Etihad Airways Partners with DCT Abu Dhabi to Offer Free Medical Insurance for International Travelers, ETTravelWorld

Etihad Airways has partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to provide complimentary medical travel insurance to eligible international visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights.

The initiative, which will run from July through December 2026, is designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s tourism proposition by integrating medical protection into the travel experience. The insurance is underwritten and administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, part of PureHealth, and provides coverage for up to 15 days in the UAE.

Under the programme, international travellers flying to Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated services with both the point of origin and point of sale outside the UAE will automatically receive the insurance coverage. No separate application process is required. Travellers using Etihad’s Stopover Programme are also eligible for coverage during their stay in Abu Dhabi, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

The launch comes as Abu Dhabi continues to attract growing international visitor interest through its combination of cultural attractions, leisure experiences and tourism infrastructure. The initiative aims to simplify travel planning by including medical coverage within the ticketing process and reducing administrative requirements for visitors.

His Excellency 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. Our partnership with Etihad will set a new benchmark for destination standards and ensure our guests feel welcomed, valued, and cared for from the moment they book.”

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, added: “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. 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. This is what it looks like when an airline and a destination truly invest in their visitors.”

Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of The National Insurance Company – Daman, said: “Protecting people’s health and wellbeing is central to Daman’s role as the UAE’s leading health insurer. This initiative adds meaningful value to the visitor experience by integrating reliable medical insurance directly into the travel journey. Building on more than 20 years as a trusted partner in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem, Daman is proud to support Etihad Airways and DCT Abu Dhabi in delivering a differentiated offering for visitors, underpinned by access to one of the UAE’s most comprehensive medical provider networks and world-class healthcare services.”

The partnership reflects a broader effort by Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance the visitor journey while supporting tourism growth. By embedding medical coverage into eligible flight bookings, the programme seeks to provide additional reassurance for travellers visiting the UAE capital and complements Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism offerings, including cultural landmarks, leisure attractions and stopover experiences.