NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests are no longer free for most people.

You may still be able to get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from the NHS if:

you have a health condition which means you’re eligible for COVID-19 treatment
you're going into hospital
you work in healthcare or adult social care

If you want to get tested but are not eligible for free NHS rapid lateral flow tests, you need to pay for the test yourself.

You can buy rapid lateral flow tests from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.

If you're eligible for treatment

If you're eligible for treatment, you’ll be sent a pack of NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests to use if you get symptoms.

You can order more if you have not received any or have used them all.

Find out more about treatments for COVID-19

If you're going into hospital

You may need to get tested for COVID-19 if you're going into hospital to have surgery or a procedure.

The letter your hospital has sent you will tell you if you need to take a test.

If you do not have a letter or you have lost it, call the hospital to ask if you need to do a test.

If you work in healthcare or adult social care

If you work in healthcare or adult social care you may be able to get free NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests.

It depends on your job and if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or not.

If you’re not sure if you are eligible, speak to your employer.

Find out more about COVID-19 testing in adult social care on GOV.UK

If you have symptoms of COVID-19

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you can get a free NHS test if you either:

work for the NHS in a patient-facing job
work with NHS patients for an independent healthcare provider
work in adult social care

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and work for the NHS or with NHS patients for an independent healthcare provider, you can get a free NHS test if any of the following apply:

you have been off work with COVID-19 and need a test to return to work
you work with people who are at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and your employer has told you to get a test
you are at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and your employer has told you to get a test

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and work in adult social care, you can get a free NHS test if:

you've been told by your employer to get a test before you return to work because you've had COVID-19

How to order a free NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if you're eligible

If you are eligible for free NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test you can get them sent to your home.

Order NHS rapid lateral flow tests on GOV.UK

If you need help with your order

Call 119 for free if:

you’re eligible for free NHS rapid lateral flow tests and cannot use the online service to order
your tests do not arrive within 5 days

Lines are open:

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm
Closed on Sunday and bank holidays

119 provides support in 200 languages.

SignVideo is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.

Who can get a free NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test

If you're eligible for treatment

If you're going into hospital

If you work in healthcare or adult social care

How to order a free NHS COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if you're eligible

If you need help with your order

Testing advice in other parts of the UK