UK Warns COVID-19 Travel Test Providers Over Pricing

Government said it had warned dozens of domestic private medical testing companies over ‘misleading prices’ for virus travel tests, following a review of costs and standards

LONDON

The British government said on Monday it had warned dozens of domestic private medical testing companies over “misleading prices” for coronavirus travel tests, following a review of costs and standards.

The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said more than 80 firms would be issued a “two-strike warning” and could be removed from the government’s online database of test providers if they fail to accurately advertise their prices.

It added that the companies would now also face regular spot checks to ensure prices are accurate and providers are legitimate.

As many as 82 firms — around 18 per cent of the database — were identified as displaying lower prices on the list than are actually available on their website at the point of checkout, according to the ministry.

It launched the review amid a public backlash over the cost of compulsory COVID-19 tests after returning to the UK from abroad.

The government currently requires a range of tests depending on where the traveller has come from, with even fully vaccinated UK residents required to take at least one test two days after their return.