Many of us are heading overseas and there is a standard PCR test requirement within 72 hours with proper test results instead of just SMS, for most airlines.
For Sydney, the cheapest options is via Histopath @ $100, done at airport on the previous day (considering your flight is after noon as the results will be available only at 9 am next day).
Next cheapest is 4cyte at $120
Edit:
Looks like there are other locations which offers $100 tests.
* Granville as per @DaddyJi
@jdawg7: There was even a netflix series in 2019 on the risk of corona before the coronavirus jumped from animals to humans.
@jdawg7: firstly learn how to read, you totally missed my point in the comment. Not getting the facts right and understanding how different viruses work, makes you look stupid.
@kungfuman: All I’m saying is that anyone who decided to “wait out” the Spanish flu died waiting lol
Not sure what you thought I meant
@ChadHominem: Back during this time the best medical advice was to take penicillin which is how backward there health system was back then, today pandemics are fought with better technology. if the spanish flu happened today it wouldn't have had less of an effect than it did back in 1918.
Covid would have annihilated people in 1918 its way worse than the spanish flu ever could be. Also there was no VACCINE!! the wait for people is to make sure everyone is vaccinated so we can start moving around again.
@kungfuman: Actually the death count on the worldmeter site only shows the reported cases.any experts have concluded that the death rate is atleast 3-4 times the reported result. Within these two years the actual death count is around 15-18 million deaths.
This is not including the false report of deaths in the People's Republic of China due to COVID 19 and variants. So olds are it's higher.
Wait for the delta pro and delta pro max are out and I'll consider
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It's a fair comment although you may be underestimating the pent up despite we all know this is expensive and an added impost.
Its an accepted report required for people to travel overseas, not a "test kit"!
A small price to pay to see my family
Thank you. Heading to New York, the test to come back in the US is about US$175
It is $150 for results within 1 hour if you are planning to use them for your trip on the day. The $100 fee is for results by 9:00 next day so useful for departure the next day.
During the pandemic I've had to get about eight tests, either for me or a family member, and Histopath was always the fastest and most convenient testing mob. I began to prefer them. All digital operation (QR code and online forms), quick drivethrough swab, and results back in 5 to 8 hours (a little slower at super-busy outbreak times).
I've consistently found Histopath to be the fastest. Usually around 7-9 hours after being tested.
So the future is adding $500 to the family travel plans before take-off and thinking that's a bargain.
Plus another $1K to come back home, as you need another set of PCR tests done abroad to show upon arrival in Australia, and that's usually even more expensive. E.g., in Fiji it's ~AUD $220 per test.
cost more if you end up having covid when you return to Australia
And even more if the test comes back positive and you're denied boarding the return flight.
@seamonkey - You are correct. From socialism… "Do it for your community", to capitalism… "Good things are expensive mate"… to where next?… perhaps Dan A and his grand plan for Vic?. Sad that this slow erosion of freedom is being missed. Take it for what it's worth from someone born into a country without human rights, who was gifted them family members and countrymen who died for the privilege… Freedom should never be abandoned short of the damned Zombie Apocalypse… and this friends… is not. That they were so easily relinquished sets a worrisome precedent.
The real bargain is not having kids
….or just staying at home for the next 50 years!
Bold of you to assume ozbargainers ever leave the house.
The UK only requires rapid tests
Can I still use the free one? How do we go from free to $100 per person?
The free one doesn't come with a written report which will be required by the country you travel to
Also the 'free' test isn't really free if you're a taxpayer. Check your Medicare records, they charge the taxpayer around $100 a pop.
No.
Free = public health outcomes
$100 = citizen's decision to travel somewhere when they are healthy
Hopefully this will be free in the near future.
Why? No one is forcing you to travel overseas during a pandemic.
Pay for your own choices.
You seem to assume that "travel" is always something optional, like an overseas holiday.
I suspect it will be somehow incorporated in the price of the ticket/visa/airport tax…etc.
I suspect we will move forward as a society and accept that it is a part of life. You will only be tested if you are impaired to find root cause.
This is day light robbery. Why can't GP write a referral and then print out COVID test result?
GPs can do that - but they need to charge for the private medical service. Private testing clinic will charge for their service,
Because optional "Travel Medicine" is not necessary for health care, so not covered by Medicare.
If GPs did that & billed it to Medicare, they could face serious consequences of defrauding Medicate & government finances!
"Many of us are heading overseas" - really?
With cases still very high in places most of us want to travel to, mind boggles as to why people want to start traveling overseas now.
