Airline vows to pay for your funeral if you catch coronavirus when flying with them

Emirates is now offering to pay towards your funeral if you catch Covid-19 when flying with them and then die.

The bizarre customer guarantee is part of the airline's bigger plan to raise public confidence in air travel.

The travel company has introduced a new type of insurance that will cover for medical treatment, hotel quarantine costs and even a funeral should a passenger get the virus when travelling.

The Dubai-based airline has said the insurance is automatic, added at no extra cost to passengers, and effective immediately.

And it's valid for 31 days from the start of the journey, with the insurance applicable on tickets until the end of October.

Emirates Group Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement: "We know people are yearning to fly as borders around the world gradually re-open, but they are seeking flexibility and assurances should something unforeseen happen during their travel."

It means if any passenger is diagnosed with coronavirus while travelling with Emirates, the airline will cover up to the region of £135,000 in medical expenses, and up to £90 a day for "quarantine costs" - such as a hotel room - for 14 days.

And if the worst happens, the carrier says they will contribute £1,350 towards the cost of a funeral should a passenger be diagnosed with Covid-19 and then die after flying with them.

It comes as the travel industry struggles to restart as restrictions are tentatively lifted in parts.

Passenger numbers still remain low as the public remains cautious about the possibility of catching the virus on a flight, or having to quarantine upon return.

Coronavirus has devastated airlines the world over, with Virgin Atlantic the latest to announce restructuring and filing for bankruptcy protection in a bid to see the business through the pandemic.