The majority of people living in England and Scotland cannot get PCR or lateral flows tests (LFTs) for free.
Exceptions to the free Covid test are those who are most vulnerable and frontline NHS staff.
Limited free testing will be offered to the public in Wales and Northern Ireland up until June.
Members of the public are not eligible for free LFTs anymore.
People with severe symptoms no longer have the right to free PCR tests.
Some groups still qualify for free tests
You may still be eligible to order LFTs online if you have an NHS login or by calling 119
Because they are at greater risk of developing symptoms if they catch Covid, people who are eligible to receive community Covid drug treatment are being sent LFTs home to ensure they don’t get sick.
According to the government, it is able expand the testing system if needed.
It is possible that you will still need to take tests before or after your trip abroad. This means that you will need to purchase private tests.
Yes. Yes. High street pharmacies charge around PS2 per test.
The government maintains a list with private testing providers.
You cannot however report on the government’s website the results of privately-bought LFTs.
In Scotland, people with symptoms are not required to undergo a PCR test or self-isolate. Instead they are encouraged to stay home if they have a fever or are unwell.
Except for certain groups, such as health and social workers and hospital or care home visitors, testing has been completed for the general public.
Wales will continue to have some testing capacity available until June.
The free LFTs will cease to be available after that, and contact tracing will stop and self-isolation support will no longer be offered. Self-isolation guidance for ill patients will be updated in order to encourage them to stay at home.
Wales Testing Guidance
Northern Ireland will also have some testing facilities available until June.
Northern Ireland: Test, Trace, and Protect Transition Plan
