What to Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19 While Traveling
You’ve planned your vacation for months, and looking forward to a bit of R&R is what has kept you going strong lately. Of course, you’d gladly trade your cubicle or at-home office for a view of the ocean or to wander the streets of a quaint European town. Although you could experience a flight delay or a few rainy days, there’s one thing that could impact your trip more than travel or weather issues: Testing positive for Covid.
Even if you’re vaccinated, boosted, and had a negative test before leaving for your trip, getting COVID-19 is a reality, even if you’re close to home. So, what are you to do if you test positive while traveling abroad? Here’s what you need to know.
Take precautions before leaving for your trip.
Knowing that the pandemic is still lingering has forever changed how folks travel. So, as a precaution, purchase travel insurance. Additionally, check with your regular insurance company to see what their policy covers while overseas. Travel insurance can often pick up where your regular insurance leaves off, but it’s best to be in the know before you head off on your travels.
Additionally, research the protocols and look into the refund and rescheduling policies of your resort, accommodations, and airline. Their websites should cover what you should do if you test positive, as you may have to quarantine while you are on site. Each country may differ in its policies, too, so do your research ahead of time. By doing so, not only will you know what to do if you get Covid, but it will also give you peace of mind about what these companies are doing to keep everyone safe.
Be sure to take your insurance card, a copy of your travel insurance, and any extras you may need — such as medications — should you have to stay longer than expected. Planning is half the battle. Hopefully, you won’t need to rely on travel or health insurance, but it’s good to have just in case something should go awry.
Get tested if you start showing symptoms.
Pack a rapid test or two so that you can test yourself if you start to feel symptoms. If you test positive, ask your resort or accommodations for an examination so that you can be sure. Often, tests are inaccurate, especially if they are rapid tests. The place you are staying should direct you to a location where you can get a longer PCR test. Although the diagnosis will take a few days, the results should be more accurate than a rapid test. Also, if you start to feel sick, isolate yourself until you know whether or not you have Covid.
Do what your resort or accommodations ask of you.
You want to explore, get out on the beach, and feast at the buffet of your all-inclusive resort. However, your hotel or resort will most likely ask you to quarantine, and that may not take place in your room with a view. Realize that your site of stay has policies in place for a reason, and although it’s not the vacation you dreamed of, be sure to do what your accommodations ask you to do.
Their main priority is the safety of their guests, so obey their guidelines. Unfortunately, if you test positive and your partner tests negative, this may mean that you’ll be spending the rest of your trip apart. Also, clarify with your resort or hotel how they will handle food and entertainment. Will they provide room service? Do they have books and movies on loan, or can they offer free upgraded TV channels? You’ll need to eat and not be bored to tears, so see what your accommodations can provide.
Save all of your documents and receipts.
You may have to file a claim with your travel and health insurance companies. Therefore, save everything from your test results to receipts for doctor visits. If you had to pay for a second Covid test, save that documentation. Your accommodations will probably have extra fees for your quarantine and extended stay, so save those receipts, too. The downside is that you’ll have to pay for these things upfront, so having proof of your expenditures (and credit card receipts won’t do) is essential so that you can get reimbursed.
Alert folks about your updated travel plans.
First, you’ll have to update your travel plans, such as your flights, and reschedule other transportation, such as rides to and from the airport. You’ll also have to notify your workplace — be prepared to show documentation to them, so they don’t think you spent extra days relaxing on the beach — and family members, so they don’t worry. Additionally, if you had a pet sitter, you’ll need to extend their time so that your animals are taken care of. Finally, think about bills you may need to pay and meetings you need to reschedule and plan accordingly.
Take care of yourself.
Yes, you’ll have to take all of the above steps and alter your plans. However, don’t let it cause undue stress, which can cause your recovery to take longer. Instead, eat well, stay hydrated, get the rest you need, and look at your quarantine in a positive light. Make plans, reset your intentions for the month, and make to-do lists to get a few projects done. Get well and be productive while allowing yourself to binge-watch a few shows, take extra naps, or indulge in a page-turning novel.
Although plans may change and positive test results can be scary, knowing what to do can reassure you and keep you calm. Ask your travel concierge, resort, accommodations, insurance companies, and airlines for guidance when in doubt. As the pandemic lingers, companies are prepared to answer your questions and keep your mind at ease.
Ready to book your trip and want to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered, get in touch with one of our team and schedule your consultation.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
