Japan Airlines now offers COVID-19 coverage for international passengers

by Elton Gagni / December 11, 2020

There is no doubt that the world is already enroute to recovery with different companies ramping up tests and production of COVID-19 vaccines. But as economies continue to open up, there still remains the threat of the pandemic, which maintains the heightened need for additional safety and security measures, especially for those who are travelling to foreign countries.

Luckily, Japan Airlines (JAL) recently announced that it will be providing a new service called JAL Covid-19 Cover, as part of its JAL FlySafe program. This is to provide continued reassurance and support to many, if not all, of its passengers with essential travel needs during the global pandemic. JAL takes pride in this announcement as it is the first of its kind for a Japanese carrier.

Provided in partnership with Allianz Travel, JAL Covid-19 Cover includes coverage of up to EUR 150,000 in total medical costs resulting from the initial COVID-19 testing fee and subsequent medical treatment for those that test positive during their travels.

As an additional benefit for foreign nationals, JAL’s newest offering also has coverage for isolation costs and repatriation for those requiring such after a positive diagnosis. A global 24-hour support line in English and Japanese will also be available to assist customers exhibiting symptoms, providing further peace of mind throughout their journey. Services related to the coverage will be offered from December 23, 2020.

“As international flights gradually return to service, the JAL Group has implemented key measures against COVID-19 to provide customers a safe and secure travel experience. While it may take time to welcome back customers on a global scale, we hope this coverage with Allianz Travel will provide reassurance to those that need to travel today,” said Hideo Ninomiya, Managing Executive Officer of Passenger Sales, Japan Airlines.

Allianz Travel has also likewise expressed its support for the service and has assured the commitment of its assistance teams to provide peace of mind to JAL’s passengers.

“Allianz Travel is the specialized travel-related insurance and services brand from Allianz Partners, and we will leverage our vast experience in emergency assistance to travelers and our global medical network to support passengers affected by COVID-19,” said Patricia Moon, CEO of AWP Japan Co., Ltd., member of the Allianz Partners Group.

Below are the mechanics for JAL Covid-19 Cover:

• Those eligible for the coverage are passengers travelling on an international flight operated and marketed by JAL.
• The coverage includes testing and medical treatment fees resulting from a positive COVID-19 test of up to EUR 150,000. There is also additional coverage for isolation costs and repatriation.
• The offer will only cover those who get a positive test result for COVID-19.
• The offer is valid starting December 23, 2020 until June 30, 2021.
• It is valid for 31 days from the first leg of an international flight, but will expire upon return to the country of residence, whichever comes first.

The JAL Group has implemented key measures against COVID-19 at the airport and throughout the travel experience via its JAL FlySafe initiative. For more information about JAL Covid-19 Cover, visit the JAL website.

Read also:

• The flight to recovery
• Forward and upward: What post-pandemic travel will look like
• Japan opens up for PH travels