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Etihad has become the latest airline to offer free COVID-19 insurance to passengers.

Etihad describes the cover provided as follows:

“Introducing our COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover – just one of the ways we promise to keep you protected with Etihad Wellness. Our cover is included with every Etihad Airways ticket  travelling from 7 September 2020 up to 31 December 2020, so wherever you’re flying to, you can travel there with confidence.

(Note that If you purchased your ticket from another airline or a codeshare partner airline, you will not be covered, even if one or more flights of your journey is on an Etihad aircraft)

Our COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover is an extension to your travel insurance, giving you extra peace of mind as you travel the world. If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 whilst you’re away, we’ll take care of your medical expenses and quarantine costs. No stress, no hassle. Simple.

Simply book your flight with Etihad Airways and you’ll be covered for 31 days from the first day of your trip. You can book direct or via a travel agent or other third party.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 whilst you’re away, please contact our Etihad COVID-19 Assistance Team as soon as possible. This is really important as you will not be reimbursed for any services that have not been organised by Etihad COVID-19 Assistance. Please note you will not be covered for the cost of PCR tests.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while you’re away from home, COVID-19 global wellness insurance will cover up to EUR150K of medical costs and up to EUR100 a day of quarantine costs in case of a positive diagnosis for 14 days.”

Bottom line

It is good to see more airlines beginning to offer COVID-19 insurance, but do take careful note of the terms and conditions.

In particular, be aware that Etihad flights booked through a codeshare partner airline do not qualify, and that “(y)ou must obtain pre-approval from Etihad COVID-19 Global Wellness Insurance Cover by calling AXA for any expenses…Failure to do this will void any assistance.”