I think some of these people think they are completely invincible to covid once they are vaccinated
I'm 18 M.
I'm invincible regardless of a vaccine or not
@Suspect420: You are at an extremely low risk. Not Invincible. But I agree with your point (assuming you are a fit and otherwise healthy).
@Suspect420: I'd think that I was invincible if I was 18 meters tall. No sure how you'll fit in an airplane though.
Cases are very high here too. What's the difference.
you realize that thousands of us have family we haven't seen in nearly 2 years?
It could be that they haven't seen their family, relatives and friends for a very long time and miss them?
Strong likelihood cases will be high for a long time to come — if not now when?
Well, you can't judge people by looking at their decision to travel. I have friends whose parents passed away while in lock down and they weren't able to attend funeral or visit family. It's understandable if they want to pay a visit back home. Not all overseas trips are for pleasure / vacationing. As for myself, I have had three deaths in my immediate family overseas, and it's been a over a year we have been wanting to pay a visit.
Do you need this for travel to qld from nsw?
Or Could you just go to the normal free test clinics and get a text msg?
My local clinic offered certificate for free signed by GP, is that accepted?
No. Because the GP doesn't create the result.
Usually a medical professional can certify a result as being the case.
Incorrect, needs to be a certain standard and direct from the pathology lab. No SMS, no medical certificates.
Is this test required for domestic travel as well? Travelling to Melbourne in a couple of weeks.
I believe this is for international only
You used to be able to get a free test if it's required for domestic travel.
Check Victoria entry permit, depending on where you've been in the previous 14 days and your vaccination status you may need a test. Also need to apply for a permit to enter regardless (very quick, I've applied on my phone while at the airport after forgetting)
I’ll be using these guys, going to LA in a few weeks.
Heading to LA next month as well, and the last time I checked the USA do accept some rapid antigen tests (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-…).
Seems at the place above they offer rapid tests for as low as $50
Would be wonderful if you can update your experience.
Indeed, Histopath seem to offer rapid antigen testing for $50. They market it as an add-on service to the PCR test—I wonder if they'll let you purchase it separately .
I may be going via Singapore and they are quite strict and require the PCR test.
Travel?!! What do you mean by travel?
Wait! you guys are going out of the house? 0-0
Classic
So this is more for international travellers returning home or what?
Won't work. The written report needs to contain passport details and destination etc..
The free PCR testing done through pop-up clinics, hospitals (et al) is for people who have symptoms, are asymptomatic with reason for concern or who have been instructed to have a test by health authorities (eg you have been to an exposure site). This is why you are asked, at the time of arrival, for the reason you are seeking a test. "Because I'm about to go on a vacay to LA, baby!" is not a valid reason to get a test at these locations.
Following one of these government-funded tests, you must self-isolate until you have a negative result. You do NOT need to do so if you are asymptomatic and having a test for pre-travel clearance.
The free PCR tests have no SLA for return of results. You may get it in 8hrs, you may get it in 72hrs. Good luck with that.
The free PCR tests do not contain details to make them IATA-compliant.
Source: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/testing/self-isola…
Please show me the IATA-compliant specifications for a test.
You're a new user, with three comments - all in this thread - and you are COMPREHENSIVELY WRONG.
I will not feed trolls.
This is the last reply to one of your posts or comments from me. The block function, here, works well.
I wouldn't want to load the public health system with my private need for travel. At the same time, I would like to get this test done at best possible rate. However, anyone's free to pursue this route if that works out. Just be sure that if you have kids less than 14 years of age, their health record may not get updated.
Don't worry OzDJ_ I got you. ;-)
@Leon585,
Re. #1. While asymptomatic testing is allowed through your public channels - it is generally for public health reasons (i.e. exposure). Private/personal reasons (i.e. travel) is not one.
"COVID-19 testing and result certificates for travel clearance are provided by private pathology clinics. Before getting tested, please check the requirements of your airline and country of destination, including the test cut-off time"
Source: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/atte…
Re. #2. Isolating after testing is not dependent on symptoms. It is dependent on what category you are when getting tested (why you are getting tested). You may have to isolate even if you are asymptomatic (i.e. if you are categorised as a close or casual contact you self-isolate after testing regardless of symptoms status)
Re. #3. Fair enough - but like you said, service level agreement, so this is purely dependent on individual hospitals and individual labs. A generalised view that either public or private will produce quicker/slower results is inaccurate on both accounts. E.g. A lot of hospitals would have agreements to prioritise staff tests but turnover on all other tests is probably dependent on other factors (primarily demand).
