The cost of NHS coronavirus tests for international arrivals to the UK has been reduced, according to a government announcement.
Test & Trace pricing will be based on your originating country’s risk level. For those who are green-listed and are fully vaccinated, the price has dropped from £88 to £68. This also applies to amber-listed arrivals.
Meanwhile, the price of two tests for amber arrivals who have not had both jabs has been cut from £170 to £136.
The prices of all providers of day two and eight tests are yet to be reviewed.
The Health Secretary Sajid Javid recently asked the competition watchdog to investigate “excessive” pricing and exploitative practices by PCR Covid test firms. He said misleading pricing will be clamped down on, providers who fail to meet necessary standards will be removed from the government’s approved list.
The UK’s National Health Service’s Test and Trace advertises their tests alongside private companies’ packages, making them available to purchase to fulfil the government’s requirements for international travel. This is not the first time that the NHS has reduced the price; previously a day two and eight package was £210.
Private companies have been under increased scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority or Trading Standards for their unfair practices.
It is understood that if the review finds private companies are offering terms that are unfair and therefore unenforceable, enforcement action could be taken.
If a company is found to have breached consumer law, they could be subject to a court order to stop them operating and told to compensate those who were treated unfairly.
Mr. Javid said, “I am determined to protect consumers and hardworking families from exploitative practices and ensure high quality tests are available at a reasonable price”.
“Too many providers are acting like cowboys and that needs to stop. The public should be allowed to enjoy their summer holidays without having to face excessive costs or anxiety, Any provider found to be misleading the public will be kicked off,” he added.
Holidaymakers are complaining of high prices and poor service from many companies offering PCR tests, with some reports that they have been sent damaged kits. Some consumers also complained to authorities about not receiving test results or being quoted a price much higher than advertised.
The CMA is considering taking swift action for providers who do not meet standards.
A spokesperson from the government says that laboratories must be accredited or undergoing accreditation by an independent UK Accreditation service and if businesses fail to follow these guidelines, they will be removed from its list of approved providers.
