AXA Gulf steps in to address travellers Covid-19 concerns by extending its travel insurance cover to include Covid-19

Dubai: AXA Gulf, one of the largest international insurers in the GCC has announced immediate plans to include cover for COVID-19 under all its travel insurance policies.

With additional flights and destinations opening up all the time, people are understandably looking forward to travelling overseas and enjoying a well-deserved holiday or traveling back home to reunite with their loved ones. However, with the number of reported global cases of COVID-19 now exceeding 15 million, it is important not to be complacent.

With an average daily cost of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a developed country being as much as USD 5,000, business and leisure travelers might face crippling healthcare bills if they contract the virus whilst travelling.

Ahead of Eid-Al-Adha break, AXA Insurance has taken a decision to extend the coverage of its travel insurance policies to include the cost of COVID-19 emergency medical expenses. In addition, it will cover the expenses associated with the rescheduling of a return flight caused as a result of the virus.

The insurer points out that problems can also arise if you have to cancel or postpone a trip in the event you test positive for COVID-19. In this unfortunate event, even if your symptoms are mild or asymptomatic, you won’t be able to travel and you might forfeit the cost of your holiday.  However, AXA will reimburse its travel insurance policyholders for an amount of up to USD 5,000 for irrecoverable travel costs. Should customers find themselves having to be placed in quarantine whilst overseas, the insurer will pay up to USD 100 per day for a maximum of (15) days if they cannot isolate themselves safely in their booked accommodation.

Commenting on the announcement, Franck Heimburger, Chief Personal Lines Officer at AXA Gulf, said; “At AXA our purpose is to protect what matters. With the UAE leading the way in opening up to international travel, we recognized the need to ensure that our customers could travel safely, secure in the knowledge that AXA Gulf was there to help them.

The costs associated with the COVID-19 effect can be significant, which perhaps explains why most travel insurance policies won’t pay for claims arising from COVID-19. As the region’s leading insurer, we recognize 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.

As one of the largest global insurers, our team is available around the clock for any medical emergency assistance you may need worldwide.”

Those interested in learning more about AXA Gulf’s travel insurance can call 800 292 or visit our website.

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ABOUT AXA

AXA, one of the largest global insurers, is a worldwide leader in Insurance and Asset Management with a purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters. In the Gulf region, AXA has been present for 70 years, offering a wide range of insurance products and services for corporate, SME and individual customers.

AXA in the Gulf is one of the largest international players in the GCC, covering the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar markets, with a workforce of over 800 employees, 15 branches and retail shops region-wide and over 1 million customers. With a range of products and services tailored to each customer, covering property & casualty insurance and life & health insurance, AXA in the Gulf is a multi-lined one-stop shop insurer.

Additionally, AXA is focused on helping the world better face climate risk, whilst also extending protection and risk knowledge to the public, in an effort to contribute to global economic development and become a trusted partner for customers in the region.

Recognised as a leading insurance brand, AXA has been winning several awards for its quality of services and products. For more information visit www.axa.ae

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
AXA:                                                          
Patrick Abou Chahla
Communication Manager
patrick.abouchahla@axa-gulf.com
+971 4 447 6152

WEBER SHANDWICK:
David Ross
Senior Account Director
DRoss@webershandwick.com
+971 4 445 4260 

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Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause actual results and AXA’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 - “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Document de Référence (Annual Report) for the year ended December 31, 2016, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

© Press Release 2020