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