Just to clarify, the insurance for the pilots is "free" and of course you are covered for treatment on layovers. BUT (there is always a but with EK) they continue to chip away at the benefits for family in Dubai, placing lower limits on what they will pay for a consultation in Dubai (down to 500 Dhs now, which is usually not enough. You pay the extra). More and more hospitals and clinics are also becoming "pay and claim" instead of direct billing. So the cost comes out of your pocket initially and you have to claim it back, hoping you don't fall foul of some small print somewhere that says you aren't actually eligible for that particular treatment.