Free covid tests

[Evie3]

Good morning. I tried to get a box of lateral flow tests online as we are going away soon. As I am clinically vulnerable etc etc I was previously able to get these free. However, this time it said I couldnt use the service. Anyone else found this too pls?

[MadBunny]

Unfortunately yes. Free tests were stopped earlier this year🙄

[Bootoo]

Are you eligible for antivirals? if you are you can still get free tests. On the gov.uk site it asks why do you need a test just tick the top box ( that you are eligible for covid 19 treatments) and they will send a box out. I got some a couple of weeks ago with no problems. Just google free lateral flow tests and the gov site comes up.

Also if you buy a test and you have covid they don't accept the result to get referred for antivirals as it's not an approved test, as my daughter found out recently 🙄

[Evie3 in reply to Bootoo]

Thanks……I did go on the NHS Gov site but the two questions they asked werent applicable….sure they had changed from the last time i got some

[Boxerlady]

Are you eligible for Covid treatment and did you say that on the form? I did that last time and got a free box of tests.

[Evie3 in reply to Boxerlady]

I was told i was…but changed their minds whenmi got Covid🤬

[Fra22-57 in reply to Evie3]

I am eligible for anti virals but when I got covid the nurse listened to my symptoms and how bad and said not.Just put you are

[AgedCrone]

I still get them every couple of months….but the CEV category was abolished at the same time that free LFT’s were stopped…I just call 119 & they send them.If you start calling around to try to get the free tests ..….don’t mention you want them because you are going abroad…..you are expected to rely on your travel medical insurance company if you think you have caught Covid overseas…..you could just buy a couple of tests in a supermarket here,&  if you do think you need to take a test make sure with one of those.. …but as you won’t be able to get anti virals abroad…it’s not really going to help. Just keep your fingers crossed…& if necessary contact your insurer who will have everything set up.

[hatshepsut in reply to AgedCrone]

Not true to say you can't get antivirals abroad. I got them in France. In Europe you need to make sure you have a GHIC card, and you will get the same treatment as residents.

[Evie3 in reply to hatshepsut]

i still have an EHIC in date. Thanks for the info

[AgedCrone in reply to hatshepsut]

That’s good news….most inscos say they aren’t available.

[Evie3]

Thank u so much for the info. When i caught Covid here, after being pushed from pillar to,post, they decided I wasnt eligible for antivirals!! I did survive but with still coughing at night (I am lucky to have asthma too). I will buy a box then.

[RachelD1972]

I’ve just ordered some. Select the category that says eligible for anti virals. It went through ok x

[Evie3]

Thanks…..just did that and was accepted. Not lying….they did say I was to have antivirals…..but somehow the message didnt pass down the line.😢

[AgedCrone in reply to Evie3]

It has been like that all the time.,l’m  sure there must be more than one eligibility list & it just depends on which one the person who answers the phone looks at.

[secrets22]

I'm afraid free testing kits are no longer available.

[Cattledog in reply to secrets22]

They certainly are. I’ve just ordered a pack on the Gov site 5 minutes ago.

[AgedCrone in reply to secrets22]

Actually I got some just a couple of weeks ago…..I have no idea what “the rules” are these days…but I called 119….they just asked for my NHS number & asked what drugs I was on…..the tests arrived the next day.Have you tried asking your rheumy nurse who is entitled to the free tests?I think maybe I got them because o my age. 

[Evie3 in reply to secrets22]

got one!😇

[Lizard28]

I got some in August, they are so handy to have. I hope they havnt changed the rules again.

[Tiverland]

I was never permitted to get free tests. ( Devon)

[pippin_fort]

I have literally just ordered some as I am eligible for Covid 19 treatments.

[Green230461]

had to pay for mine