TESTING companies are charging desperate holiday makers £399 for a Covid PCR test that usually costs £48.
But how do you avoid getting ripped off?
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As the government eased restrictions on travelling back in May, many Brits saw a glimmer of hope for their long awaited summer holiday.
Countries were split into three groups: green, amber and red, depending on each location’s Covid levels.
Keen holiday makers found themselves having to navigate the different rules and regulations for each country depending on which group it was in.
But almost all countries require travellers to take either a “gold standard” PCR or rapid flow Covid test before they travel, or on arrival – while the UK system requires Brits to take tests before and after they return home.
Thanks to the different rules in each country, sunseekers could find themselves having to fork out for as many as FIVE tests per person to reach popular destinations such as Spain, Italy and Portugal.
While the government provides a list of different test providers you can use, some charge much higher prices than others.
In an extreme case, the Mayfair GP Clinic is offering just one day two PCR for £399 – a test that other providers like Randox offer for £48.
Booking an amber-list home test package, along with two ‘Fit to Fly’ tests and a test to end quarantine early via the Mayfair GP Clinic could cost you a hefty £932.
Now, experts are speaking out against the eye-watering prices holiday-makers are being charged to receive Covid tests.
Aviation analyst Alex Macheras told the MailOnline: “We are being exploited by these companies.
“Many European countries offer pre-flight tests for free. Instead, here we’re being forced to pay extortionate prices.”
Here’s how to avoid being scorched by test charges if you are planning your trip abroad.
Watch out for claims of the “cheapest price”
On the government’s website, testing companies can be arranged by price, which should show what one test would cost per person to visit a green or amber list country.
But many companies list their cheapest option, in fact offering a range of different tests when you arrive on their website.
Often, the first ‘cheapest’ price displayed is for an “on site” test, involving visiting the company’s clinic to do your own self swab test – but this is not helpful if you live far away from the company’s testing site.
Analyst Alex Macheras says: “In many cases, the prices of these tests are not what they first appear.
“It may say one thing on the website, but by the time you get to checkout you are paying far more.
“Companies know how essential these tests are to customers, so make it as difficult as possible for people to make a good assessment.”
Instead of going for the first “cheap” option, taking the time to look at the different companies and what they offer can help you make an informed decision.
If you’re visiting an amber country, you will have to take a test before leaving and before returning, as well as a test to be taken on day five after returning home to end your quarantine early.
All this should cost around £150, while tests to visit a green list country should come to under £100.
