Dubai-based VFS Global adds Covid-19 coverage to international travel insurance

Visa services outsourcing company VFS Global is offering Covid-19 insurance coverage for travellers.

The policy complies with EU requirements and waives the exclusion of epidemic and pandemic diseases in most travel medical insurance plans.

Travellers to countries in the Schengen area, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine require travel insurance with a Covid-19 cover ahead of applying for a visa.

Developed by insurers such as AXA, ALLIANZ and AIG, the policy offered through VFS Global caters to the requirements of client governments while protecting travellers against Covid-19 related issues while abroad.

The policy covers emergency medical care and repatriation costs should travellers contract the virus whilst travelling and need to return home. Additionally, Covid-19 cover is also available for those travelling to other destinations worldwide, including the USA and Canada. Although not mandatory for visa applications, travellers may need insurance with a Covid-19 cover as a precaution when travelling overseas.

The policy also covers the costs of an outward/return journey to enable a member of the insured’s family to get to him/her in the hospital as well as local accommodation.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to be first airline to offer free cover for Covid-19 medical costs for passengers

The basic plan with Covid-19 cover for a minimum of five days costs Dhs95 for applicants aged 65 and below. VFS Global says it is offering a 50 per cent discount for children under 16 years old.

UAE airlines are also offering coverage for Covid-19 to passengers.

Emirates became the first airline in the world to offer travellers free cover against Covid-19-related expenses. All Emirates passengers can use the cover for medical expenses of up to €150,000 (Dhs638,118) if they contract Covid-19 during their travels.

Etihad followed suit, offering the Covid-19 insurance as part of its Etihad Wellness programme, which aims to keep passengers safe when flying during the pandemic.

Read: Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways offers global Covid-19 insurance cover to passengers