Editor’s note: This post has been updated with more recent information.
Testing is much more accessible now than it was earlier on in the pandemic.
As more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, some countries have dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers. But depending on where you want to go, a negative COVID-19 test result might be required — particularly if you’re not vaccinated or are traveling with unvaccinated children.
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If you need a COVID-19 test for travel, you might be wondering where you can get one, what type of test you’ll need to take, how long it will take to get an appointment (and wait for results) and what it will cost. To help you prepare, we researched where you can get tested in 25 major metropolitan areas. We found that some tests are entirely free, while others require a copay or can be covered with insurance. Some will require full cash payment when requested for travel (instead of due to symptoms or exposure).
Some destinations require negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken within a certain amount of time — usually 72 hours — before departure. Many facilities can provide results between 48 and 72 hours, but that isn’t always true. Also, keep in mind that some testing sites deliver results over the phone, which likely won’t be suitable for boarding an aircraft or entering a country.
What type of COVID-19 test do you need?
Antigen test. Rapid test. PCR test. RT-PCR test. Antibody test. If you’ve taken a COVID-19 test during the pandemic, you might have been bewildered by the sheer number of options.
Keeping track of which COVID-19 test you need can seem daunting. Not all COVID-19 tests are created equal — and not all are suitable for international travel.
What you’ll usually need for travel is a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction). These are the most reliable tests for detecting active COVID-19 infections and are considered the “gold standard” of tests. In this guide, we’ll primarily focus on testing sites that provide these more accurate PCR tests, though keep in mind that some destinations — like Hawaii — only accept PCR tests from a specific list of testing providers.
The tests that often won’t help you with travel are antibody tests, blood tests that can identify if a previous COVID-19 infection caused your immune system to produce COVID-19 antibodies. Some countries also won’t accept rapid antigen tests, which check for proteins on the virus’s surface. These tests are popular for their quick turnaround times but are less accurate than PCR tests.
Check to see if you can get a rapid PCR test
Though PCR tests generally take around 72 hours for results, some urgent care facilities have introduced “rapid PCR tests,” where you can receive your results in as few as 30 minutes. That said, if you’re looking for a faster way to get a PCR test, it’ll cost you.
Some rapid PCR testing options include:
- Complete Health Partners in Nashville, Tennessee. Results in 30 to 45 minutes. Cost: $250, not billed to insurance.
- Urgent Medical Care and MRI in Jersey City, New Jersey. Results in an hour or less only for travelers who need documentation. Cost: $250 out of pocket, not billed to insurance.
- Elite Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Results in 24 hours. Cost: $299 with $49 off if using the promo code “Welcome Back Vegas.”
- Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City, New York. Same-day results. Cost: $225 for the test, which doesn’t include doctor consultation.
- Frontage Laboratory in Exton, Pennsylvania (35 minutes from Philadelphia). Offers COVID-19 tests for travelers with same-day turnaround time. Cost: $200 for an RT-PCR test.
- WeTestU in San Diego, California. Offers mobile RT-PCR testing for travel. Cost: $199 for 2-3 day turnaround, $249 for 24-hour turnaround, $349 for same day, immediate results
- Saguaro Bloom in Scottsdale, Arizona. Offers same-day RT-PCR testing. Cost: $279, results back the same day.
- Venistat Mobile Labs in New York, New York. Offers RT-PCR test results in less than 24 hours; most results come back between 6 to 10 hours. Cost: $115 when using insurance, $190 without insurance.
- DMCovid-19 Test offers travel PCR testing by housecall nationwide in all states except Alaska and Hawaii; it also has nine physical locations. Cost: $299 for next-day results.
- Test Well in Reno, Nevada and South Lake Tahoe, California. Offers RT-PCR tests for travel with guaranteed same-day results. Cost is $149 for travel (can submit to insurance for reimbursement)
COVID-19 testing at drugstores
- (Photo by Don & Melinda Crawford/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
If you’re in a location without many COVID-19 testing sites, you may want to head to your neighborhood drugstore.
