Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) have launched a complimentary medical travel insurance programme for eligible international visitors arriving in the UAE capital on Etihad-operated flights, the airline said on Friday.

The initiative, which will run from July through December 2026, provides up to 15 days of medical travel insurance coverage in the UAE for qualifying passengers flying to Abu Dhabi. The National Insurance Company–Daman, a subsidiary of PureHealth, underwrites and administers the coverage.

According to Etihad, eligible tickets automatically include the insurance and do not require a separate application process. The offer applies to passengers travelling on Etihad-operated flights to Abu Dhabi, provided both the point of origin and point of sale are outside the UAE. Travellers using the airline's stopover programme in Abu Dhabi will also be covered during their stay, subject to terms and conditions.

The airline said the programme was introduced in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi as part of efforts to enhance the visitor experience and support growing international demand for travel to the emirate.

"Global interest in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, reflecting the destination's unparalleled year-round cultural, tourism and entertainment offering," said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. He said the initiative aims to provide visitors with an enhanced end-to-end travel experience and set a new benchmark for destination services.

Etihad Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the complimentary insurance would allow travellers to focus on their visit while benefiting from additional peace of mind. "Giving comprehensive medical insurance with every eligible Etihad ticket means our guests can focus entirely on experiencing the extraordinary Emirati hospitality Abu Dhabi has to offer," he said.

Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Daman, said the programme integrates medical coverage directly into the travel journey and provides access to the insurer's healthcare provider network across the UAE.

Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi said the programme reflects their joint commitment to improving visitor services and encouraging more travellers to choose Abu Dhabi as either a final destination or a stopover point within the carrier's expanding global network.

Source: PR