BEFORE YOUR TRIP
GETTING TESTED BEFORE LEAVING ON AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP
The countries requiring you to bring with you proof of a negative COVID-19 test specify that it must be performed during a specific time prior to arriving in the country. This varies from as short as 72 hours to as long as 10 days before departure or arrival. Additionally, many travelers feel it is important to know their status before traveling so they do not unintentionally transmit the virus to the locals where they will be vacationing.
The PCR test is the most frequently required test for entry into foreign countries. Regarded as having the highest accuracy rate, the PCR test is generally processed in a laboratory off premises from where the test swab was taken. This means it can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours or even longer to get back results.
Travelers need to find a sweet spot for their coronavirus testing before a trip. Plan it too early, and you have more time to get the virus before your trip and nullify your test result. Plan your test too close to your departure date, and if there’ s a delay getting your results back, you’ ll risk spreading the virus or being denied entry to a destination.
YOU WILL NEED TO FIND A TESTING SITE THAT:
• Provides sufficiently quick results to meet your destination’ s requirements( although many locations will not guarantee a specific turnaround time they should be able to estimate it for you)
• Does not require you to be symptomatic to“ qualify” for a test
• Takes your health insurance plan. Check with your health insurance provider to determine if they cover PCR tests when you do not have symptoms or exposure to someone with COVID-19. If not be sure to find out the test costs.
Airports are increasingly offering in terminal testing. Ask your travel advisor if quick results testing accepted by your international destination is available in your departure airport.
Another option is to use one of the companies offering home testing – a kit is sent to your home, you send your sample back to the lab and results are emailed to you. Be sure to carefully calculate the days required for each step so you have your results timed for your departure and entry requirements.
THREE FDA APPROVED HOME COLLECTION TEST OPTIONS ARE:
• Vault Health( saliva test)
• Let’ s Get Checked
• Pixel by LabCorp
Abbott Labs BinaxNOW antigen test is administered at home and results are available within 15 minutes. A healthcare professional accessed via video walks you through the entire process.
This antigen test is approved for use by those flying into the U. S. from an international destination. You can purchase these before you depart and use the test prior to your return without having to find a test site in a foreign city.
After receiving your COVID-19 test results remember:
• A negative test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing or that your sample was collected too early in your infection.
• You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and then get infected and spread the virus to others.
• If you have symptoms later, you may need another test to determine if you are infected.
• Has a convenient location and hours
FREE AT HOME TESTS NOT VALID FOR TRAVEL
Each U. S. household may order 4 tests for free through the Post Office. Note that these tests are not valid for entry into any country since they are not administered by a proctor or laboratory. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE 2 3