Additionally, the policies will cover the expenses associated with rescheduling flights due to the virus. Should a policyholder have to cancel or postpone a trip because they have Covid-19, the insurer will reimburse them for up to US$5,000 for irrecoverable travel costs. Policyholders who are placed under quarantine while on holiday will get up to $100 per day for a maximum of 15 days if they cannot isolate themselves safely in their booked accommodation.

The insurer explained this move comes as additional flights and destinations are opening up and people are looking forward to enjoying a holiday or travelling back home to reunite with their loved ones. It acknowledged that travellers might face ‘crippling healthcare bills’ if they contract the virus while overseas, unless sufficiently protected.

AXA Gulf Chief Personal Lines Officer Franck Heimburger said: “With the UAE leading the way in opening up to international travel, we recognised the need to ensure that our customers could travel safely. The costs associated with the Covid-19 effect can be significant, which perhaps explains why most travel insurance policies will not pay for claims arising from Covid-19. We recognise AXA has a role to play in helping the region’s economy recover so we took the decision to extend cover to coincide with the Eid al-Adha holidays.