This is going to hurt: Charges for virus tests across Europe

People stand next to a sign advertising rapid Coronavirus antigen tests that German residents can undergo free of charge, in Berlin on October 10, 2021, amid the ongoing Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. – The German government stopped paying for rapid coronavirus tests from October 11, 2021. AFP

PARIS — With France set to join Germany in charging for Covid tests in a bid to ramp up vaccinations, we look at how much they cost across Europe.

While some countries are keeping tests free, others are ramping up the price.

Denmark, Austria

Tests are free for all in both countries.

 Ireland, Sweden, Netherlands

Tests are free for all, apart from those needing tests to travel.

People making trips out of the Netherlands have to fork out 34 to 45 euros for an antigen test and 74 to 100 euros for a PCR test.

In Sweden the costs for antigen tests are between 30 and 70 euros, and PCR tests are between 150 and 200 euros.

In Ireland the cost of travel tests is variable.

France, Germany

Both countries had until this week allowed people to get free tests, with a limit of one per week.

Since Monday antigen tests now cost between 12 and 15 euros in Germany and PCR tests between 60 and 120 euros, according to prices in Berlin and Brandenburg.

They are still free, however, for children under 12, people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons and for those who need a test to be released from quarantine after having Covid.

Teenagers and pregnant women, who have until December 31 to get vaccinated, are also allowed free tests till the end of the year.

In France tests will no longer be free from Friday. Nevertheless, tests will be reimbursed if taken for medical reasons and they remain free for minors.

Non-vaccinated adults will have to pay around 44 euros for a PCR test and 25 euros for an antigen one.

Greece

Free testing ended in Greece mid-September in a bid to speed up vaccinations. The price of rapid tests is set at 10 euros. Primary and secondary school pupils are entitled to free self-testing kits.

Britain

PCR tests from the National Health Service are free for people with symptoms, for those who have had a positive antigen test result, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus.

Antigen tests in the country are free in pharmacies and test centers, and it is also possible to have them delivered by courier at no cost.

But for those who do not qualify, the cost of tests has come down to 79 pounds (93 euros) at pharmacies compared with the 120 pounds it cost last December.

The high cost of tests caused widespread anger in the country, and in late August the government clamped down on test providers.

Italy

Except for some Red Cross centers where tests are free, antigen tests cost between 15 and 50 euros with PCR tests costing up to 100 euros.

Only those people who are exempt for health reasons from the vaccine pass, which all workers must have from Friday, are entitled to free tests.

Croatia, Spain

Both countries offer free PCR tests when a medical prescription is provided.

Without a prescription. PCR tests in Croatia cost from 52 to 93 euros and 13 to 27 euros for an antigen test.

In Spain a PCR test costs 60 to 180 euros and 25 to 50 euros for an antigen test. Free antigen tests without prescription are available in test centers in some Spanish regions.

Belgium

For those with symptoms, tests are free in test centers.

Otherwise, prices are comparatively high — 41 euros for PCR tests, and 27 euros for antigenic tests bought in pharmacies.

Prices can drop to one euro however for tests carried out for being a contact case.

Finland

Free tests are available from the public health service to people who think they may be infected. For non-residents and travelers however, tests cost between 120 and 200 euros.