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Testing positive for COVID-19 before a trip can be a daunting medical challenge, but it also comes with many logistical hurdles. If you are abroad, where are you quarantined? If you are at home, what about your reservations? Here is a guide to what to do if you test positive before a flight.
The first is the first
An extremely important point to keep in mind is that you should NOT travel if you test positive for COVID-19 before a flight. Regardless of the circumstances, traveling while infected puts the safety of the infected person and everyone they come in contact with at risk. Even if you show symptoms of COVID-19 at any time before the flight takes off, it is best not to board the plane and inform nearby personnel.
A recent incident on a United flight showed the dangers of traveling while displaying COVID symptoms. One passenger, allegedly suffering from shortness of breath, died while on board the flight, exposing several passengers to the virus. Needless to say, do not travel if your test result is positive or shows COVID-19 symptoms.
Quarantine
In case you test positive, it is important to find a place to quarantine. If you are still at home when you receive your test results, follow your local instructions for how long to isolate (typical time is 10-14 days). If you are away from home or on board, it is best to inform airport or hotel staff about your test result and seek further guidance on how to proceed. You may be asked to isolate yourself in your hotel room or in a dedicated facility.
When it comes to covering the cost of quarantine at a hotel or facility, having travel insurance is crucial. Recently, some airlines have started to include auto insurance on behalf of the traveler. Airlines that offer this policy include Emirates, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and others. However, passengers must purchase their own individual travel policy when flying.
It is also important to inform your insurance provider of your test result as soon as possible to make sure you are covered. Insurance generally covers the cost of quarantine, medical costs, and possibly one-way repatriation tickets. Once you’re isolated and feeling good, it’s time to find out what’s wrong with the airline tickets you’ve booked.
Travel exemption
Many airlines now offer a travel waiver in case passengers test positive before a flight. This exemption generally allows passengers to reschedule their flights for free or even request a full refund. While the policy is not uniform across all airlines, almost all airlines are willing to allow free changes if you have a positive test result.
Booking directly with an airline makes the process easy as you don’t have to go through a third party. Once the test is negative, you can continue your trip home or choose to travel later.
COVID-19 is likely to be part of the travel experience for at least the next several months, which means it is best to be prepared while traveling. Following the local guide to your destination is the
