Some private health clinics charging for COVID tests – they’re free says NSW Health

NSW Health is reimbursing people who have been charged by private clinics for standard Covid tests, which the government department stresses are free.

Even overseas visitors who go to hospital for a Covid test are not charged.

“Recent reports that a small number of people in NSW have been charged for their tests at privately run clinics have been addressed by NSW Health and reimbursements are being arranged,” said a NSW Health spokesperson.

The spokesperson also pointed out you do not need your Medicare card to be tested.

“While you can provide your Medicare card at the clinic you attend for testing, you do not need a Medicare card to be tested and you will not be charged.

“NSW Health also continues to waive fees for suspected cases of COVID-19 patients presenting to our hospitals who are Medicare Ineligible (overseas visitors).

“High testing numbers are vital to finding undetected cases and helping to contain the spread of Covid-19,” the spokesperson said.

“We ask everyone to continue to come forward for testing if they have been identified as close or casual contacts of cases; and if they have even the mildest of symptoms, of a cold or flu-like illness.”

There are more than 350 Covid-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week.

To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

The only instance where there is a charge for a COVID-19 test is for the purposes of travel to other jurisdictions that require a negative test prior to travel.