The cheapest lateral flow tests as travellers BANNED from free NHS kits - list in full
TRAVEL testing rules are set to change once again on Sunday, with the day two PCR test now replaced with a lateral flow test for fully vaccinated arrivals. How much are the new lateral flow tests and which providers are listed as "approved" by the Government?
Travel: PCR test scrap to save families '£200' says expert
The Government has unveiled its list of “approved” COVID-19 lateral flow test providers two days before the latest travel testing update is due to come into force. The aim of the new “simplified” system is to offer “lower-cost” tests to those who have been fully vaccinated according to Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps - as the free NHS tests are unable to be used for those travelling.
Related articles
What are the rules for day two lateral flow tests?
Testing requirements will change for fully vaccinated UK arrivals from October 25.
The new rules will also apply to arrivals from “eligible” countries such as the European Union (EU) and the US.
According to the Government, under the new rules “eligible fully vaccinated passengers and those with an approved vaccine from a select group of non-red countries will be able to replace their day two test with a cheaper lateral flow test, reducing the cost of tests on arrival into England."
Prior to this, fully vaccinated arrivals were still required to book and pay for a day two PCR test, often costing upwards of £50.
READ MORE: The top 10 countries that offer the best expat opportunities exposed
Tests must be pre-booked and purchased from a testing provider included o. n the Government's "approved" list.
Anyone who tests positive using a lateral flow test will be required to self-isolate and take an additional PCR test at no additional cost.
This PCR test will be provided by the NHS and will be delivered to the traveller's home.
Anyone who received an inconclusive result will also be required to self-isolate.
Testing for unvaccinated passengers from non-red countries will continue to include pre-departure tests, day two and day eight PCR tests. Test to release on day five remains an option for those who want to reduce their quarantine period.
DON'T MISS
Cruise ship warning- ‘floating petri dishes’ [WARNING]
Nearly two million fly off for half-term sun [INSIGHT]
‘Stunning’ Welsh seaside village named one of the top UK holiday spot [COMENT]
Which company currently provides the cheapest lateral flow tests based on the “approved” list?
The Government has updated its list of "approved" providers under the new lateral flow testing scheme.
However, it notes this list may continue to be updated.
According to Gov.uk, they are still working to "bring the site fully online."
Based on the Government's current list, a firm named PeopleBio offer the cheapest day two lateral flow test costing £18.
This is a self swab to take at home.
But travel expert Paul Charles has warned Britons to do their research and be savvy before selecting the cheapest options they can find.
He said: "It’s vital to shop around and choose a low-cost but bona fide provider.”
What is the full list of "approved" providers?
At the time of writing, the full list of "approved" providers and the corresponding prices for a lateral flow test as listed by the Government are:
- PeploBio: £18 via self swab at home
- Testing For All: £19 via self swab at home or provider supervised at home
- ExpressTest by Cignpost Diagnostics: £19.99 via self swab at home, provider supervised at home, self swab on site or provider supervised on site
- Cignpost Diagnostics: £19.99 via Self swab at home, provider supervised at home, self swab on site or provider supervised on site
- Randox Health Airport Testing: £20 via self swab at home, provider supervised at home or provider supervised on site
- Randox Health London Limited: £20 via self swab at home, provider supervised at home or provider supervised on site
- Randox Health LiverpoolONE: £20 via self swab at home, provider supervised at home or provider supervised on site
Related articles
- Randox Laboratories: £20 via self swab at home, provider supervised at home or provider supervised on site
- Boots UK: £21 via self swab at home
- Project Screen by Prenetics: £22 via self swab at home, self swab on site or provider supervised on site
- Chronomics: £23.50 via self swab at home
- Covid Smart Limited: £24 via self swab at home, provider supervised at home, self swab on site or provider supervised on site
- Affinity Health: £25 via self swab at home
- Coronafocus by Oncologica UK Ltd: £25 via self swab at home or self swab on site
- Collinson: £28.75 via self swab at home, provider supervised at home or provider supervised on site
- Medicspot: £29 via self swab at home or provider supervised at home
- DAM Health LTD: £29 via self swab at home or provider supervised on site
- C19 Testing: £28 via self swab at home
- AlphaBiolabs: £29.50 via self swab at home
- Better2Know: £29.95 via self swab at home
- SourceBioScience: £30 via self swab at home
- Everything Genetic Limited: £30 via self swab at home
- Epistem: £35 via self swab at home
- Pharmesthetics Ltd: £29 via self swab at home, self swab on site or provider supervised on site