PS> As IATA don't dictate travel/entry requirements (governments do), no point worrying about IATA. Basic assumption is this is up to whatever country you're visiting, IATA won't take any responsibility if you get denied entry.
@Maestrok: Yeah, Nah.
Re. #1 Incorrect. Its possible to get private health care through public channels. Technially this should just be privately billed e.g. electing to be a private patient in a public hospital. A clinic should bill you as it is for private reasons, however I suspect most will not
Re. #2. Incorrect. Isolating after a test is dependant on symptoms e.g. if you have symptoms you must isolate after a test. You need to be asymptomatic and testing for surveillance to avoid home qaurintine.
Re. #3. Again to reiterate, public labs are generally much more reliable when ordering tests. This is speaking from personal real world experience.
https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/966/188/a28.jpg
I'm afraid you've been bamboozled my dear boy.
The utility of these tests has to become more questionable as vaccination rates get higher and higher, and the resultant risk of serious consequences drops.
Consequences to you may drop. Vulnerable vaccinated and not able to be vaccinated are still at extreme risk. Also, not all countries have high vax rates. These tests are required for discretionary activities. Don't travel don't test.
Once restrictions lift, what utility is a single PCR test pre flight going to do to help the vulnerable when people will inevitably be spreading it either way?
Very intelligent and mature comment here
Granville can be added to the list as well. $100 weekdays & $120 weekends:
I am so jealous that you guys get to travel. I live in a state called Queensland and unfortunately it is full of rednecks whose idea of a holiday is going to Surfers Paradise. I think we will be allowed to travel internationally in maybe 2 years time. Even though nobody here has covid. :(
BS. Playing up to stereotypes popular down "south"!
You would rather have been in lockdown, barely able to leave the house?? With high cases & deaths? I'd rather be in QLD!
Have been travelling around QLD having a great time. Swimming on deserted beaches on tropical islands. Locals have been very friendly. Enjoyed my many wonderful holidays during COVID.
With little fear of COVID & no masks outside of the SE corner of QLD. So free & easy! Enjoy it while you can!!
You really should get out & enjoy it more! It's great now!
QLD Tourism had been giving out $1 experiences. Got a few - like a stay in a $170/n island room for $1 & other treats.
Sure I've met the odd conspiracy theorist in country towns. But we had a nice chat. There are also crazies elsewhere in Australia!
QLD is building its own quarantine facility to open to overseas arrivals early next year.
Looking forward to my usual long overseas holidays again - soon!
that quarantine facility is a white elephant waste of money
I don't have great hopes for its viability.
Its taking overseas students early next year - so QLD can reopen that money earner.
Toowoomba is a major regional education centre.
Was there for the Festival last month. Was impressed - changed from its very conservative past with people from so many cultures!
There is a farm worker shortage - so wages are high.
Was just responding to comment that QLD won't open up internationally for years - that showed it is incorrect.
1) fly to sydney
2) fly overseas
3) profit??
As gviddy obviously hates QLD & is so jealous of those down south, could just move south permanently & fly overseas when they want!
Both "problems" solved!
(Until gviddy complains about the neighbours there!)
Far too many are moving here & will happily take gviddy's place.
Lol! All the upvotes are from "Southerners"!
As I commented it's playing up to stereotypes of Queenslanders popular among some down "south"!" ;-)
And Queenslanders can & do fly overseas now, so nothing to be so jealous of!
Can't believe they are charging for testing. Soon everyone travel will need to have HIV testing too.
Do you think they are the only ones profiting from the propaganda?
Can't believe they're charging for a discretionary travel service. Next they'll be forcing us to pay for plane tickets!
/s
the flu has been around for centuries wake up all
Wow. Talk about reaming people. The Rapid Antigen tests can apparently be made for like $1-$2 per test. And they give you results immediately. Would be much easier to create process around those.
Instead its super risky for those that want to travel, because I am pretty sure the PCR test can detect the spike protein from the vaxx if done with higher thresholds. Could ruin people's holiday plans. >.<
![[NSW] Pre-Travel COVID Test $100 @ Sydney via Histopath](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/31/660831.jpg?h=90130e4e)
@initiateit: well I am from Queensland so Zero cases is the norm, can't speak for other states. cough nsw, cough VIC….. Opening up internation travel just mean you open up the country for a whole of hurt there are strains of the virus out there that are worse than delta where the vax doesn't work at all.