Etihad Airways is hoping to stimulate demand by promising a global wellness insurance cover against the coronavirus. This facility is offered as part of of Etihad Wellnessthe airline's new health and hygiene programme. The airline has teamed up with insurer AXA to develop this product.
The Etihad Wellness programme automatically covers all passengers who test positive for covid-19 while travelling abroad. Only in this case will Etihad passengers not have to worry about medical or quarantine costs.
According to Duncan Bureau, Senior Vice President Sales and Distribution, Etihad Airways, the insurance is in fact an extension of the health protection measures for passengers: "The safety, health and well-being of our passengers and employees are our absolute priority, both during and after the flight. This covid-19 cover, in partnership with AXA, complements the strict measures already in place as part of our Etihad Wellness programme", he explains.
This insurance also has a psychological effect, according to the Vice President Sales. "Not only will it give travellers confidence, but it also seeks to reassure countries welcoming foreign travellers. We are showing them that we are doing everything in our power to protect them and keep them safe. We are acting to make it as easy as possible for our passengers to plan their next trip, hassle-free".
PCR tests are still excluded
The formalities for insurance cover are reduced to a minimum. Passengers are automatically enrolled in the programme.
The insurance is activated by a simple call from the passenger if they are diagnosed as positive for covid-19 (subject to approval by AXA). The COVID-19 global well-being insurance then covers up to 150,000 in medical expenses. In addition, up to €100 per day is paid for quarantine costs in the event of a positive diagnosis. This cover is active for 14 days.
However, there are a number of restrictions: this comprehensive insurance has limited validity since it is only offered by Etihad that between 7 September -the date of the announcement- and 31 December 2020. The insurance is valid worldwide for 31 days from the date of departure on Etihad. AttentionHowever, the insurance does not cover a simple PCR test.. Nor does it cover possible infection on return to the country of origin..
