If you’re in a location without many COVID-19 testing sites, you may want to head to your neighborhood drugstore.
You’ll notice several major chains on the list of where to get a COVID-19 test, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, all of which often offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance or if you fall under some federal programs for those without insurance.
Ride Aid specifically offers tests at no cost to anyone four and older. Passport Health also has a network of clinics in over 100 locations nationwide, primarily for people who need a negative PCR test to fly or return to school. Increasingly, these nationwide providers are serving younger patients. Currently, CVS serves patients 10 and up, while Walgreens serves patients as young as 3.
Even better, you can make these appointments online, which may save precious time instead of waiting in a long line. Many of these locations also offer drive-up testing, where you swab yourself and don’t need to leave your vehicle.
Turnaround times can vary by chain and location:
- CVS: Average turnaround time for receiving results from lab tests is one to two days
- Walgreens: Turnaround time varies by location and test taken
- Rite Aid: Turnaround time is two to seven days
Also, several third-party companies partner with major cities like Houston and San Francisco on widespread testing. These companies, like Color and Curative, offer results between one to three days.
Mail-in COVID-19 testing options
There are many mail-in or in-home COVID-19 testing providers available. Some are not valid in certain states, and some are not available in all situations.
Most will not bill insurance for you, with Pixel being an exception to that general rule. Some mail-in tests are nasal swabs, while others are saliva samples. Some are only valid for adults, and others require a Zoom appointment. But, these are all the gold-standard PCR tests that are considered highly reliable.
Some mail-in COVID-19 testing programs include:
- Everlywell: Results of the nasal swab available within 24 to 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. Available to people 18 and older only. Cost: $109
- Pixel by LabCorp: Results of the nasal swab are available one to two days after arriving back in the lab. Available to people 18 and older. No upfront cost, or $119 if you’re not eligible for insurance or federal funds.
- Vault: Results of the saliva test taken via a Zoom call are available within 24 to 48 hours. The test is available to children and adults. Cost: $119
- Azova: Available at Costco.com. The saliva test results, taken via a Zoom call, are available within 12 to 48 hours upon being received by the lab. This test is approved as part of Hawaii’s trusted testing partner program and for travel to Bermuda. Cost: $118.99
- Quest Diagnostics: The at-home or drive-thru test results are typically received within three to five business days. This test is available to people 18 and older. Cost: $125
- OnSight Safe: Results of PCR saliva-based tests are available within 48 hours after being received by the lab; expedited processing is also available. Available for children and adults nationally. Physical testing locations in New York City, Tampa, and Van Nuys, California. Cost: Starts at $127.95
How long will test results take to arrive?
While there are exceptions, one to three days for COVID-19 test results seem to be standard across the country.
You may need to research PCR testing locations that promise same-day results or provide rapid PCR tests analyzed on-site if the arrival of your test results could make or break your trip. Several facilities on the list below reported delays in test results due to an increase in demand.