You’ll notice several major chains on the list of where to get a COVID-19 test, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. All of these often offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance or if you fall under some federal programs for those without insurance. Passport Health also has a network of clinics in over 100 locations nationwide, primarily for people who need a negative PCR test to fly or return to school.
Even better, you can make these appointments online, which may save precious time instead of waiting in a long line. Many of these locations also offer drive-up testing, where you swab yourself and don’t need to leave your vehicle.
Turnaround times can vary by chain and location:
- CVS: Average turnaround time for receiving results from lab tests is one to two days
- Walgreens: Turnaround time is based on when the sample arrives at the laboratory
- Rite Aid: Turnaround time is between two to five days
Also, several third-party companies partner with major cities like Houston and San Francisco on widespread testing. These companies, like Color and Curative, offer results between one to three days.
COVID-19 testing for children
- (Featured image by narvikk/Getty Images)
Many destinations have dropped testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers. However, vaccinated adults traveling with unvaccinated kids may, in some instances, have different travel requirements. But many countries (even those with strict vaccination requirements) accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test for children ineligible to be vaccinated.
If you’re trying to get a COVID-19 test for a child, many nationwide drugstores serve younger patients. CVS and Walgreens serve patients three and up, while Rite Aid offers tests at no cost to anyone four and older.
The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine given emergency use authorization by the FDA for children as young as 12. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available to people 18 and older at this time.
Take-home COVID-19 tests
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the testing program for international travel to the United States earlier this spring, allowing airlines to accept at-home instant tests that include remote supervision.
That’s good news for U.S.-bound travelers who may not have many testing options at their location abroad. Travelers flying to the U.S. can use a self-test (sometimes referred to as a home test if it’s a NAAT or antigen test with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). The test must also have a telehealth service that provides real-time supervision.
Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test is CDC-approved for travel to the U.S. Each test comes with two tests per box, and the company says to swab yourself twice within three days, with at least 36 hours between. There’s a second Abbott rapid test that you can buy at the drugstore, but it isn’t proctored and can’t be used for travel. Another at-home test, Amazon’s COVID-19 Test Collection Kit DTC, has received EUA from the FDA.
Mail-in COVID-19 testing options
There are many mail-in or in-home COVID-19 testing providers available. Some are not valid in certain states, and some are not available in all situations.
Most will not bill insurance for you, with Pixel being an exception to that general rule. Some mail-in tests are nasal swabs, while others are saliva samples. Some are only valid for adults, and others require a Zoom appointment. But, these are all the gold-standard PCR tests that are considered highly reliable.
Some of these companies have partnered with various airlines and the state of Hawaii as approved providers, so this can be a legitimate testing option for travel to the state. If your airline has a mail-in testing partner valid for your travel destination, we recommend going through their system as it may get your sample prioritized in the lab’s testing order.
Some mail-in COVID-19 testing programs include:
- Everlywell: Results of the nasal swab available within 24 to 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. Available to people 18 and older only. Cost: $109
- Pixel by LabCorp: Results of the nasal swab are available one to two days after arriving back in the lab. Available to people 18 and older. No upfront cost, or $119 if you’re not eligible for insurance or federal funds.
- Vault: Results of the saliva test taken via a Zoom call are available within 24 to 48 hours. The test is available to children and adults. Cost: $119
- Azova: Available at Costco.com. The saliva test results, taken via a Zoom call, are available within 12 to 48 hours upon being received by the lab. This test is approved as part of Hawaii’s trusted testing partner program and for travel to Bermuda. Cost: $118.99
- OnSight Safe: Results of PCR saliva-based tests are available within 48 hours after being received by the lab; expedited processing is also available. Available for children and adults nationally. Physical testing locations in New York City, Tampa and Van Nuys, California. Cost: Starts at $127.95
How long will test results take to arrive?
Most states or countries that require negative COVID-19 tests for entry (or entry without quarantine) use a 72-hour timeframe, from the test until either the time of your departure or arrival at the destination. Sometimes, however, the window is even shorter.
