Etihad & Abu Dhabi Tourism Launch Free Medical Insurance for International Visitors

Travelling abroad often comes with a long checklist—flights, visas, accommodation, itineraries and, increasingly, travel insurance. Abu Dhabi is now looking to simplify at least one part of that process. In a move aimed at making travel to the emirate more seamless, Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced a complimentary medical travel insurance programme for eligible international visitors arriving on Etihad-operated flights.

The initiative will run from July to December 2026 and is designed to provide an added layer of reassurance for travellers visiting the UAE capital. Under the programme, eligible passengers will automatically receive medical coverage for up to 15 days during their stay in the UAE, without having to complete a separate application or purchase an additional policy.

At a time when travellers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, flexibility and peace of mind, the move reflects a broader shift in how destinations are competing for visitors. Beyond attractions and experiences, destinations are increasingly focusing on the overall travel journey—from booking a ticket to arriving, exploring and returning home.

Added Travel Assurance

The complimentary insurance will be administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, one of the UAE's leading health insurers and part of PureHealth. The coverage applies to international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights to Abu Dhabi, provided both the point of origin and the point of sale are outside the UAE.

Importantly, travellers do not need to take any additional steps to enrol. The insurance is automatically included with eligible bookings, removing the paperwork and administrative processes often associated with purchasing travel coverage.

Passengers taking advantage of Etihad's Stopover Programme will also be covered during their stay in Abu Dhabi, making the initiative particularly relevant for travellers looking to spend a few days exploring the city before continuing onward to another destination.

While travel insurance has long been considered a recommended extra for international trips, many travellers either overlook it or view it as another cost added to an already expensive holiday. By embedding medical protection directly into the ticketing process, Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi are effectively making coverage part of the travel experience rather than an optional add-on.

Tourism Growth Strategy

The launch comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination. Over the past few years, the emirate has expanded its appeal beyond business travel, drawing visitors with a combination of cultural landmarks, luxury hospitality, entertainment attractions and curated stopover experiences.

Visitors today can move between vastly different experiences within a single trip—admiring the architecture of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, exploring the museums and galleries of Saadiyat Island, spending a day at Yas Island's theme parks or discovering the city's growing culinary scene.

As international tourism becomes increasingly competitive, destinations are seeking new ways to differentiate themselves. For Abu Dhabi, integrating medical coverage into the visitor journey adds another layer to its broader strategy of creating a friction-free travel experience.

The initiative also aligns with wider industry trends. Following the pandemic, traveller awareness around health, safety and emergency preparedness has grown significantly. Many visitors now pay closer attention to healthcare access and insurance coverage before choosing a destination. Offering medical protection as part of a flight booking addresses those concerns directly while reducing uncertainty around unexpected healthcare costs during a trip.

Seamless Visitor Experience

The programme highlights a growing collaboration between airlines, tourism boards and healthcare providers to enhance destination experiences beyond traditional marketing campaigns.

For travellers, the benefit is straightforward: eligible visitors can arrive in Abu Dhabi knowing that medical coverage is already in place for the first 15 days of their stay. For the destination, it reinforces a message of accessibility, preparedness and visitor care.

The partnership between Etihad Airways, DCT Abu Dhabi and Daman is expected to support the emirate's tourism ambitions during the second half of 2026, particularly as Abu Dhabi continues to attract leisure travellers, stopover guests and first-time visitors from international markets.

As travel becomes increasingly experience-driven, initiatives like this suggest that the future of tourism may be shaped not only by what travellers can see and do once they arrive, but also by how supported they feel throughout the journey. For visitors heading to Abu Dhabi later this year, that support will begin before they even board the flight.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the complimentary medical insurance?
International travellers flying to Abu Dhabi on eligible Etihad-operated flights, with both origin and ticket purchase outside the UAE.

2. How long is the coverage valid?
The complimentary medical insurance covers visitors for up to 15 days during their stay.

3. Do travellers need to apply for the insurance?
No. Eligible passengers are automatically enrolled with their booking.

4. Is the Etihad Stopover Programme included?
Yes. Travellers using Etihad's Stopover Programme are also eligible, subject to terms and conditions.

5. When is the programme available?
The initiative runs from July to December 2026.