What Does a COVID-19 Test Cost?

COVID-19 tests are free at health centers and certain pharmacies across the U.S. Testing is also available at many drive-through sites around the country. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act makes testing free to anyone, including people who don’t have health insurance. 

How Is a COVID-19 Test Done?

COVID-19 testing is done on a sample of your mucus or saliva. That sample can be obtained in a couple of ways. Many testing locations use a long nasal swab — essentially a thin, flexible stick with cotton on the end — that’s gently inserted into your nose or touched to the back of your throat to collect mucus. The swab is then placed into a container for transport to the lab that will conduct the test. 

If saliva will be used for your COVID-19 test, you’ll be asked to spit into a tube. That tube is then sealed and sent to the lab. 

Are There Risks Associated with Getting a COVID-19 Test?

COVID-19 testing is safe and highly accurate. But as with many medical tests, there’s a slight risk of a false-negative result. That means the test indicates you don’t have COVID-19 when, in fact, you do. 

The risk, then, is that you’ll unknowingly spread the virus to others. Consequently, it’s important to use disease-prevention practices like physical distancing and wearing a mask when appropriate. 

Save Time and Start Your COVID-19 Test Online

If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or had been exposed to COVID-19, Baptist Health is able to see you virtually, diagnose and order a COVID-19 test to the urgent care closest to you. Learn more and get started now.

When Should I Be Tested for COVID-19?

A COVID-19 test is needed if:

• You have COVID-19 symptoms like cough, fever, trouble breathing, or fatigue
• You don’t have COVID-19 symptoms but have participated in activities that significantly increase your risk of contracting the illness, such as attending large gatherings, spending time in crowded indoor settings, or traveling.
• You don’t have COVID-19 symptoms but have been in close contact with someone who tests positive — meaning they have the illness. Being in close contact with someone means that you’ve been within 6 feet of that person. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you should get tested 3 to 5 days after close contact with someone who tested positive. Breakthrough infections — when a fully vaccinated person contracts COVID-19 — are rare, but they can occur. 
• Your healthcare provider recommends it
• You’ll be traveling outside the U.S. and your destination country requires it

Get a COVID-19 Test at Baptist Health

Getting vaccinated as soon as possible and getting tested for COVID-19 when appropriate are two of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the virus. If you think you need to be tested, you can find a Baptist Health COVID-19 testing location online. 

Please note that if your Baptist Health provider orders a COVID-19 test following a virtual care visit, you will be charged the co-pay cost for the virtual care session, with any remaining cost billed to your insurance company. 

Next Steps and Useful Resources:

Schedule Your Vaccine Appointment
Start Your COVID-19 Test Online
Why You Shouldn’t Use Ivermectin to Prevent or Treat COVID-19
What to Know About COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases
What You Need to Know About Traveling During COVID-19