While there are exceptions, one to three days for COVID-19 test results seem to be standard across the country.
You may need to research PCR testing locations that promise same-day results or provide rapid PCR tests analyzed on-site if the arrival of your test results could make or break your trip. Several facilities on the list below reported delays in test results due to an increase in demand.
COVID-19 testing in airports
(Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
A growing number of U.S. airports offer rapid COVID-19 testing to passengers or travelers on specific flights or heading to particular destinations. If you can drive to the airport to get a test a day or two ahead of your trip, this could be a great option.
But we don’t recommend waiting to get a test until your travel has already started, as quarantining for at least two weeks at a connecting city will likely be an expensive hassle.
Some current airport testing centers available within the U.S. include:
- Anchorage International Airport: Testing at ANC is free for residents and non-residents.
- Bradley International Airport: Open seven days per week. If the passenger’s insurer does not cover the test, tests are available for $125 each. Results will most likely be available within 72 hours of testing but can take longer. Testing is only available to passengers traveling through Connecticut’s Bradley Airport (BDL) on the day of their flight.
- Burlington International Airport: Testing is open to all at Vermont’s BTV airport Monday through Friday, with appointments recommended and results available same-day or 36 to 48 hours. The test may have a fee.
- Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport: Those traveling on American Airlines can get a rapid test at DFW on the day of travel for $139, with results available in about 15 minutes.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: Testing is available between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Rapid PCR tests are $179, PCR tests are $106, and rapid antigen tests are $74. Rapid antigen test results are returned in about 30 minutes, rapid PCR tests are returned within 45 minutes, and PCR tests have a 48-hour turnaround.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: Tests through the Minnesota Department of Health and Vault Health are done with saliva, return results within 48 hours, and are free for Minnesota residents and $94 for others. Tests through Wandertest include Antigen, NAAT, and PCR and provide rapid results in less than an hour and range from $99 to $199.
- New York-LaGuardia: PCR testing is free with no appointments necessary in LGA’s Terminal B parking garage, with results delivered by phone within 48 hours. However, this won’t be very useful for travel verification purposes since the results are verbal.
- Oakland International Airport: There are two testing centers at OAK, one in the airport and a second drive-up location. Only passengers heading to Hawaii are encouraged to use this, though technically, any passenger can book the drive-up location. Appointments are required, and there is a $120 lab fee for expedited processing and a $20 administrative fee for Hawaii’s mandated travel documentation.
- San Francisco International Airport: San Francisco-based travelers flying on United Airlines to Hawaii, as well as select destinations in Central and South America and the Caribbean, can arrange for a mail-in PCR COVID-19 test. Travelers will receive results in 24 to 48 hours, and the cost is $119.
- XpresCheck has a handful of airport locations across the U.S. PCR tests are available by appointment or potentially via walk-up; costs vary. Rapid molecular NAAT tests are hand-delivered within 30 to 60 minutes for $200, insurance not accepted. Standard PCR tests will be delivered 48 to 96 hours for $75, and insurance is accepted for lab fees only. Rapid PCR tests are hand-delivered within 30 to 60 minutes for $250. Insurance is not accepted.
Hotels offering COVID-19 tests
- Baja Mar Hotel in the Bahamas. (Photo by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy)
Pre-travel testing is becoming more common at hotels as dozens of hotels and resorts roll out plans to provide on-site testing.
Some current hotel COVID-19 testing options available worldwide include:
- Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport: “Test, Rest and Fly” package consists of an overnight stay, breakfast and one PCR test with results in 24 to 36 hours. The package starts at $295.
- Sofitel London Heathrow and London Gatwick: The hotels have a “Test and Rest” program, a package that includes a room and a PCR test. Test results can be returned overnight.
- The Baha Mar hotel complex in the Bahamas requires guests to take a rapid antigen test upon arrival. The complex also offers optional PCR and rapid COVID-19 tests ($125 and $25, respectively) for guests before they depart.
