Do you have any special travel plans this spring or summer? Before hitting the road or the friendly skies, you’ll want to know where things stand with COVID-19 and how to protect yourself. With lowering case numbers and ever-evolving restrictions, here are some things to keep in mind.
To mask…or not
As a result of a court order effective as of April 18, the CDC’s Order requiring masks on public transportation is no longer in effect. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
Cruise news
The CDC has lowered its warning on cruising to level 2, for “moderate” levels of COVID-19. It still suggests that travelers be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before cruising. The CDC says to avoid cruise ship travel if you aren’t fully vaccinated and are at increased risk of severe disease.
Restricted no more
Many COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted around the country. Hawaii is now the only state to require most people to wear face coverings in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status.
More tourists welcome
Countries are reopening to tourists. Australia is now open to foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated.
New Zealand welcomed vaccinated visitors starting April 12. Britain no longer requires visitors to take COVID-19 tests or to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. On April 1, Canada removed the negative COVID-19 test requirement.
Still off limits
Due to very high rates of COVID-19, the CDC still has over 100 countries on its level 4, or “do not travel” list. This includes Canada and all of Europe.
Comin’ back to the U.S.? Must test
All travelers – regardless of vaccination status or nationality – arriving from international locations must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of their flight to the United States.
COVID-19 remains unpredictable. Travel guidelines are always changing. To stay up to date, and safe, visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health page.
Travel Tips from Blue KC
Traveling out of area?
When you’re traveling outside of the Blue KC’s 32-county service area, it pays to review and confirm your coverage, so you don’t incur unnecessary out-of-pocket costs. Login to your member portal, either online or via the MyBlueKC app, and visit the “Plan Benefits” section to view your coverage details. By doing your homework, you can be sure to maximize your benefits.
Do you have the MyBlueKC app yet? It gives you easy access to your plan information, including your digital member ID card. The MyBlueKC app is ready for download on the App Store or Google Play.
For international travel, there’s GeoBlue®
When you’re traveling outside the U.S., you don’t want to fret about getting sick. You don’t want to stress about being in unfamiliar healthcare territory. We get it, and that’s why there’s international travel health insurance from GeoBlue. Part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family, you can trust GeoBlue to take the worries and what-ifs out of traveling abroad.
With GeoBlue, you’ll have access to one of the world’s largest networks of doctors and hospitals, innovative mobile and online tools, and unsurpassed customer service. There are several international plan options to fit your travel needs including:
- VOYAGER – for single trips
- TREKKER – for multiple trips in a defined timeframe
- XPLORER – for long-term, expatriate travel
When you’re miles from home, GeoBlue gives you all the protection – and peace of mind – you need.
Ready to explore more?