Covid test.
You can get a free NHS COVID-19 PCR test if:
  • you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms
  • you’ve been advised to take a test by a medical practitioner or a government agency
  • you’ve been in contact with someone who’s tested positive

If you’re asymptomatic (you don’t have symptoms), you can get a free NHS COVID-19 LFD test.

If you need a test for any other reason, you must order a test from a private provider. Reasons why you might want to use the services of a private provider could include:
  • for international travel – so you can enter another country, or after entering the UK from abroad
  • if you’re an elite athlete and need to be tested before taking part in an event
  • if you’re an employer who wants to partner with a provider to offer testing to your staff
Who this guidance is for
The guidance and information on this page are for anyone who needs to order a COVID-19 test from a private provider.

Finding and choosing a private provider
‘Finding and choosing a private COVID-19 provider’ sets out what you should know before you look for a private provider or book a test, including information on:
  • minimum standards
  • UKAS accreditation
  • the provider lists we publish on GOV.UK
  • what we’re doing to protect consumers
Lists of private providers on GOV.UK
The lists published on this page are of providers that have demonstrated compliance with the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer. These are:
  • general population COVID-19 testing
  • day 2 and day 8 travel tests
  • Test to Release travel tests

The lists are not exhaustive. Some providers have decided to opt out from being published on these lists.

Read more and find lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need here.