Flexible Covid Test for Cruising to the Bahamas

On April 28, 2022
By Kimberly

We are in the planning stages for a sailing flotilla trip to the Bahamas. At this point, the Bahamas requires Covid tests administered within three days before arrival. Here’s the easiest alternative: “at-home testing.” Perfect for boaters! With boats and sailing; you can never be sure about your departure and arrival times. I have heard that other boaters have had to set several clinic appointments on land, procure a ride, and show up for testing. So stressful!

Tele-Health to the Rescue

We discovered this option when we took a cruise recently. First, order the tests in advance, then hold them until the window you need. Then, take the test anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Finally, you have your results in about 20 minutes.

So Many Benefits

The benefits of these “at home” tests is multiple; they provide a 24-hour-a-day service. You can take the test anytime, anywhere. No travel to a clinic, no appointment needed, and about $33 each. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.

You download an app on your phone, open and administer the test under supervision, and have immediate results.

Nearly Immediate Results

The tests are good for an absolute minimum of six months; so it’s safe to order them well in advance; ours arrived with over nine months’ use.

I jokingly told our boat skipper that we could take these tests as we near Memory Rock as long as we have cell service, to make sure we’ve tested in that 72-hour window.

Here’s a link in case you’re already convinced.

App Needed

Users will need the Navica app. The icon for it is a blue square, with a gradient from lighter blue at the top with a gradient to darker blue at the bottom.

There is a symbol that looks slightly like a paper clip at the bottom. Once it loads, you will see “NAVICA” at the top and paper clip and “Abbott” at the bottom.

Procedure

The testing procedure is quick and efficient. You must have cell phone coverage while testing, as you are online with the administrator the entire time.

Immediately, you have your proof and a digital certificate to present, or download and print.

More information below. I hope you found this useful! Let me know in the comments if this solves a Covid test problem for you.

Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services for Travel – 3 Pack

This product is not eligible for purchase with a promo code.

Your health insurance company may be able to reimburse you for part of the cost of this test: learn more.

This is accepted by airlines for passengers traveling to countries that accept an antigen test for entry, including the US and Canada, and by cruise lines with ships originating from the U.S. and Canada.

-Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is FDA Emergency Use Authorized. This test combined with eMed telehealth services, and eMed lab’s result, meets conditions of proof of negative COVID-19 test by the CDC. -Must be 18 years or older to purchase. -Test Takers 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. -Not eligible for promotional discounts.

$99.99

No returns accepted Qty : 1 Add to Cart

Product Info

Your test kit includes a personal virtual visit with an eMed Certified Guide who will help you properly administer the test and third party verify the result. You must provide your official eMed Labs report in order to board your flight or cruise. The report is provided via email and can be printed or displayed on screen to provide proof of test results.

Must be at least 18 years of age to order. Test authorized for use by persons age 2+. Test takers 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult during specimen collection.

Directions

ORDER YOUR KIT ONLINE
TEST FROM HOME AT EMED.COM After you receive your test, visit eMed.com/app/start-testing to begin your virtual visit. An eMed Certified Guide will join you in a video visit to guide you through the testing process. Collecting a sample is an easy and gentle process, no different than using a cotton swab to clean the inside of your nose. See technical requirements for more details.
GETS RESULTS IN 15 MINUTES Test results will be made available to you right away from within the NAVICA app. When you receive your result, you will also receive a secure digital certificate in the NAVICA app. This certificate allows you to use your smartphone to store, display, and share your test results where applicable. It’s important to remember the NAVICA digital certificate should not replace existing measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I RECEIVE A POSITIVE RESULT? If you receive a positive result, you should remain in self-isolation, and inform your healthcare provider of your result. Always follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Warnings

The test does not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. You should seek immediate medical attention if you or your family members demonstrate emergency warning signs of COVID-19 (trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, or severe and constant pain or pressure in the chest). This list of symptoms is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

The manufacturer of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test Kit requires test kits be stored at temperatures between 2 and 30°C (35.6 – 86°F). Any extended exposure of the test kit to temperatures beyond this range may affect quality of test results. If you have ordered home delivery of the test kit and expect temperatures in your area to be outside of this range at time of delivery, it is recommended that you arrange for someone to be home at or near time of delivery to receive the test kit.

The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. The test has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

https://store.optum.com/frequently-asked-questions/