Positive result after Covid tests fiasco
AGNES Kegl was one of many people who paid medical firms for private Covid tests, but received the kits and results either late or not at all, and who are up in arms after struggling to get a refund.
Rules require people to get two tests on day 2 and day 8 after returning from overseas.
Approved providers feature on the Department of Health and Social Care’s website which is where marketing manager and mum Agnes found 001Doctor.uk.
She complained to Crusader after paying £364 for kits for herself and her son just before returning to the UK last month from her family’s home in Europe.
Agnes said the first kits never turned up and the second ones were five days late. “We were left facing indefinite quarantine until I bought a new set,” she added.
“In all it has cost almost £800. “The company was difficult to contact and sent confusing emails. I’m a single mother and I just can’t afford to lose such a lot of money.”
A Facebook group cites similar experiences with some testing companies.
Agnes claims one part of 001Doctor.uk promised her a refund while another refused. 001Doctor.uk has now paused taking orders. A recent check revealed it remained on the Government’s approved list for tests. The company also confirmed this on its site. However both appear to have since been removed. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We do not endorse or recommend any particular private test provider for quarantine test packages.
“All private providers of Covid19 tests must meet the minimum required standards and are reviewed by the independent United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
“The list of approved private test suppliers is published on gov.uk and continually updated to ensure those listed are meeting the required standards.” Agnes said: “I thought ‘approved’ meant ‘recommended’. I know the authorities are under pressure from demand. Even so, if people pay for a service but do not get it they should get the money they are owed.”
001Doctor.uk did not respond to Crusader’s request to refund Agnes, so she started a chargeback process through her debit card and bank Monzo.
Chargebacks are voluntary for banks and can be disputed by the seller.At firstAgnes understood she had little hope and would have to wait several months to hear.
But following Crusader’s intervention her difficulties were acknowledged. She said: “My bank is now supporting me over reimbursement. Thank you Crusader.”
001Doctor.uk also confirmed it had “reviewed” her request and was now processing her refund.