by Fernando Acevedo

With the spread of new Covid-19 variants, many are debating whether they should get travel insurance before they pack their bags. The risks can be costly for those who test positive before boarding a flight back to the U.S., especially from unexpected hospital visits.

One South Carolina couple came close to a catastrophe after testing positive for covid. Fortunately, they received a great deal of help from the government of Greece. Were it not for this country’s generous policies, the couple could have been in for an expensive layover.

Two Passports and One Positive Test

When Warren Watson and April DeMuth left for vacation, they booked a round trip flight expecting a great holiday and a safe return home. At the time, Greece required every foreigner entering the country to have been fully vaccinated.

This was no problem, since beginning in 2021 U.S. citizens were able to receive vaccines, with a significant number of the population vaccinated by the summer. A vaccination meant protection and freedom, but it didn’t prepare the couple for the sour news at the airport for their return flight.

While on their way to the airport gate they had to pass by an agent who asked them for their covid test results, a requirement for entry into the U.S.

“We took the test in the morning,” said DeMuth. “So we’re in the airport, the agent is pulling us over so that we can check our luggage in and we’re pulling up our test results. That’s when he [Warren Watson] said it.”

According to April DeMuth, her partner received a positive test result, to both their astonishment. This meant that he could no longer board the flight and had to quarantine until he received a negative test result. Luckily, however, Greece helps foreigners in these situations with accommodation while in quarantine, as well as meal assistance for the duration of the stay.

“We were very fortunate that Greece has quarantine hotels that the government pays for,” DeMuth said. “They delivered three meals a day to us. We were treated very well and it didn’t cost us anything. I know in other countries, it’s quite expensive.”

Preparing for the Unexpected

In many cases a Covid-19 infection could lead to negative health effects, such as memory loss, fever, and body aches. Depending on an individual’s preexisting conditions, these side-effects can cause even greater damage that requires hospitalization.

What’s more, with constantly mutating variants of the virus, it is difficult to know what to expect when traveling to foreign countries. This makes travel insurance a good idea for those looking to vacation in the midst of a pandemic.

Specialized insurance can cover hospital stays, as well as airfare, accommodation and even meals while the policy holder is ill. This can be a great help since all of these extra costs can add up. Particularly, if the patient becomes severely ill the financial consequences can be devastating.

In these types of severe cases, some companies have special authorization to transport Covid-19 positive patients back to the United States. One such company is Covac Global, considered one of the best  travel insurance for families, as they specialize in international patient transportation.

In any case, it’s important to be prepared as DeMuth rightly learned.

“I would never travel without [insurance] now,” she said. “We were just fortunate we were in a country that was very gracious with what they do.”