What if I'm forced to quarantine in another country?
International quarantine restrictions vary from country to country. Some require you to stay put at your hotel, cruise ship cabin, rental unit or private residence, others require you to stay at a government-mandated quarantine facility (at your own cost). That's why it's critical that you know what the rules are before you decide to go. You can find COVID-19 quarantine restrictions listed on the US embassy website for your country of choice.
As for who pays for the extended stay and any costs incurred, like food and medical costs—that varies from country to country, hotel to hotel, and ship to ship. Some will cover the costs, others may not. It's wise to check your hotel, vacation rental or cruise line policy ahead of time, as well as your health insurance policy—and to consider a travel insurance plan that covers COVID-19-related problems. In addition, the credit card you use to book travel may also offer benefits that cover COVID-19-related costs and cancellations.
What if I need to change my flight due to a positive COVID-19 test result?
Some, not all, airlines have eliminated change fees for domestic and international travel, at least for the time being. Some are offering travel insurance that will cover COVID-19 expenses. But policies vary from airline to airline. That's why it's critical to check with the airline before you book your flight. If you find yourself in the situation where you've had to cancel your flight due to a positive COVID-19 test during your travels, be sure to contact the airline as soon as possible to see what your options are—and to learn about any extra fees that you may incur. As mentioned above, the credit card you booked your flight with may offer benefits that cover some COVID-19-related costs and cancellations.