Related: Forget free breakfast: The hottest hotel amenity is a nasal swab
COVID-19 testing is required to enter the U.S.
If you’re traveling back to the United States from abroad, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding.
All passengers are required to get a viral test within three days of departure. Even if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, you’ll need to provide a negative test before boarding. Airlines must confirm the negative result (or recovery from COVID-19) for all passengers, and travelers without documentation, either printed or digital, will be prohibited from flying to the United States.
If you get a negative test, travel and return within three days, the test taken before departing the U.S. will be accepted.
There are several exemptions to this rule. Travelers flying back from U.S. territories, travelers arriving via a land border such as Mexico or Canada, and flight crew members will not need to present a negative COVID-19 test.
Related: What you need to know about getting COVID-19 tested for US-bound international flights
Vaccine passports
Travelers may want to use digital health or vaccine passports to enter certain countries or be exempt from strict testing and quarantine requirements. But vaccine passports aren’t expected only to hold COVID-19 vaccine records. They can also be used to verify negative COVID-19 results.
For instance, New Yorkers can use the Excelsior Pass if they have had a negative PCR test administered in New York within three days; or took a negative antigen test in New York in the last six hours.
Clear’s Health Pass feature is being used to verify negative tests required at some sports arenas and to approve tourists for quarantine-free travel to Hawaii. CommonPass is an independent app that collects a user’s COVID-19 status and verifies their identity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is also partnering with dozens of airlines worldwide on its Travel Pass app, which will host verified test and vaccine information.
City-by-city guide on where to get a COVID-19 test
- (Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)
Finding a reliable place to get a PCR COVID-19 test for travel with quick results can be challenging, depending on where you’re located in the U.S.
Because things change so quickly, you’ll need to contact the sites directly to confirm this information is still accurate. But to give you a headstart in your research, these testing facilities may meet your travel needs. If you encounter a location that should be added (or removed) from the list, or if you’re a healthcare provider conducting PCR testing, please email tips@thepointsguy.com.
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Atlanta, Georgia
Community Organized Relief Effort
Various locations throughout Georgia, including Atlanta
Cost: Free
Appointment required: Walk-up and drive-thru testing available, all sites subject to early closure once the 500-test daily maximum is reached
Turnaround time: Typically 72 hours
Summit Urgent Care
Various locations throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Accepts most insurance, no copay for virtual visits
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Three to five days
Peachtree Immediate Care
Various locations throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area
Hours: Drive-thru locations open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some locations are closed on weekends.
Cost: For most insurance plans, there is no copay or deductible required; a $175 self-pay option is also available.
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Typically three days
Viral Solutions
Various locations throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: No out of pocket cost with insurance
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Two days
ARCpoint Labs of Atlanta-Northeast
3635 Savannah Place Drive, Suite 450-B Duluth, Georgia
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $169 for lab-based PCR test, $249 for rapid PCR test; Self-pay option only
Appointment Required: Yes, but same-day appointments are available.
Turnaround Time: Less than two hours for rapid PCR test, 48 hours typical for lab-based PCR
Where to get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area, California
My Doctor Medical Group
450 Sutter Street Suite 840, San Francisco, California
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: $240 for visit and swab collection, $125 lab fee for expedited next-day PCR results, $35 for customized additional travel documentation and certificates (in addition to lab report) if needed.
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: By 5 p.m. next day after collection
McCampbell Analytical
1534 Willow Pass Road Pittsburg, California
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., seven days a week
Cost: 3-hour results are $699, 5-hour results are $450, same-day results are $199 and next-day results are $129.
