Emirates coronavirus (COVID-19) cover: Free coverage for all passengers announced

Emirates will offer free coverage for COVID-19-related expenses for passengers, including medical and quarantine expenses, in what the airline is touting as a world first.

The Middle-East carrier will offer coverage for medical expenses of approximately $245,000 and quarantine costs of approximately $160 per day for 14 days for any passenger that is diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel, while they are away from home.

The airline said in a statement that the cover would be free to passengers regardless of which class they flew in and would be effective immediately for anyone flying up to and including October 31.

Cover would be valid for 31 days from the date of their first flight with the airline and would still apply even if they move on to a new destination after their original flight.

Travel insurance for COVID-19 remains a major barrier to restarting international travel, with most insurers refusing coverage for pandemics or "known or foreseen" events. Many Australian insurers declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic or a known event in late January - the World Health Organisation did not declare a pandemic until March.

Emirates group chairman and chief executive, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the airline was taking COVID-19 protection "to the next level".

"We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually re-open, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel," he said.

Passengers are not required to fill out any forms in order to receive the coverage, they just need to call a dedicated hotline available on the airline's website if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling.