The new normal of travelling these days means that coming home with COVID seems almost as common as a flight or customs delay. Who doesn’t know someone who has, albeit usually in a mild or even asymptomatic form?

But what happens if you get (mild) COVID-19 while travelling? For Canadians, that question at least is not as fraught as it was when pre-arrival testing was required (it ended April 1), making the prospect of quarantine in destination a major concern and obstacle to travel.

However, depending on the locale, it could still result in an unexpected change in plans, such as being required to stay isolated in a hotel.

Importantly, for Canadians who may be connecting through the US (which still requires a pre-arrival antigen test, even for transit passengers), it means possibly being stuck in destination even if Canada doesn’t require the test.

That’s why experts recommend that travellers have backup plans ready when travelling abroad, especially for the prosect of having to stay longer than planned in the event of a positive test.

In some places, you won’t be able to board flights until you test negative. In others, you might also be required to stay in a quarantine facility. Note: It is possible to be entirely asymptomatic yet test positive – which is a shock to be sure.

Since results from a PCR test can remain positive for weeks after an infection, those who have had COVID-19 might have to get documentation from a doctor or health authorities saying they’ve recovered. Some travel only requires an antigen test.

If you end up needing medical treatment, check with the Canadian embassy for suggested health care providers. Keep in mind that some countries still have overwhelmed health care systems due to the pandemic.

And plan time for recovery since some countries – including the aforementioned US – require a negative test for entry. Also, investigate whether extra insurance coverage would be sensible – particularly as it relates to covering COVID costs for mild cases that do not require hospitalization.

Of course, a Canadian with mild or no symptoms (it can be hard to distinguish between a cold or allergies and COVID) may still travel, but be nabbed by a random test upon arrival, and have to have a quarantine in place at home.

All of which is to say that common sense and exercising caution when travelling is the best precaution against contracting the virus, including continuing to wear masks where appropriate or the risk seems high – such as on planes and in airports where close quarters with other travellers can’t be avoided.

After all, not getting COVID is the best strategy of all.