Travel Advisory Service

Aug. 24, 2023

Traveling for business or pleasure can be a safe activity for most individuals by following practices as directed by the CDC.

It’s important to remember that completing your COVID-19 vaccine series or receiving a negative COVID-19 test result in advance of travel does not eliminate your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 while traveling. Because COVID-19 has up to a 14-day incubation period, even if you receive a negative test result now, you could still develop an infection and become contagious. The COVID-19 vaccines prevent us from death and serious illness, but you can still get infected after being vaccinated and spread infection to others.

The combination of COVID-19 vaccination AND following CDC’s recommendations for how to protect yourself and others  will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.

Please remember:

  • If at all possible, delay international and domestic travel until being fully vaccinated including your booster shot if you are eligible.
  • Masking is currently optional; however, we recommend you wear a mask during travel including in airports and other transportation hubs, and on airplanes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. 
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Monitor symptoms for COVID-19.

Read more here about traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic and when it is safe for you to travel.

Please do not travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, you test positive for COVID-19, or you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test. Do not travel with someone who is sick. 

DOMESTIC TRAVEL

BEFORE TRAVEL

Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine.

Make sure you are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, and consider packing several home antigen tests in case you develop symptoms or have a high-risk exposure during your travels. Visit kp.org/covidtests for easy ways to get self-tests.

Check the current COVID-19 Community Level at your destination. If traveling to an area with high or medium COVID-19 Community Levels, and you are, live with, or are visiting someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick, learn how to protect yourself and them.
If you have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease, take multiple preventive steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk before travel and consider delaying travel to areas with high COVID-19 Community Levels. Even if you are up to date, you should know what precautions to take.

Do not travel if:

  • You have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • You tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You are waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test.
  • You had close contact with a person with COVID-19 within the past 5 days.

DURING TRAVEL

In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor and outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

You should also:

  • Avoid crowds and stay 6 feet from anyone who is not traveling with you.
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
  • Monitor your symptoms. If symptomatic, get tested and isolate.

If you test positive for COVID-19 while you’re traveling in the United States and you are at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications due to your age or health status, you may be eligible for treatment. Connect with our care providers 24/7 via on-demand chat or video visit about getting a prescribed medication. Under current EUA criteria, medication cannot be prescribed in advance of your travels to take with you in case of an infection.  

AFTER TRAVEL

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.

CRUISE TRAVEL

Cruise lines may have different requirements than airlines with regard to proof of vaccination or pre-travel testing. Please consult with your cruise operator regarding documents/testing you may need.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

BEFORE TRAVEL

Make sure you are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots. Regardless of vaccine status, consider getting tested for current infection with a viral test at no more than 3 days before travel.

Consider packing several home antigen tests in case you develop symptoms or have a high-risk exposure during your travels. Visit kp.org/covidtests for easy ways to get self-tests.

Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination. Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.

If you are immune-compromised or taking a medication that weakens your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk before travel and consider delaying travel to areas with high COVID-19 levels. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.  Click here for more information. 

Non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: You must show proof of being fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine before you board your flight to the United States. Only limited exceptions apply.

Do not travel if:

  • You have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • You tested positive for COVID-19.
  • You are waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test.
  • You had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and are recommended to quarantine.

Please schedule a travel consultation to discuss additional preventative vaccines and medicines appropriate for your destination: 206-326-3488.

DURING TRAVEL

Although masking is currently optional, we recommend everyone 2 years and older wear a mask during travel, including in airports and other transportation hubs, and on airplanes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. 

In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor and outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

You should also:

  • Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who is not traveling with you.
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
  • Monitor your symptoms. If symptomatic, get tested and isolate.
  • Follow all recommendations and requirements at your destination, including mask wearing and social distancing.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during travel, isolate and take a home antigen test. If your test result is negative, repeat the test again after 24-48 hours.

If you test positive, do not travel for 10 days from the time symptoms first appeared, AND your symptoms have improved AND you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications.

Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.

BEFORE RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES

The CDC no longer requires air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the U.S. to show a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.

However, the CDC does recommend you consider getting tested with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days) before travel.

If you already had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, see specific testing recommendations.

If you test positive before leaving your destination and do not have symptoms, Isolate and do not travel for 10 days. 

Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.

AFTER TRAVEL

All travelers:

  • Recommend getting tested for current infection with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival.
  • Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
  • Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 10 days.
  • Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

You may order your COVID-19 post-travel test through an e-visit, or the Kaiser Permanente Washington mobile app. If you do not have an account, please call 1-877-828-4510 to speak with a representative about setting up COVID-19 post-travel testing. 

TRAVEL ADVISORY SERVICE:

Our Travel Advisory Service offers health advice tailored to your destinations, activities, and medical history. The appointments are phone consultations (no in office visit required for the consultation). We advise you call between 6-8 weeks prior to your departure date, as some travel vaccines are time sensitive. 
Please note: If you are pregnant, traveling with your children (under 18) or immune-compromised and traveling last minute (within the next two weeks) we may be able to accommodate you based on availability. 

Our travel nurses are certified by the International Society of Travel Medicine and work under the direction of Kaiser Permanente's Infectious Disease physicians.

Travel advisory consultation is not a covered benefit. Prices for travel vaccines and medicines may vary depending on your Kaiser Permanente plan. 

To schedule an appointment for you and your family members please call: 206-326-3488.

When you make your appointment, please have this information ready:

  • Your Kaiser Permanente member ID, and member IDs of family members traveling with you
  • Your departure date and time, length of stay, and the countries you will visit
  • Any vaccines you or your family members have received outside of Kaiser Permanente medical offices


Common Questions About Our Travel Service:

What is discussed in a virtual international travel visit?

A travel nurse will conduct a risk assessment by reviewing your travel plans, health status, and immunization history. During the phone visit, the nurse will make recommendations, and together you will decide what vaccines and prescriptions you need.

Your discussion will include information about preventing illness and injury during your trip. Particular risks will be addressed as needed, including how to prevent malaria and other mosquito-transmitted diseases, manage traveler’s diarrhea, avoid and treat altitude illness, and manage safety issues associated with certain types of adventure travel.

The travel nurse will contact your primary care physician to authorize travel immunizations and medicines, and your consultation becomes part of your medical record. You will receive a copy of your travel advice in your Kaiser Permanente member site online records, or by postal mail.

How do I make an appointment?

Contact us as soon as you can. Ideally, your phone consultation should be done at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. 
Please note: If you are pregnant, traveling with your children (under 18) or immune-compromised and traveling last minute (within the next two weeks) we may be able to accommodate you based on availability. 

To call for an appointment:

When you make your appointment, have this information ready:

  • Your Kaiser Permanente member ID, and member IDs of family members traveling with you
  • Your departure date and time, length of stay, and the countries you will visit
  • Any vaccines you or your family members have received outside of Kaiser Permanente medical offices.
What do travel immunizations cost?
Travel advisory consultation is not a covered benefit. Prices for travel vaccines and medicines may vary depending on your Kaiser Permanente plan. 
What travel vaccines are available through Kaiser Permanente medical offices?

The following vaccines are available at Kaiser Permanente medical offices. Yellow fever vaccine is available at Kaiser Permanente medical offices that have obtained federal and state certification to administer that vaccine. Travel vaccines are extra and are not covered benefits.

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Adult Polio
  • Japanese Encephalitis
  • Rabies (pre-exposure series)
  • Meningococcal
  • Typhoid Fever
  • Yellow Fever is available at the following Kaiser Permanente Washington clinics: Capitol Hill, Bellevue, Silverdale, Everett, Riverfront, Tacoma  (on MLK) and Olympia (on Lilly Rd). 
What should I do if I get sick or am injured while traveling? Am I covered under my current plan for the cost of these services?

If you have a medical emergency while traveling, please seek medical attention immediately.

Before you leave, WA Member Services may assist you in figuring out what services may or may not be covered under your plan. They can also help you find the closest in-network care option, whether you’re traveling within the United States or internationally. To reach Member Services by phone, you may call 1-888-901-4636. If you’re a Kaiser Permanente Medical Advantage member, call Medicare Member Services at 1-888-901-4600.

  • If you do seek care while traveling, remember to keep all of your itemized receipts and submit them to Kaiser Permanente Washington’s claims department (see below regarding how to submit a claim). Many countries will ask for payment before service is given.
  • We also recommend you obtain extra medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation insurance.
     
How do I submit a claim?

How to submit a claim for reimbursement lists the kind of information you would need for a claim submittal.

Can I email my doctor while I’m on my trip?

If you receive your primary care at a Kaiser Permanente medical office AND have registered on the Kaiser Permanente member website for access to secure online services, you can exchange secure messages with your doctor and with the 24/7 Advice line during your trip. (This service is NOT for travel emergencies; responses usually are made by the end of the next business day). Please note: There will be limitations to the advice provided, since our Kaiser Permanente clinicians do not hold licenses outside of WA and ID.

You may also call the 24/7 Advice line. Remember to include the international code for the United States: 01-206-630-2244. There isn't a toll-free international number.

Please note: There may be limitations to the advice provided, since not all Kaiser Permanente Washington clinicians hold licenses outside of Washington and Idaho.

Virtual care may not be available to you due to state laws that prevent doctors from providing care across state lines. Laws differ by state.

How should I prepare for my trip?

Make sure recommended routine vaccines are up to date including your flu shot.

  • Please schedule a visit with your physician to discuss any medical issues you are concerned about before travel or if you need to manage a current condition during your trip.
  • Make sure your current daily and as-needed medicine prescriptions are up to date, and you have enough medication while you travel. Requests should be made 1-2 weeks before you travel. You may speak to your primary care provider if you have any questions.
  • If you are age 18 and older: Register on kp.org/wa so you may have access to your medical record when traveling and can contact your provider with non-urgent questions when traveling.
  • Pack your Kaiser Permanente ID card, as there are important numbers on the back including our Consulting Nurse Service line.
  • Take some time to understand what services are covered and available while you travel through Member Services. 1-888-901-4636. They can help you find the closest in-network care option, whether you're traveling within the United States or internationally. If you're a Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage member, call Medicare Member Services at 1-888-901-4600.
  • We recommend you register your trip with the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Program (STEP) so you may receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
  • Car crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from these injuries by: not drinking and driving, wearing your seat belt, using car seats or booster seats in the backseat for children, following local traffic laws, hiring a local driver when possible, avoiding night driving, and wearing a helmet when you ride bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes.
  • Protect yourself and others against respiratory infections by avoiding sick people, washing your hands frequently, covering your cough and encouraging others to cover their coughs. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% or more alcohol) whenever soap and running water are not available for hand washing.
  • Keep your medications in their original containers and carry them on the plane. If smaller medication quantity and containers are needed, you may request this from your clinic pharmacy before purchasing medications.
  • Carry a good first aid kit with you. For ideas on what to include in your kit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart.htm

For further questions about travel or more information please contact the Kaiser Permanente Travel Advisory Department at: 206-326-3838, option #3.

We look forward to speaking with you!