ABU DHABI: For many travelers, a trip to Abu Dhabi begins with excitement.
There are hotel plans, family visits, sightseeing, shopping, and maybe a short stopover before flying to another country.
But one question often stays in the back of the mind: What happens if someone gets sick during the trip?
Starting July 2026, Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi want to make that worry smaller.
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Free Cover Starts Before Visitors Land
Etihad Airways has partnered with DCT Abu Dhabi to give free medical travel insurance to eligible international visitors flying into Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights.
The insurance will be valid from July to December 2026.
It will cover eligible visitors for up to 15 days while they are in the UAE.
The cover is underwritten and administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, which is part of PureHealth.
No Extra Application Needed
One key detail travelers will want to know is this: there is no formal application required.
The insurance is automatically included with every qualifying Etihad ticket.
To be eligible, the traveler must fly to Abu Dhabi on an Etihad-operated service.
The point of origin and point of sale must also be outside the UAE.
Visitors using Etihad’s complimentary Stopover Programme to spend time in Abu Dhabi are also covered during their stay, subject to terms and conditions.
Why Abu Dhabi Is Adding This Perk
DCT Abu Dhabi said global interest in the emirate continues to grow.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the partnership aims to give visitors a stronger end-to-end experience and make them feel cared for from the moment they book.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the goal is to make travel to Abu Dhabi more seamless, so guests can focus on enjoying the emirate’s hospitality.
Daman CEO Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri said the insurance adds value by connecting reliable medical cover directly to the travel journey.
