We Can Travel Again: How to Make Your Travel as Healthy as Possible

Fred J. Hegner, CPCU, FLMI

General Manager of Regional Health: Focusing on a Simple and Engaging Journey for the Insurance Customer

Publish Dec 30, 2021

My good friend was on one of the first flights from Dubai to Phuket when international air travel to Thailand reopened in July 2021. Despite every passenger following the rules and wearing their masks, the flight was completely full with everyone packed into a very tight space. For anyone finding themselves on a plane for the first time in more than a year, this would be a very stressful situation. The “what if?” fears might begin to cloud the mind of any sensible passenger to the point of saying “is travel really worth it during a pandemic?” The answer to this question should be a resounding “yes” for several reasons, some because we have gradually changed our attitudes and others because we have new safety measures in place.

The “what if?” fears might begin to cloud the mind of any sensible passenger to the point of saying “is travel really worth it during a pandemic?”

Fast forward to today and air travel is picking up again due to reduced pandemic risk in many parts of the world. Despite the rise in new and highly infectious variants such as Delta and Omicron, vaccines and boosters have already proven to be very effective against these variants, allowing many countries to open up their domestic travel and reduce restrictions for international travelers.

While this is all good news, sensible air travelers should continue to expect a number of challenges before and after they reach their destination. The most common challenges today involve having knowledge and proof of 1) medical and COVID insurance requirements of the destination country, 2) COVID vaccination requirements of the destination country, and 3) COVID test requirements of the destination country. It is important to note that even if you can meet these requirements, travel may not be possible if you do not have the right passport or visa.

...sensible air travelers should continue to expect a number of challenges before and after they reach their destination.

But presuming you have the right passport and visa, having the right travel insurance with medical and COVID coverage is essential. Here at Tune Protect, we were one of the first insurers to offer COVID travel coverage with the Tune iPass policy for foreign nationals traveling to Thailand. This policy provides the equivalent medical coverage of $20k as currently required by the Thai government up to $100k to cover medical expenses related to COVID infection.

And what about for Thai nationals wishing to travel to other countries? Tune Protect has a comprehensive travel plan (iTravel) which provides personal accident, medical expense, flight cancellation and baggage coverage. The worldwide medical expense cover (up to 4 million Thai Baht*) is enough to satisfy most foreign immigration requirements.

Besides checking that you have the right travel insurance, you should next check if there are vaccination and test requirements in the destination country. A growing number of countries in the Americas, Europe, and Asia are requiring specific vaccination types and dosages in addition to test requirements before you can enter. For example, while proof of vaccination status is not required, the US now require all travelers to take a COVID test within 24 hours of boarding the first leg of their flight. The COVID test can be an antigen test (most countries still require an RT-PCR test); however, you must verify the result of the antigen test with a telemedicine doctor before boarding the flight.

A growing number of countries in the Americas, Europe, and Asia are requiring specific vaccination types and dosages in addition to test requirements before you can enter.

Let’s say you are 100% sure you meet all the confusing and changing requirements to travel to your destination. Now what? How can you enjoy your trip in a sensible way? The best advice today is to “expect the unexpected”. All the basic rules of travel before the pandemic no longer apply.

While the thoughts of being on a crowded plane can be stressful, most modern planes have air filtration systems that would not allow a significant amount of virus to be present in the air long enough to allow transmission. Nevertheless, most airlines require you to keep your mask on at all times and this is common sense. If it is a relatively short flight (less than three hours), it is probably best that you avoid removing your mask to eat, drink or even visit the restroom.

If it is a relatively short flight (less than three hours), it is probably best that you avoid removing your mask to eat, drink or even visit the restroom.

After landing at the airport, avoid areas where people congregate such as baggage and public transportation areas. In areas you cannot avoid such as immigration lines, always keep your mask on and follow the local instructions.

Presuming you do not have to follow mandatory quarantines of the destination country, make sure that your chosen hotel or lodging is in a safe and less congested area. Avoid being in crowded public spaces and don’t forget to pack medicines for common illnesses such as stomach ailments and colds. A good idea is to take advantage of wellness services offered at your hotel to help adjust your body and mind to your new location and time zone. If you are traveling with friends or family, make sure you plan for enough space at your chosen lodging to reduce your mental stress while traveling.

A good idea is to take advantage of wellness services offered at your hotel to help adjust your body and mind to your new location and time zone.

When choosing restaurants and food options, pack a bag of healthy snacks just in case the options are limited or you have dietary restrictions. Visiting the local market in your destination is a great way to become familiar with the local foods but be careful about sanitary conditions. Always make sure that anything you eat is properly prepared and sufficiently clean.

Visiting the local market in your destination is a great way to become familiar with the local foods but be careful about sanitary conditions.

A great way to stay healthy while traveling is to stay fit. Prioritize healthy activities on your trip by trying to exercise outside and in less congested areas. Many hotel and public fitness centers are not properly sanitized, so avoid these unless you are comfortable with the conditions. A walking tour of your destination can be an excellent way to stay fit while enjoying the local scenery. Give yourself plenty of downtime and avoid trying to rush to see everything so that you can prioritize your mental wellbeing.

A walking tour of your destination can be an excellent way to stay fit while enjoying the local scenery. Give yourself plenty of downtime and avoid trying to rush to see everything so that you can prioritize your mental wellbeing.

The skies are now opening up and passengers have growing options of where they can travel. No longer do all the controls rest with countries and governments in trying to contain the pandemic; those who are now ready to travel should do it responsibly with their personal safety in mind. We can travel again and do it sensibly with the help of travel insurance and some simple tips when arriving at your chosen destination. 

No longer do all the controls rest with countries and governments in trying to contain the pandemic; those who are now ready to travel should do it responsibly with their personal safety in mind.

*Terms and Conditions of underwriting as specified by the company. The insured should fully understand terms and conditions before purchase.
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