Amid the ongoing battle against the Coronavirus pandemic, UAE's national airline Etihad Airways has extended its COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover until September 30, 2021.

Under the insurance, passengers are covered for EUR150,000 worth of medical costs and up to EUR100 a day of quarantine costs if any positive case is diagnosed among travelers in the past 14 days. Significantly, the insurance is valid across all countries in the world for 31 days from the first day of travel.

Speaking over the development, Martin Drew, senior vice president of sales and cargo at Etihad, said that it is an added benefit automatically provided to all guests without any exceptions. This decision was taken to ensure that passengers fly with Etihad with confidence amid the difficult circumstances.

“As Etihad continues to gradually expand its services to up to 60 destinations this spring, the airline wants to instill confidence to travel and hopes this additional cover will reassure guests Etihad is doing everything it can to keep them safe and protected,” Drew added.

Passengers booking tickets with the airline are automatically enrolled into the program, They are not required to fill any additional forms for the benefits. As per reports, the airline first introduced the initiative as part of its Etihad Wellness program in September 2020.

In addition, Etihad has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to trial the IATA Travel Pass. It is a mobile app aimed at helping passengers to manage their travel journey and accessing relevant government requirements and information related to COVID-19 testing or vaccine. Initially, the IATA Travel Pass will be provided to Etihad’s guests on select flights from Abu Dhabi in the first quarter of 2021.

In line with the ongoing efforts to vaccinate all members of the community, the airline has affirmed that all pilots and cabin crew have been given the COVID-19 vaccination.