How to avail COVID-19 Test Free of Cost in India?

Posted on: Sep 18, 2020 | | Written by:

How to avail COVID-19 Test Free of Cost in India?

Imagine you wake up one morning with a slight cough, and a nagging worry starts to creep in. Is it just a common cold, or could it be something more serious, like COVID-19? In a world still grappling with the effects of the pandemic, such concerns have become all too familiar. Testing for COVID-19 has proven to be a crucial tool in curbing the spread of the virus and safeguarding public health. However, for many individuals in India, the cost of testing can be a significant barrier. But what if there was a way to avail of a COVID-19 test for free? Let's explore the importance of COVID-19 testing and how it can be made accessible to all in India without any financial burden.

How to get tested for COVID-19 Free of Cost in India?

The Government of India has made COVID-19 tests free of cost at government hospitals and laboratories. If you experience any of COVID-19 symptoms like cough, cold, fever, and difficulty in breathing, get yourself tested for free by following the below steps:

1. Call the COVID-19 helpline number +91-11-23978046 or toll-free number 1075 to report your symptoms and get the necessary support.

2. If you are suspected of being infected with the virus, you will get tested at a government-approved lab free of cost.

3. There are many government-approved labs for free Covid-19 testing; you can get it done anywhere. If you want to know about testing centres near you, check for free Corona testing near me, Covid-19 RT-PCR test near me free, or RT-PCR test near me free of cost. The list of testing centres will be generated.

The COVID-19 test is free only at government labs and not in private hospitals. Also, as per IRDAI regulations, health insurance plans will cover COVID-19 treatment and hospitalisation costs. If you don't have an insurance policy, buy the best health insurance at the earliest.

Cost of novel coronavirus test at private labs

Currently, the cost of a novel coronavirus or RT-PCR test in private labs ranges between Rs 500 and Rs 900. It differs from state to state, and there is an additional charge for home visits.

In April 2020, the cost of RT-PCR in private laboratories and hospitals was Rs 4,500 per person, which included a screening test for Rs 1,500 and a confirmation test for Rs 3,000. This, being too expensive, majority of the people of the country could not afford it. So, with the intervention of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), private labs and hospitals across the country had to slash the cost significantly.

In June of the same year, New Delhi capped the cost at Rs 2,400, Karnataka capped the testing price at Rs 2,500, Maharashtra at Rs 2,200 - Rs 2,800, Uttar Pradesh at Rs 2,000 - Rs 2,500 per person, and Tamil Nadu slashed the cost to Rs 3,000.

The current price of RT-PCR tests in private labs in some states are listed below:

• New Delhi - Rs 800 at the collection centre and Rs 1200 for home collection

• Maharashtra - Rs 500 at the collection centre, Rs 600 at a COVID Care Centre or a quarantine centre, and Rs 800 for home collection

• Uttar Pradesh - Rs 700 in labs and Rs 900 for home collection

• Gujarat - Rs 700 in a lab and Rs 900 for home collection

Free Covid-19 tests and treatment under Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide affordable healthcare to the poor and underprivileged sections of society. During the pandemic, to contain the spread of coronavirus and ensure they have access to timely treatment, Covid-19 testing and treatment were made free of cost for the beneficiaries of the scheme. The eligible beneficiaries can get treated at any government and private hospitals empanelled under the scheme, and the expenses will be covered.

FAQs about COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

1. Is Covid-19 testing free in India?

Testing for Covid-19 is free of cost only at government-approved labs and hospitals.

2. What is the cost of coronavirus tests in private hospitals?

Private hospitals charge between Rs 500 and Rs 900 if you visit the collection centres or labs for testing. For home collection of samples, the charges are extra. In April 2020, during the pandemic, private labs were charging Rs 4,500 per test. As a majority of the population could not afford it, the prices were slashed with the intervention of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

3. Can the beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) avail Covid-19 test free of cost?

Yes, the test charges are covered under the government's health insurance scheme.

Conclusion

If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, like fever, cough, and breathing difficulty, you can contact the COVID-19 helpline for support and get yourself treated free of cost at any government-approved lab. If you want to get tested in a private hospital, you have to bear all the costs. The IRDAI has directed all health insurance companies to cover treatment and hospitalisation expenses. Do invest in health insurance plans to get financial protection from rising medical costs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

How to Avail Free Medical Check-ups under Your Health Cover?

What Are Pre-Medical Tests in Health Insurance?

Are Pre-Policy Medical Check-Up and Tests under Health Insurance Coverage Important?

Safety Measures to follow if someone Tests COVID Positive

Keep track of your health every year with these 10 tests