With countries across the world implementing new travel rules and regulations in view of the emergence of the Omicron Coronavirus variant, Emirates Airline has reintroduced the complementary COVID-19 medical travel insurance for its passengers.

As per the initiative, passengers flying with Dubai-based airline are eligible to access the new COVID-19 Medical Travel Insurance on any Emirates flight booked and departing before March 2022 end.

The new insurance policy is implemented to replace the Emirates multi-risk travel insurance cover launched in July 2020. With this initiative, Emirates was the world's first airline to provide protection for COVID-19 related expenses to its passengers.

Earlier in November, the airline told the media that travellers booking flights after November 30 would not be eligible for the newly-introduced medical cover. 

“It is our plan to continue providing our customers with a complimentary Covid-19-related medical travel insurance cover,” an Emirates spokesperson told The National last month.

As per the airline's regulations under the new plan, passengers travelling to any destination on the Emirates network can use the policy to cover medical expenses of up to $175,000 in case they contract COVID-19 during their travels. Earlier, the policy provided a cover of up to €150,000 ($169,000) per person for medical and hospital costs.

For quarantine needs overseas, passengers can claim up to $115 per day per person for 14 days.

Similar to the previous plan, the new policy provides cover to travellers for the same time duration i.e up to 31 days from the date of their first flight with Emirates. It is important for passengers to take the first flight in any booking before March 31 to be eligible to use the insurance.

According to the airline, the cover is automatically added to all flight bookings. However, travellers are advised to contact the correct AIG representative in order to claim the policy if needed.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways is also offering a similar policy as part of the COVID-19 Wellness cover. It is included in every ticket booked for travel up to the end of March 2022.