How to Get a COVID-19 Test at Home
Do you need a COVID-19 test before flying or driving to another country? It can be difficult to find a testing facility that will accept appointments and provide you with results in time for your trip.
To meet this demand, a number of companies have sprung up to offer at-home COVID-19 testing that you can do without leaving your home or standing in line. These at-home test kits come with detailed instructions, return labels for next-day shipping, and access to healthcare professionals in the event of a positive result.
Many of these companies have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), a special regulation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that allows medical products not officially approved by the FDA to be used in an emergency.
If you intend to use any of these tests to meet travel requirements, be sure to check with your destination and/or airline to make sure it meets their criteria, as some have strict regulations on what types of tests are required.
These are the best FDA-approved home tests currently available:
Always good
To purchase everlywell's COVID-19 home test, you must complete an online screening questionnaire to determine your eligibility. For now, the tests are reserved for people who are showing symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus, so you can't just order them for travel. When you purchase the test, everlywell will provide you with a detailed receipt so you can be reimbursed by your insurance company (note that coverage for COVID-19 tests varies).
Type of test: RT PCR
Costs: $109
Collection method: Lower nasal swab
Time to get results: Within 24-48 hours of receiving the sample at the lab
Who can take the test: Only people with symptoms or people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
him & her
At Hims & Hers', prospective buyers must complete an online consultation about their health, medical history and lifestyle. The information will be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider who will decide if you can purchase the test.
Type of test: RT-qPCR
Costs: $150
Collection method: saliva
Time to get results: 3-5 days after sending your sample to the lab.
Who can take the test: Only people with symptoms or people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
LetsGetChecked
To purchase LetsGetChecked's at-home COVID-19 test kit, you need to fill out a short survey. People without mild symptoms/exposure to the virus or those with severe symptoms are not allowed to buy. The company accepts FSA and HSA cards for payments and will also provide you with a detailed receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Type of test: RT PCR
Costs: $119
Collection method: Lower nasal swab
Time to get results: Within 24-72 hours after receiving the sample.
Who can take the test: Only people with symptoms or people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
phosphorus
For the Phosphorus COVID-19 home test, note that you cannot pick up your sample on Fridays or Saturdays. You must take the test Sunday through Thursday and ship it to FedEx the same day to get accurate results. After you purchase the test, you will be given a medical questionnaire to fill out, which must be completed and approved by the Phosphorus doctors before the test kit is shipped.
Type of test: RT-qPCR
Costs: $140
Collection method: saliva
Time to get results: 72 hours after receiving the sample.
Who can take the test: Only people with symptoms.
image
Picture's COVID-19 at-home test is available to anyone 18 and older, however limited tests are available each day. You still have to fill out an online questionnaire to order the test (which discourages you from buying the test and directs you to the hospital if you think you need immediate medical attention), but you don't need to reason for purchase.
Type of test: Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
Costs: $119
Collection method: Lower nasal swab
Time to get results: Within 48 hours after receiving your sample.
Who can take the test: Anyone over the age of 18 in the US
pixel
Pixel is currently reserving at-home COVID-19 testing for people who are symptomatic or who have been recommended by their doctor, contact tracer, etc. to get tested. Pixel's tests are available free of charge to uninsured individuals and can also be billed to your insurance company in advance on your behalf.
Type of test: RT PCR
Costs: $0 for eligible individuals or $119 for out-of-pocket payers.
Collection method:
Time to get results:
Who can take the test: People who are experiencing symptoms or who have been advised by healthcare professionals to get tested.
vault health
Vault Health's COVID-19 at-home testing kit involves taking a saliva sample under the supervision of a professional (via Zoom). You do not need to book an appointment in advance for the video test, which is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST. Vault tests can be shipped to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico.
Type of test: RT-qPCR
Costs: $119
Collection method: saliva
Time to get results: 48-72 hours after receiving your sample.
Who can take the test: Anyone over the age of 18 (parents can order tests for children).
vitamins
Vitagene offers one of the first FDA-approved at-home COVID-19 saliva tests. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes before collecting the sample. HSA and FSA cards are accepted and anyone who wants one can purchase the test.
Type of test: saliva
Costs: $129
Collection method: saliva
Time to get results: Within 72 hours after receiving the sample.
Who can take the test: Anyone over the age of 18 in the US
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