Covid-19: Are PCR and antigen tests still free?

Free PCR and antigen testing ended on Friday, October 15, 2021. Since that day, health insurance no longer reimburses the tests. You have to pay an average of €43 for a PCR test, while the antigenic test costs €25 in pharmacies and €22 in laboratories. These tests are essential for obtaining a valid health pass, but in some cases they remain free of charge.

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Is it possible to be tested for COVID-19 free of charge? When are RT-PCR tests reimbursed by the French health insurance system?

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Requirements for free PCR and antigen tests

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Today, PCR and antigenic tests are not free of charge. However, it is still possible to be tested for COVID-19 free of charge. Free testing is still available for minors, high-school students and people with a certificate of contraindication to vaccination. People who have been vaccinated, for whatever reason, can also benefit from systematic free screening.

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Situations in which tests can be reimbursed in full

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If the so-called "comfort" tests are not reimbursed, you are entitled to a reimbursement of the Covid-19 screening test if:

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• You have a complete vaccination schedule;
• You have a contraindication to vaccination;
• You have been declared a contact case to the French health insurance system;
• You are taking part in a collective screening campaign organized by regional health agencies and schools;
• You have a medical prescription;
• You are a minor.

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Therefore, you must pay for your RT-PCR and antigen tests if you are an unvaccinated adult or if you do not have a medical prescription.

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Free tests still available in French overseas departments and territories

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In some overseas territories, tests are still free. These include Mayotte, French Guiana, Martinique and Guadeloupe. The health situation in these territories does not allow for free Covid-19 screening. We will have to wait for the state of health emergency to be lifted.

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For Mayotte, tests remain free for an indefinite period. On Reunion Island, PCR tests are not free of charge. For those who have not been vaccinated, you should expect to pay between €25 and €30.

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Proof of entitlement to a free test

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To access free screening, you must present one of the following documents in order to obtain reimbursement from your health insurance company:

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• A full vaccination certificate;
• A certificate of contraindication to vaccination;
• A certificate of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection;
• Proof of contact.

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For minors, proof of identity is required. Finally, the cost of the test is covered if you have a medical prescription less than 48 hours old.

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Why perform a PCR test?

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PCR is the reference screening test. It involves taking a nasopharyngeal swab to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the body at a given time. Reliable in 95% of cases, PCR can be used in a number of situations:

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• You have the symptoms of Covid-19 ;
• You've had close contact, but no symptoms;
• You are a contact case, whether or not you have been vaccinated.

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PCR testing is carried out in medical biology and analysis laboratories. Most pharmacies carry out the antigenic test.

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If you want to do a quick screening, you can take an antigen test. Authorized by the Haute Autorité de Santé since September 25, 2020 in France, it can be done in a pharmacy, with a pharmacist. You can obtain a positive or negative result in less than 30 minutes.

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In case of symptoms related to COVID-19 without serious signs, contact a physician via teleconsultation to avoid contact. Thanks to our teleconsultation booths, you can get in touch with a doctor to arrange a screening test.

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Reference prices for Covid-19 PCR and antigen tests

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The cost of PCR and antigen tests is the same for all those covered by Medicare. However, there are certain characteristics and circumstances that can influence the price. If you have it done in a medical biology laboratory, the reference price is €43.89.

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Antigenic tests cost €22. In a pharmacy, the cost of an antigen test is €25.01 on weekdays and €30.01 on Sundays. It will be more expensive, €45.11 including consultation, if a doctor or midwife carries it out.

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