Half-term holidaymakers hoping to get their hands on a cheaper lateral flow test through the Government’s website could be left disappointed – after one billed as costing £14.94 was actually nearly £60 when clicked through.
Last week, there was a huge announcement that the tests – which are required after visiting other countries – would be more affordable.
However, a basic audit of some companies on the Government’s list revealed a huge disparity in their listed prices and the reality when you clicked through to the site.
And the ones named on the roll call – which crashed this morning – were still offering the tests for as much as £217.
Others price them from £17.99 to £150 with the Private GP clinic in Sevenoaks, Kent.
It was believed that the bargain tests would go on sale starting today.
It was not obvious why there was a difference between the government-listed price and the one displayed on the actual site.
Two days of tests are required upon returning to the UK from certain countries.
Scrapping costly PCR tests could save a family of four around £200 a trip abroad when the changeover to lateral flow tests goes ahead in ten days time
One firm is advertised on the government website as costing from £14.94 for day two tests
But after clicking through to the site in question the reality is that they cost upwards of £59.95
One from a service called C-19 UK Direct Lab Alliance was shown on the Gov.uk site as being priced from £14.94.
But on their website there appeared to be nothing available or advertised for less than £59.95.
Tracey Quinton stated, “Disappointed as just as PCR test prices once you go onto site prices are much more high.”
Callum Elsdon, travel blogger, stated that the price is the same as before…14.95 at Govt Website.
‘Far higher’ on the company’s website.
The cheaper tests plan had been predicted to save a family of four around £200 on a trip abroad.
It was hoped that the move would increase confidence in the travel industry, which is currently struggling after the pandemic.
The government site lists tests for £217 despite saying last week they would be cheaper
Many people long to go on holiday after 18 years of being stuck in the UK.
The process for getting into the UK and exiting is complex and difficult to comprehend.
The rapid test will only be required for fully-vaccinated holidaymakers who have returned from safe areas on or before day 2.
A PCR test – free on the NHS – will only be required if the rapid test is positive.
Children are treated as if they have been fully vaccinated. This makes family holidays possible.
Non-vaccinated adults, however, must quarantine at their home for ten consecutive days and take a pre-return testing within 72 hours. Two PCR tests are also required on the second and eighth days.
Ministers delayed announcing a date for the change to take effect due to concerns about whether there was enough supply from private providers to meet demand.
Sajid Javid (Health Secretary) said that the move would make traveling abroad ‘easier, and cheaper’.
He had requested that travelers be supervised during the rapid tests. However, a photograph of the negative result taken with a mobile device and sent to the provider for verification will suffice.
Travellers won’t be able to access the NHS’s free tests. Instead, they will need to book through private providers. Lateral flow tests typically cost between £20 and £40.
Some MPs and travel leaders suggested that the Government scrap all testing of fully-vaccinated travellers.