UAE's Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have announced free medical insurance for eligible international travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways flights, from July to December 2026.
The National Health Insurance Company (Daman) will issue and manage the insurance, which covers eligible travelers for up to 15 days within the UAE, according to a post on the Etihad Airways website.
No separate application is needed to obtain the cover, as it is granted automatically with every eligible Etihad Airways ticket to Abu Dhabi, provided that the point of departure and point of sale are outside the UAE and the flight is operated by Etihad Airways.
The initiative also covers travelers using Etihad Airways' free stopover program to spend time in Abu Dhabi, for the duration of their stay, according to the approved terms and conditions.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the initiative is part of providing an integrated experience for visitors to the emirate at every stage of their journey and enhancing the services offered to them from the moment they book travel to Abu Dhabi.
For his part, Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said providing medical insurance with eligible tickets allows travelers to focus on their experience of visiting Abu Dhabi and makes it easier to reach and stay in the emirate.
Khalid Ateeq Al Dhaheri, CEO of the National Health Insurance Company (Daman), noted that the initiative helps integrate medical insurance services into the stages of the travel journey, drawing on a wide network of healthcare providers in the UAE.
The cooperation between Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is part of efforts to enhance the visitor experience and remove the administrative burdens associated with health insurance, supporting travelers' safety and wellbeing during their stay.
Through the initiative, Abu Dhabi aims to support growing demand for visits to the emirate, which offers a range of cultural and entertainment destinations, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Saadiyat Cultural District and the theme parks of Yas Island.
To view the post on the Etihad Airways website, click here.
