What Do I Do If I Get Sick On My Travels?
I wanted to talk about what happens when you get sick due to contracting COVID-19 when you travel. A friend of mine contracted the virus while traveling in Colombia two weeks ago. She recounted her story on YouTube and it reminded me that I should address this issue with you.
Be Prepared
Travel today is quite different than we knew it. We have to be prepared. One thing my friend Dr. Yvette McQueen says is that you should check that the hospitals where you are traveling to are not overwhelmed taking care of their own people. As if they are, you may not be able to get treated. I know this is true in some of the Caribbean islands such as Jamaica where at the time of this writing, the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) can’t take any more patients all over the island at this time.
You can check information like this at the website for the governments for the countries you are visiting.
This does not only apply to foreign countries as in some U.S. cities, you may have the same issue, so again, check with the city office for the city you’re visiting.
Oh and be sure and check the travel restrictions before you start your journey.
Makoshika State Park, Glendive Montana
Travel Insurance
You should of course have travel insurance, but also remember that you more than likely have to pay up front first and then get reimbursed later and you may need cash in some instances. And ensure that the policy will cover you for illness due to COVID-19.
This part is really important. I was looking at some policies and its not covered based on which state in the U.S. you live, so definitely check this out before you hit that purchase button.
Also, some companies sell annual policies. So, if you travel a lot, you should consider this. The rules here are also quite complex, so read those too.
Oxford, United Kingdom
Where Can I Find A COVID-19 Test?
In addition, remember to check where you can have a COVID-19 test in order to return to the U.S. Some places are walk-ins while others are by appointments only. Typically, the airports will have a testing facility, but you should check and really shouldn’t wait until you are ready to depart to take the test.
In some instances, your hotel will arrange the test for you at a price and there’s even at home tests that you administer via an online system.
Plus, check what will the procedure be if you test positive when you are ready to return. Where will you stay? What will it cost? How will you get food, medicine, etc. Who can someone call for help if you are incapacitated. Now these are things you should check anyways as there are other illnesses you can contract when you travel.
San Francisco, CA
In Summary
This is not meant to scare anyone, but to just keep it real and things you MUST keep in mind when you travel these days. Travel is a tad different nowadays.
Be prepared!
Seabreeze Hotel in Barbados