Frequently asked questions

• What types of COVID-19 tests does Walgreens offer?
  We offer three types of COVID-19 tests:

  • PCR Laboratory Test: This test is used to detect genetic material (mRNA) of the coronavirus and will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Most turnaround times in 48 hours or (varies based on location).^§ This test also meets all pre-travel requirements.
  • Rapid NAAT Test: This test also detects genetic material (mRNA) of the virus. The test is performed on-site, and results are available within 2 hours. This test meets most pre-travel requirements, but check to make sure it’s accepted by your destination.
  • Rapid Antigen Test: This test detects the presence of a specific viral antigen. The test is performed on-site, and results are available within 2 hours. These tests measure current viral infection and help determine if an individual is actively infected with COVID-19 and can spread it to others. A follow-up diagnostic test may be required to confirm a positive result. This test may meet pre-travel requirements, but check to make sure it’s accepted by your destination.

  § Test results cannot be guaranteed by a specific time, including for travel. PCR test results turnaround time is an estimate and may vary during periods of increased demand and other factors, such as transmitting and processing delays during weekends, holidays or inclement weather.

• How and when will I recieve my COVID test results?
  Test results turnaround times will vary by location and depend on the type of test taken. Patients will be notified of their results online, by mail or phone call.

  • PCR Laboratory Test (Results typically available within 48 hours)
  • Rapid NAAT Test (Results available within 2 hours)
  • Rapid Antigen Test (Results available within 2 hours)
• How much does COVID-19 testing cost?

  Free COVID-19 testing is available to patients ages 3+. If you receive a Diagnostic Test and have insurance, you will be asked to show your insurance card at the appointment and the lab may bill your insurer. You will not receive a bill from Walgreens or from any lab partner.

  State and federal programs may also provide free testing in your area. Click hereto view a current list of our government-sponsored testing partners. Opens in new tab to view a current list of our government-sponsored testing partners.

  The below prices represent what is charged to your insurance provider or to state or federal programs that cover the cost of testing. You will not receive a bill from Walgreens or from any lab partner.

  • PCR Laboratory Test (Results typically available within 48 hours²): $129
  • Rapid NAAT Test (Results available within 2 hours): $129

  ²The cost of Diagnostic Laboratory Tests is $129, which includes $100 for the laboratory services to process your test and $29 for your Walgreens visit. For information on our lab partners' COVID testing costs, click here for Aegis Science Opens in new tab for Aegis Sciences and click here for Labcorp Opens in new tab for LabCorp.

  The cost of Rapid Diagnostic Tests is $129 which includes your Walgreens visit and testing services performed on site.

• What over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available at Walgreens?
  We offer eight types of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests online Opens in a new tab or at your local Walgreens:

  • BinaxNOW is an FDA-authorized, self-testing kit available without a prescription. This 15-minute test can be completed anytime, anywhere, without the need to ship samples to a lab.
  • QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test provides fast, easy-to-understand results in just 10 minutes, allowing you to take charge of your own testing without a lab appointment.
  • InteliSwab^TM is a user-friendly COVID-19 rapid antigen test that detects active COVID-19 infection (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) and has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization. Results are ready in 30 minutes.
  • Flowflex is an FDA-authorized COVID-19 antigen home test that requires only one test. Get results in 15 minutes with a nasal swab.
  • On/Go is the FDA-authorized, easy-to-use COVID-19 self-test and companion app that guides you step-by-step through the testing process. Get results in 10 minutes, and store or share your entire family’s test results with the intuitive On/Go app.
  • Labcorp Pixel is a RT-PCR test that lets you collect samples at home and ship to Labcorp with a prepaid return pack. On average, you’ll get results within 1–2 days after your sample is received at the lab.
  • EverlyWell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC has received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. Collect your own sample and ship it to the lab using a prepaid mailer, then receive your secure digital results 24–48 hours after the lab receives it.
  • Healthconfirm is an accurate, painless, do-it-yourself saliva test that does not require a nasal swab. You can expect results within 48 hours after the lab receives the sample.
• How soon after exposure to COVID-19 should I get tested?
  Get tested immediately if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and isolate until you know your results, even if you’re fully vaccinated.
• When do I need to get a COVID-19 test if I’m traveling?
  If you’re traveling domestically but not up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends getting a viral test 1–3 days before and after your trip. Walgreens offers two types of viral tests:

  • PCR laboratory Test results typically available within 48 hours^§§
  • Rapid NAAT Test results available within 2 hours

  To travel with confidence, follow the latest CDC guidanceOpens in a new tab.

  §§ Test results cannot be guaranteed by a specific time, including for travel. PCR test results turnaround time is an estimate and may vary during periods of increased demand and other factors, such as transmitting and processing delays during weekends, holidays or inclement weather.
• Do COVID-19 tests detect variants?
  COVID-19 tests indicate if you have an infection at the time of the test. Antigen or Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are viral tests, both of which Walgreens offers (they’re called “viral” tests because they detect viral infection). Additional tests are needed to determine which variant caused an infection, but these typically are not authorized for patient use. For more information on variants, visit the CDCOpens in a new tab.
• What is a false negative COVID test result?
  It is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (known as a false negative) in some people with COVID-19. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative. If this is the case, your healthcare provider will consider the test result together with all other aspects of your medical history (such as symptoms, possible exposures, and geographical location of places you have recently traveled) in deciding how to care for you. It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to help you understand the next steps you should take.
• What is a false positive COVID test result?
  There is a very small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (known as a false positive result). Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on the test results along with medical history and your symptoms.
• Will Walgreens share the result of my COVID-19 test?
  Yes. The Walgreens Notice of Privacy PracticesOpens in a new tab describes how your information may be used for treatment, payment and other purposes and that details your rights regarding the privacy of your health and medical information. As part of the testing process, your information will be shared with providers and laboratory partners to authorize a COVID-19 test lab order, analyze the COVID-19 test, and contact you with your results. Walgreens will also share test results with public health authorities as required by law. If you enter COVID-19 test voucher information that you received from an organization that will be paying for your test, you will see a HIPAA authorization form which allows you to authorize Walgreens to disclose your test result directly to the organization; however, you will not be required to sign the HIPAA authorization form.