Emirates has introduced a new comprehensive travel insurance product for South African travellers, becoming the first airline to offer a travel cover package that includes conflict-related medical protection alongside airline-managed disruption support.
Available from 17 June 2026, the new cover can be purchased when booking flights on emirates.com or added to existing reservations through the airline’s Manage Booking platform.
Enhanced protection includes conflict-related cover
The expanded policy, developed in partnership with Travel Guard, includes trip cancellation protection, baggage delay and loss cover, unlimited medical expenses and worldwide emergency evacuation benefits.
A key addition is conflict-related medical expense cover of up to US$25,000, along with a complimentary trip extension of up to 30 days for eligible travellers affected by disruption.
Emirates said the cover remains valid regardless of government travel advisories, addressing a gap in the market identified through customer feedback.
Additional airline support during disruptions
Beyond the insurance benefits, Emirates will provide airline-managed support for travellers impacted by disruptions, including airspace closures.
The airline said affected customers may receive hotel accommodation and extended-stay assistance, while passengers whose flights are cancelled due to conflict-related events may be rebooked on alternative airlines at no additional cost.
The support sits alongside existing customer flexibility measures, including complimentary ticket date changes on eligible fares and the option to hold a fare for 24 hours before purchasing.
Available in South Africa and key global markets
South Africa is among a select group of markets where the new product has been launched, alongside countries including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and several European destinations.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said strong travel demand had highlighted the need for broader travel protection.
“Listening to customer feedback, we realised that travel demand remains strong but there was a gap in the market with regards to travel insurance cover,” Clark said.
For the travel trade, the enhanced policy provides an additional point of differentiation for Emirates, particularly for travellers seeking greater certainty when booking long-haul international journeys.