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: See above
Color
Embarcadero site at Piers 30/32, Bryant and Embarcadero
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Free
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: One to three days
Alameda Health Systems
Various locations throughout Alameda County
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Covered by insurance
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two to three days
County of Santa Clara
Various locations throughout Santa Clara County
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: No upfront cost
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Varies by location
Downtown Medical Group
450 Sutter Street, Suite 1723 San Francisco, California
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $225 for next-day turnaround, $300 for same-day turnaround
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: See above
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Boston, Massachusetts
Tufts Medical Center
276 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m
Cost: If insurance does not cover a test, the cost is $135
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: 24 to 72 hours
CareWell Urgent Care
Cambridge Inman Square
1400 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Covered by insurance, or $160 if paying out of pocket
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Varies
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Charlotte, North Carolina
BetterMed Urgent Care – Charlotte
Various locations throughout Charlotte
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: For those with commercial health insurance, the expected out-of-pocket cost for the medical evaluation and test is your copay. PCR medical evaluation and test will cost $159 plus outside lab costs in North Carolina for self-pay.
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Three to five days
Carolina Pharmacy
Various locations throughout Charlotte, North Carolina and Lancaster and Rock Hill, South Carolina
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Rapid antigen is $89, Rapid RT-LAMP (Molecular/NAAT) is $145. RT-PCR (Molecular/NAAT) is $190. The expected out-of-pocket cost for the medical evaluation and test is your copay for those with commercial health insurance. PCR medical evaluation and test will cost $159 plus outside lab costs in North Carolina for self-pay.
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: One to three days
StarMed Healthcare
Various locations throughout Charlotte
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Covered at 100% for most insurance carriers, or $199 for self-pay. There’s a $195 out-of-pocket fee for the lab rush.
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: One to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Chicago
Howard Brown Health
Various locations throughout Chicago
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Free
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Three to seven days
Innovative Care
1111 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago, Illinois
Hours: Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Covered by insurance, or you can self-pay $250 for the examination and COVID-19 test
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two to four days
Prime Care Physicians
1355 Remington Road, Suite Q, Schaumburg, Illinois
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m
Cost: $125 self-pay, most insurance accepted
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: 24 to 48 hours
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Cleveland/Akron, Ohio
The Centers, Midtown Office
4500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: No out-of-pocket costs for most patients. No insurance is required, and Medicaid and other insurance accepted
Appointment required: Appointments encouraged, with walk-ins available each day
Turnaround time: One to two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Columbus, Ohio
Hometown Urgent Care
Various locations throughout Columbus
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Covered by insurance; copay or deductible may be required. Uninsured patients may be eligible to have the cost of their test covered by Medicaid under the CARES Act.
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Two to four days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Ayass BioScience Drive-thru
8501 Wade Blvd Bldg 7 Frisco, Texas
Hours: Hours are shown upon registration
Cost: Covered by insurance
Appointment required: Strongly preferred. Walk-ins are permitted but will require filling in paperwork on-site
Turnaround time: Same-day results if collected by 2 p.m.
Real Time Laboratories
4100 Fairway Ct. Suite 600 Carrollton, Texas
Hours: Open daily; see website for details
Cost: $125 to $250 depending on turnaround time
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: 6 to 48 hours, depending on the test
DevLab Bio
4100 Fairway Drive, Suite 410, Carrollton, Texas
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday; see website for details
Cost: Covered by insurance, except for travel requests
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Same-day or next-day results
L&H Scientific
2801 Osler Drive, Building B, Suite 123, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75051
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Prices start at $275 to $425, depending on turnaround time
Appointment required: Strongly encouraged. Same-day results require testing before noon.
Turnaround time: Same-day to one-day
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Denver, Colorado
American Family Care Urgent Care
Various locations throughout Denver
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Most major insurance covered
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Three to five days
Advanced Urgent Care
Various locations throughout Denver
Hours: Seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Covered by most major insurance, PCR rapid test at Broomfield clinic is $125
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Same-day for a rapid PCR test, three to seven days for other tests
Premier Diagnostics
Various locations throughout Denver
Hours: See site for details
Cost: Covered by insurance, the cost of the RT-PCR test is $125 if not covered
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Within 48 hours
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Detroit, Michigan
CVS Minute Clinic
1935 Campbell, Detroit, Michigan
Hours: Pharmacy open until 8 p.m.
Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Houston, Texas
Curative
Various locations throughout Houston
Hours: See website for more information
Cost: No out-of-pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: One to two days
Any Test Now
Various locations throughout Houston
Hours: See website for details
Cost: $199
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two to three days
Memorial Village ER
14520 Memorial Dr. Houston, Texas
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day
Cost: $150 or insurance is accepted
Appointment required: No
Turnaround: Two to three days
Rapid COVID Clinic
Various locations throughout Houston
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: $250
Appointment required: Appointments preferred, drive-ins accepted
Turnaround time: 36 to 48 hours
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Las Vegas, Nevada
Pharmatech
546 N Eastern Ave Suite 130, Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours: See website for more information
Cost: $120
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: One to two days
Cuur Diagnostics
3450 S. Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $125
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: One to two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Los Angeles, California
COVID Clinic
124 locations in 15 states, with new locations and states added weekly. Also available at 13 airports, including LAX, BUR and ONT.
Hours: Generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week. Location hours may vary.
Cost: Free 1 to 2 day PCR available for the insured and uninsured (conditions apply). $299 for rapid 1-hour result PCR test.
Appointment required: Yes. Same-day appointments are available.
Turnaround time: One to two days for expedited PCR test
Reliant Urgent Care
Various locations throughout Los Angeles
Hours: See website for more information
Appointment required: Yes
Cost: $195 for 24- to 36-hour turnaround, $175 for 1-hour turnaround (not covered by insurance)
Turnaround time: Depends on the level of service booked
Curative
Various locations throughout Los Angeles
Hours: See website for more information
Cost: No out of pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: One to two days
OnSite Safe
6411 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, California
Hours: Monday-Saturday; see website for specifics
Costs: $164
Appointment Required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two days, next-day available with expedited processing for an extra cost
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Lab Doctor
1425-A SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $179
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Next-day results
Air Land Sea
Sheltair FLL, 1100 Lee Wagener Boulevard, Suite 346, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: With insurance, $75 for next-day results, $125 for same-day results. Without insurance, $175 for next-day results, $225 for same-day results. 4 to 6 hour expedited results, $450.
Appointment required: No, but appointments can be scheduled at covidFLL.com
Turnaround time: Same-day, next-day and 4 to 6 hours. Tests for same-day results must be administered before 11 a.m.
Miami-Dade County testing sites
Various locations throughout Miami-Dade County
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Free
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two to three days
American Scientific Diagnostics
1860 Old Okeechobee Road Suite 508, West Palm Beach, Florida
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $150 for next-day results, $250 for same-day results
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Depends on the test booked
LabDX
1515 NW 167th St Suite 410, Miami Gardens, Florida 33169
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $129 for home or office visit, or $89 per test when you drive up to the lab. Mention the discount code LABDX10PTSGUY for an exclusive $10 discount from TPG.
Appointment required: Yes for concierge, walk-ins accepted at ab drive-up location
Turnaround time: Within 24 to 36 hours
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
CVS
3655 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hours: By appointment
Cost: No out-of-pocket cost with insurance
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in New York City, New York and Newark, New Jersey
There are hundreds of testing sites across New York City, and you can also find pop-up mobile testing sites at different locations throughout the five boroughs. Not all of these will return COVID-19 test results in a timely enough manner for travel, however. Even the cited turnaround time may no longer be accurate.
Carecube
Various locations in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Accepts insurance or costs between $175 and $400
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Results in four to six hours
CityMD
Various locations across New York City and the boroughs
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: CityMD is not collecting copayments for COVID-19 related visits
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Five to seven days
OnSite Safe
Location in Chelsea with home or office visits for groups of five people or more
Hours: Monday to Saturday; see website for specifics
Costs: $184
Appointment Required: No
Turnaround time: Two days, next-day available with expedited processing for an extra cost
In-home COVID-19 testing programs include:
Zeel
Offers COVID-19 swab PCR testing in homes and offices, administered by LPNs and RNs, to the New York metro area. Available in New York City, Westchester County, Nassau County, North Jersey and Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Cost: $249 for the first person tested in-home plus $50 per additional person.
