Buzz
With some travel restrictions easing, many are eager to journey abroad. However, COVID-19 still poses a threat, and even if you're fully vaccinated, flying across the world isn’t without its risks.
Given that a negative COVID test is required to re-enter the U.S., traveling abroad means you’ll be aware of your COVID status at all times. And should you test positive mid-trip, a quarantine could be in your future—and it won’t be free.
Here’s how you can reduce the financial burden if you end up with COVID while traveling abroad.
What’s the Price of COVID Quarantine?
The cost of quarantine varies significantly depending on the country you’re in. When considering the expenses, be sure to account for these potential costs if you're forced to quarantine longer than expected:
Accommodation
Meals
Testing expenses
Out-of-pocket medical fees and prescriptions (if necessary)
Rebooking fees or new flight tickets
Extra transportation costs
The cost of accommodation largely depends on local quarantine rules. Some hotels may let you stay in your room, while others will relocate you to special quarantine accommodations, which may vary in quality. In some countries, the government covers these expenses, while in others, you’ll be responsible for the bill. Airbnb generally doesn’t allow bookings for isolation or quarantine purposes.
If you end up in a shared dorm-style room without access to a kitchen, expect to rely on takeout or convenience food for the duration of your stay.
You’ll also need to consider the expense of changing your flights or rebooking if you don’t have a flexible ticket or travel insurance that covers COVID-related interruptions. Additionally, costs for taxis, buses, or other local transportation can accumulate over time.
If your condition worsens, you may require medical treatment or, in the worst-case scenario, hospitalization. The cost of these services—and how much is covered by the government—varies depending on the country, but don’t expect it to be entirely free. Plus, you’ll likely need several COVID tests before you can return home.
When you calculate it all, the cost of quarantine could quickly surpass the price of insurance with evacuation coverage or COVID-specific add-ons, depending on where you are in the world.
What does travel insurance cover?
This largely depends on the type of insurance you have—whether it’s a travel policy or part of your regular health insurance plan. Be sure to read the fine print of policies that promise extensive coverage, as it’s crucial to understand what you’re actually paying for.
According to The Points Guy, COVID-specific insurance is a bit of a headache: Travel policies often depend on host countries to cover a significant portion of the costs, while travel medical insurance offers only limited coverage for COVID-related issues. Policies that do include emergency evacuation usually have strict conditions, based on recommendations from local healthcare professionals.
In short, be sure to read your policy thoroughly. Some companies, like Covac Global, have emerged to fill the gap in COVID coverage. Covac charges an upfront “membership fee” for medical or COVID-related emergency evacuations, with few restrictions. A single traveler on a 15-day (or shorter) trip would pay $675 for a COVID plan, which ensures your return home within a day.
Medjet offers similar coverage at a slightly lower cost, though transport may be subject to local government quarantine rules.
Also, be aware that some countries require proof of insurance upon entry, especially for unvaccinated travelers. In such cases, it’s a good idea to opt for evacuation coverage so you can quarantine and recover at home instead of risking being stuck overseas.
What are the alternatives to travel insurance?
Insurance isn’t your only option, but it might be the safest (and most affordable) choice in the long run if you fall ill. Research the quarantine requirements ahead of time (for example, how long it will last) and check how much it could cost at your destination to make an informed comparison.
Review hotel cancellation policies and consider booking the most flexible accommodations and transport, even if it costs a bit more. This won’t necessarily prevent you from having to pay for extra nights during quarantine, but it may help you adjust your plans with minimal additional fees.
If you go without insurance, make sure you have a backup plan. Know where you’ll stay if you have to quarantine, what your food options are, and how to alter your travel itinerary if needed.
Bottom line: Paying for insurance you might never use, or splurging on flexible cancellation options, can feel like an unnecessary luxury and hard to justify at first. However, investing a little more now could save you a lot later if things don’t go as planned.
