Medical cover for conflict-related incidents is included in new travel insurance being offered by Emirates.
The scheme is being backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support “across a range of disruption scenarios” including airspace closures.
The Dubai-based carrier claims to be the first in the world to offer this level of comprehensive travel cover.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of an initial peace deal between the US and Iran following more than three months of conflict.
The airline said: “When itineraries include connecting on other airlines or Emirates services are unavailable, Emirates will also rebook disrupted customers to their destination at no additional cost, including where flights have been cancelled due to conflict-related disruption.
“Customers can now plan and travel with even greater peace of mind from the moment they book their journey, with expanded medical cover in the insurance product, supported by Travel Guard, and additional disruption support by Emirates on top of the existing travel insurance offering.”
The comprehensive travel scheme includes trip cancellation cover, compensation for baggage delay or loss, unlimited medical expense and emergency evacuation cover worldwide.
Conflict cover provides reimbursement for medical expenses of up to $25,000 and a free trip extension of up to 30 days. The cover is not restricted by government travel advice, according to the airline.
It is available at an undisclosed “accessible premium” offering “exceptional value”.
Emirates Airline president Sir Tim Clark 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
“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.”
Russel Antonio, Travel Guard head of global business and partnerships, added: “Our long-standing collaboration with Emirates is grounded in a shared commitment to elevating the customer experience.
“By combining our strengths once again, 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.”
