Flying to Abu Dhabi? Etihad passengers will receive complimentary medical cover for 15 days
New partnership removes travel formalities for eligible guests worldwide
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi have launched a new initiative offering complimentary medical travel insurance to international visitors travelling to or through Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights.
The coverage, provided in partnership with The National Insurance Company – Daman, will automatically apply to eligible travellers without requiring any separate application.
Starting from July 2026 and continuing until December 2026, the initiative will provide medical insurance coverage for up to 15 days in the UAE, adding a new layer of support to the visitor experience. The move reflects the efforts of Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance the journey beyond air travel, ensuring guests have greater convenience from booking through their stay.
The complimentary insurance will be available to international visitors holding qualifying Etihad tickets, with the point of origin and point of sale both outside the UAE. Travellers using Etihad’s complimentary Stopover Programme to explore Abu Dhabi during their journey will also be included for the duration of their stay, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Medical cover for travellers
Under the new partnership, eligible guests will receive the medical cover automatically as part of their Etihad booking, eliminating the need for additional paperwork or separate registration. The insurance is underwritten and administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, part of PureHealth, and provides access to healthcare support during the covered period.
The initiative comes as Abu Dhabi continues to attract visitors with its expanding tourism, cultural and entertainment offerings. The emirate has strengthened its position as a global destination through attractions including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat Island’s cultural landmarks and Yas Island’s entertainment experiences.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Global interest in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, reflecting the destination’s unparalleled year-round cultural, tourism and entertainment offering. This initiative ensures we meet that demand with an exceptional, end-to-end visitor experience.”
He added that the partnership with Etihad would help establish new destination standards by ensuring guests feel welcomed and supported from the moment they make their booking.
Travel experience
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the initiative was designed to make travelling to and staying in Abu Dhabi more seamless for guests.
“Abu Dhabi is one of the most captivating destinations in the world, and our job is to make both getting here and being here as seamless as possible,” he said. “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.”
Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of The National Insurance Company – Daman, said the programme supports the company’s focus on health and wellbeing while enhancing the overall visitor journey.
The partnership builds on Daman’s role within the UAE’s healthcare sector and integrates medical protection directly into the travel process, allowing visitors to access support through one of the country’s healthcare networks.
The initiative is part of a wider collaboration between Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi to strengthen the emirate’s appeal among international travellers. By combining flight services with additional visitor benefits, the partnership aims to provide a smoother experience for guests arriving in Abu Dhabi.
Visitors can continue to explore Abu Dhabi’s mix of heritage, culture and modern attractions, whether planning longer holidays, short breaks or using the Etihad Stopover Programme while travelling across the airline’s growing global network.