Booking a COVID19 Test Abroad
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Based on the article "5 Things You Need to Know Before Booking a COVID-19 Test Abroad" from Travel Pulse published on January 26th, 2021.
How do I find a place abroad to get tested?
If you know someone who has traveled to the same destination recently, ask them. If you have travel insurance, ask them. The third option is to search on the Internet, but make sure you read all the rules and reviews from other people.
How do you make an appointment to get tested?
Most places will let you make an appointment online but in some cases, you may need to call them. Anyway, it should not be a difficult process and you will probably be required to give some information, like the duration of the trip, the information about your flight, and some identification, among other things.
When are results available?
Results are usually available between 24-72 hours after the test, depending on the location and the type of test (PCR or antigen).
How much does the test cost?
It depends on where you are getting tested, but it ranges from free to a few hundred dollars. Antigen tests are usually cheaper than PCR tests, and some locations offer them at no cost.
What happens if someone tests positive?
Again, it depends on where you are. Some hotels have put policies in place for when someone tests positive and depending on your travel insurance, it may cover some of the extra costs. You may want to consider that before booking the trip (having a plan B in case someone in your party tests positive).
If you are planning to travel back to the U.S., you will not be able to enter the country. More precisely, you will not be able to board a flight without proof a negative COVID test. Some airlines offer flexible cancellation policies or insurance in case you test positive and cannot board the flight.
What happens if the test results are not ready on time?
You will probably need to book another flight since airlines require proof of negative test. You will have to contact the airline you booked the flight and the place you got tested to see how they can work around the issue.
Some places offer the option of getting your money back or get tested again for free if they do not deliver the results in time.
