange hotel stays during disruption scenarios, including airspace closures. This is provided as an airline service and is separate from the insurance benefit.

Rebooking support: Customers affected by cancellations, including conflict-related disruptions, will be rebooked to their destination at no additional cost when Emirates flights or connecting itineraries are unavailable.

Protection regardless of government travel advice: The conflict-related cover is not restricted by government travel advisories.

Flexible booking options: Customers also continue to have access to existing benefits, including free date changes for tickets booked from April 2 and the option to hold fares for 24 hours free of charge.

Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Malta.

Also, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom