Health on Trips FAQs
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What is the Health Declaration Form?
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Am I required to take a Covid test or be vaccinated against Covid before joining a trip?
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What happens if I get sick/Covid while on a trip?
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What is your refund policy if I get sick before the trip and cancel?
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Will my insurance cover me if I get Covid while I am on the trip?
Your health is our highest priority throughout the entirety of your trip. While we have turned a corner from the worst of Covid, the virus continues to evolve and spread. We are constantly monitoring and adapting to the situation and we will do everything within our power to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and fun trip with FTLO.
1. What is the Health Declaration Form?
While FTLO no longer requires travelers to test negative for Covid before a trip, we do ask all travelers to fill out the Health Declaration Form, the goal of which is to help us as we try to ensure a healthy environment not only for our travelers but also for our Trip Leaders and the local communities visited.
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The Health Declaration Form asks you to acknowledge that you are not currently exhibiting symptoms of illness and that you recognize the potential for contracting an illness while traveling. It states that you have not been exposed to Covid or Influenza recently nor exhibited any symptoms that are typically associated with them. We encourage you to read the Health Declaration Form before booking and contact us with any questions you may have.
2. Am I be required to take a Covid test or be vaccinated against Covid before joining a trip?
As of July 1st, 2023, FTLO no longer requires travelers to take Covid tests before their trips begin, nor do we require travelers to be vaccinated against Covid. Please check each trip page on our website for specific requirements in the "Trip Notes" section.
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As vaccinations are no longer required, we can’t guarantee that your roommate will be vaccinated. If this is of concern to you, you may consider booking a single room for the duration of your trip.
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Please note: in certain destinations, while a vaccine may not be required for entry, it may be required to participate in certain activities. We will try to offer alternatives to the best of our ability but cannot make guarantees and cannot provide refunds for any activities you are unable to participate in because of your vaccination status.
3. What happens if I get sick/Covid while on a trip?
While no longer considered a serious threat in most countries, Covid still exists, and there is a chance that you could contract it during your trip, just as it’s possible you may catch the flu or another contagious virus.
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​If you do get sick during your trip, we ask that you be respectful of your fellow travelers and do what you can to prevent them from also getting sick. This may include turning away when you sneeze, not sharing food or silverware, wearing a mask, and practicing regular hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available). Failure to take the necessary precautions may result in you being asked to leave the trip.
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If you become seriously ill while on a trip, your trip leader will work with FTLO HQ and our emergency services providers to get you the proper medical care. ​
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Depending on the local regulations, you may be required to quarantine at a hotel if you test positive for COVID-19. We will do our best to assist you with this process and provide whatever documentation is required by your travel insurance provider. While we cannot guarantee a certain accommodation or length of stay if you fall ill, we do want to stress again that we will do absolutely everything we can to support you even if you are unable to continue the trip.
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Although we are not currently offering refunds for missed activities, hotel changes, or early departures, we will help you put together whatever documentation is needed to request compensation from your travel insurance.
4. What is your refund policy if I get sick before the trip and cancel?
If you cancel a trip before departure, our regular cancelation terms apply. We will help you put together whatever documentation is needed to request compensation from your travel insurance.
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We recommend purchasing a policy that covers Covid-related cancellations (not all of them do).
5. Will my insurance cover me if I get Covid while I am on the trip?
We require that all travelers purchase travel insurance. Make sure that you double-check with your provider and carefully read your policy before purchasing to understand exactly what is covered, as all policies are different. We still recommend purchasing a policy that covers Covid-related cancellations (not all of them do).
