Covid test price warning

THE UK government said on Monday (23) it had warned dozens of domestic private medical testing companies over “misleading prices” for coronavirus travel tests, following a review of costs and standards.

More than 80 firms would be issued a “two-strike warning” and could be removed from the government’s online database of test providers if they fail to accurately advertise their prices, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

As many as 82 companies – around 18 per cent of the database – were identified as displaying lower prices on the list than were actually available on their website at the point of checkout, according to the ministry.

The government currently requires a range of tests depending on where the traveller has come from. Even fully vaccinated UK residents need to take at least one test two days after their return.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for any private testing company to be taking advantage of holidaymakers and this action clamps down on this cowboy behaviour,” said health secretary Sajid Javid.

“We are also introducing regular spot checks this week to make sure all private providers follow the rules and meet our high standards of transparency.”

Companies will be removed from the government’s database if they fail to take action within three days of receiving a “strike one” warning, the DHSC said.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regulator is also carrying out a review of the market amid the concerns about the high cost of PCR tests for travel.

Earlier this month, the DHSC said the cost of tests supplied by the NHS for international arrivals would be reduced from £88 to £68 for fully vaccinated travellers or those not required to quarantine under the travel rules.

Meanwhile, the cost for those arriving from certain countries while not fully jabbed was reduced from £170 to £136 for two tests.