Turnaround time: Results within 24 hours.
There are several free COVID-19 testing options available for Newark residents, with no appointment or insurance needed. Get more information here.
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Orlando, Florida
COVID Testing LLC
Various locations throughout Orlando
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: With insurance, $35 for next-day results, $75 for same-day results. Without insurance, $115 for next-day results, $155 for same-day results
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Same or the next day. Tests for same-day results must be taken before noon.
Paramount Urgent Care
Various locations throughout Orlando
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free for self-pay and insured patients, excluding Medicaid
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Three to four days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care
1444 W. Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday to Sunday: 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: No charge for PCR tests with insurance
Appointment required: Yes, and telemedicine visit
Turnaround time: One to three days
RapiCare
620 East Welsh Road, Horsham, Pennsylvania
Hours: Open even days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $165 for RT-PCR
Appointment required? Yes
Turnaround time: 24 hours for RT-PCR
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Curative
Various locations throughout Pittsburgh
Hours: See website for more information
Cost: No out-of-pocket cost when billed to your health plan or the government
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: One to two days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Portland, Oregon
Zoom+Care
Various locations throughout
Hours: Depends on location
Cost: Covered by insurance or lab fee of $100, as well as the cost of a virtual visit
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Three to five days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Sacramento, California
Anyone 18 years of age or older living in Sacramento County can get tested for COVID-19 for free after completing an online screening. COVID-19 testing will then be scheduled.
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Salt Lake City, Utah
Intermountain Health
Various locations throughout Salt Lake City
Hours: See site for individual location information
Cost: May vary if testing for travel versus symptoms or exposure
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: 90% of tests returned within 48 hours
Premier Diagnostics
Various locations throughout Salt Lake City
Hours: See site for details
Cost: Covered by insurance or $125 for RT-PCR test
Appointment required: No
Turnaround time: Within 48 hours
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Seattle/Tacoma, Washington
Discovery Health MD
Two locations: DoubleTree Suites Southcenter and Seattle Airport
Hours: See site for details
Cost: $176 for next-day RT-PCR test, $349 for one-hour RT-PCR test
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Same or next day, depending on what you booked
Seattle testing locations
Various locations throughout Seattle
Hours: Varies by location
Cost: Free
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two to three days
Where to get a COVID-19 test in St. Louis, Missouri
ARCpoint Labs
11255 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, Missouri
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $250 for same-day results
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Same day or 48 to 60 hours, depending on what you booked
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Washington, D.C./Baltimore/Arlington
Farragut Medical & Travel Care
815 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, D.C.
Hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $300
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Two days for expedited testing, or two to five days
Preston’s Pharmacy
Various locations in Arlington and Fairfax
Hours: Monday to Saturday, check the website for details
Cost: $45 for three- to five-day PCR testing, expedited processing available for an additional cost
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: Three to five days, faster for expedited processing
McLean Pharmacy
1392 Chain Bridge Road, Mclean, Virginia
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Cost: $200 for a 48-hour turnaround and $250 for a 24-hour turnaround
Appointment required: Yes
Turnaround time: See above
Bottom line
While it has generally been getting easier to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test for travel purposes in some locations, turnaround times can still vary.
That means if you need COVID-19 PCR test results in advance of a tight travel deadline, the safest bet is to use a provider that can guarantee same-day or next-day service. Some providers that initially guaranteed results in 24 or 48 hours have increased their turnaround times, in some cases up to seven days. However, these rapid PCR test options will cost extra and aren’t yet available across the country.
A few providers have also indicated that several insurance companies won’t cover COVID-19 testing for travel purposes, so keep in mind that you may have to pay out of pocket.
Some destinations will allow you to quarantine upon arrival until your test results arrive. Finally, if you do test positive (presumably asymptomatically), you will need to be prepared to quarantine in place wherever you are for at least two weeks.
Featured photo by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
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