PCR Test Costs

Family, Education, Health and Pets
21
Q1.

Can anyone with recent travel experience to the UK please confirm my understanding, the rules seem to have changed since I last investigated:

(1) Entry into UK (before leaving CH) - rapid anti gen test acceptable, cost = 57.50 @ Amavita https://www.amavita.ch/de/info-covid19

(2) In UK, day 2 + 8 tests, min cost =£175=225 CHF, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/provider...ional-arrivals

(3) Return to CH (before leaving UK) - rapid anti gen test acceptable, https://www.gov.uk/find-covid-19-lateral-flow-test-site , cost=???

Total = circa 283+CHF

If you go for test-to-release (after day 5) - add an extra????

Quarantine in UK: 10 d (5+ with test-to-release, more if you fail a day 2 or 8 test)

Quarantine CH: 10d (no early release)

Total =20d (15+ with TTR, or more if fail)

Is the above understanding correct?

Q2.

I'd read mixed reports about some of the UK day2+8 test providers (admin fluff ups, tests being lost). Anyone had any personal experiences, recommendations?

Thanks

22
114.50 in Nyon for PCR test - I thought it was free now but I guess travel reasons are not covered

Antigen (<4 hrs from flight) & PCR needed now, both flying out & on return - this is the new cottage industry at airports with testing available by online reservation (GVA has this set up)

Language of results is not a hurdle, several languages are acceptable (including French or German) - even for the US

23
1. My understanding is that a test, not necessarily a PCR test, is required for the UK. It must meet these conditions:

"The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests

an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device"

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavi...ing-to-england

2. For CH, it is a PCR test but in exceptional circumstances could be a rapidgen:

"Type of test and requirements the result must meet

Basically the negative result must be from a PCR test conducted less than 72 hours previously.

If, for example, you are travelling too long or the result of the PCR test is not available quickly enough, a rapid antigen test conducted less than 24 hours previously is also permitted for the boarding check. However, you need the negative result of a PCR test carried out less than 72 hours previously at the latest for the check that may possibly be carried out at the Swiss border. If you cannot show proof of a negative PCR result at that point, you must have a test at your own expense immediately after entering Switzerland (PCR test or rapid antigen test). "

https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home...html#103059051

BTW, Swiss will summarise travel requirements between any pair of origination/destination points

https://swiss.travel-regulations.com...estination=LHR

Q1. Anyone concur/disagree with my interpretation?

Q2. Also interested in any personal experiences relating to my previous post?

24
I just booked a rapid antigen one to fly to UK as I think that is OK as long as results in English also interested to hear if that is wrong.

I believe now government covers cost to - well that is what the pharmacy told me

25
Thanks Ang1, that's interesting, please let us know when confirmed.

UK states language of test must be one of English, French or Spanish. No mention of German.

26

Not sure if that rapid test also covers the requirements set by the airlines/government. Better check that.

27
My vaccination certificate is in in French and English.

28
They don’t accept German sadly. On the first day that the rules were enforced, SWISS flight from ZRH-LHR took some passengers off the flight because they presented the test results in German. It’s English, French and Spanish only

29
Is that for UK flights only? Been on flights to other countries and Swiss accepted the test (in German)

30
Yes, the English/Spanish/French rule is specifically for those entering the UK as the rule comes from the UK govt

Full details: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavi...ing-to-england

31
I booked mine through CTM (£210), which I think was the only option available when I booked 10 days ago.

Did the first test at 9:00 on Sunday morning, posted it immediately, got the results at 9:00 on Monday.

Did the second one this morning, but am not really bothered about the result as I did the day 5 Test to Release in the meantime (tested in the morning, result the same day in the evening), so am no longer in quarantine.

32
I need a PCR test for travel into Germany so can get one at Amavita (in Zug).... but I also need one for my 11 year old son (visiting from Germany)...Amavita website says they can't do them for under 16's in the pharmacy.

Any ideas?

33
Answering my own question

CHF 140 for the PCR-Test and CHF 70 for the rapid antigen test at Zug Canotonal hospital.... and "Children and teenagers from the age of 8 (up to the age of 18 only accompanied by a legal guardian)" so I assume he can get a test there

https://www.zgks.ch/en/patients-visi...-hospital.html

34
is that via this?

https://www.hirslanden.ch/en/klinik-...stzentrum.html

35
Just saw your entry regarding PCR test in France.

How long did it take until you've received the result? And at which branch/lab did you take it?

Is it possible to drive to France with VD license plate?

36
Airport is 145/150 with pretty quick turnaround times.

Hirslanden is 156 for travel.

For elective PCR testing, this is about par for the course.

37
If you are within 30 km of your destination, yes.

If not, only with ... a PCR test!

38
Thank you!

39
So Hirslanden.

Completely uncomplicated, take your health insurance card, get your test in the container near radiology, leave. The bill will follow, the results are approximately 48 hours in the making.

Two young ladies in very basic protective gear enjoying their job, for some reason I think they are pleased when it's not your first test so they don't have to explain everything....

40
Basel airport apparently 110CHF, cheapest around.