When I got COVID-19 abroad, catching a flight was an ordeal
Are you boosted and ready to go on that vacation you’ve been putting off for years due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic? While many countries have eased their COVID-19 policies, breakthrough cases do happen.
Mask mandates are dropping around the world while new variants are spreading. You aren’t required to wear a mask on U.S. flights but you must have a negative coronavirus test within one day of travel – including layovers – until Sunday when the requirement drops. But before you set off on your trip, you need to know what would happen if you test positive overseas.
Although I’ve had four vaccines against COVID-19 and always wear an N-95 mask indoors, I found out I had COVID-19 in May while waiting for my test results at an airport in Canada. I was on my way to Alaska. Being prepared with a contingency plan will make the ordeal less chaotic if you get COVID-19 abroad.
Should I get travel insurance in case I get COVID-19 abroad?
Some countries require that foreigners have health insurance that covers COVID-19. I had travel health insurance with GeoBlue and SafetyWing. Both cover medically-required treatments if you become severely ill with COVID-19. Neither reimburses for the cost of a hotel quarantine.
SafetyWing offers clients payment of $50 a night for plans for up to 10 days.
GeoBlue reimburses for some coronavirus tests and medical recovery letters. Buy travel insurance with your airline ticket so you can reschedule your flight once you’ve recovered.
What is the required quarantine period if I get COVID-19 while traveling?
Quarantine periods vary by country – and also whether or not they’re required. In British Columbia, Canada, I was required to quarantine for five days. Yet Canadian airline WestJet requires passengers to quarantine for 10 days before flying. In Iceland, quarantine is suggested at five days but not mandatory.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends isolating for 10 days before travel.
Do I need to quarantine in a hotel if I get COVID-19 abroad?
Check in advance if the destination offers government-mandated quarantine facilities. If not, you’ll have to find quarantine accommodations on your own. Once you’ve found one available for the duration of your quarantine within your budget, disclose that you’re COVID-19 positive and ask if staff can bring breakfast, water, clean towels, tispay sue, and food deliveries to your door.
I was grateful to have a fridge, bathtub, tea kettle, and balcony at the hotel where I was quarantined.
What supplies should I have in case I get COVID while traveling?
Bring plenty of face masks and at least five at-home coronavirus tests as it may be difficult to source them when you’re in the destination. Before you leave home, check if there are delivery apps in your destination where you can order supplies. If not, bring supplies with you just in case. If all else fails, join local Facebook groups to see if you can someone to bring you supplies.
Get a thermometer and fever-reducing over-the-counter medicine as fevers and body aches are still common. I found that menthol rub, a neti pot with warm salt water, decongestant, and cough syrup helped ease my symptoms. I did wish I had a pulse oximeter to check my blood oxygen levels.
Who will do the contact tracing if I get COVID-19 abroad?
Many destinations no longer offer contract tracing. Notify anyone you’ve been in contact with in the last two weeks so they can get tested.
Do I need a medical recovery letter to come back to the US?
As you could test positive with a PCR test for up to three months, get a medical recovery letter as it’s valid for entry to the U.S. for 90 days after you tested positive. However, many countries no longer offer recovery letter services so getting one was my biggest hurdle.
I called the U.S. embassy, travel clinics, and hospitals but I couldn’t find a doctor who would provide a recovery letter. Ultimately, I used a virtual service and had a telehealth appointment with a doctor.