Traveling Soon? Here Are 4 At-Home COVID-19 Tests Approved For Travel
Traveling soon? If you need a COVID-19 test approved for travel, an at-home, self-administered test may be your best (and most convenient) bet.
If you are traveling to a destination that has a testing requirement, you need to know whether you need: (1) an antigen test (frequently referred to as a “rapid” test) or (2) a polymerase chain reaction test (also known as a “PCR” test). Most destinations will also require that you take your self-administered COVID-19 test under video observation.
So today I’m going to give you the inside scoop on four at-home COVID-19 tests that are approved for travel.
1. COSTCO/AZOVA COVID-19 TEST
The AZOVA COVID-19 Test Collection Kit is available online at Costco. Costco currently offers multiple testing options from AZOVA. You can have the test delivered via UPS overnight delivery or you can pick up your at-home test at a participating Costco pharmacy if you are more pressed for time. With either option, make sure to select the Costco testing kit that is approved for travel and includes video observation. The important information and an outline of the process is highlighted below.
Type of Test: PCR Test
Price: $118.99 (for delivery option) or $114.99 (for pick-up option)
Collection Method: Saliva
Turnaround Time for Results: 12-48 Hours
Currently Approved for: Hawaii, Bermuda
Limitations: Limited availability for test observation. Only recommended for travel Thursday through Monday.
Process (for delivery option):
Place your order for the AZOVA COVID-19 Test Collection Kit online at Costco.
Complete prescreening and register for a lab order.
Order your kit using the voucher code received from Costco.
Kits will be delivered the next day if ordered before 11 am CST Monday through Saturday.
Orders placed after 11 am CST Saturday or on Sunday are shipped out on Monday.
After you receive your kit, schedule the date you will take the test under video observation.
Be sure to take the test within the timeframe required by your destination.
On test day, register your kit at register.azova.com.
Provide the saliva sample while under video observation.
Prepare the sample for shipment in the provided UPS box.
Try to avoid shipping over the weekend because it could delay your results.
You will receive your results through the AZOVA app within 12 to 48 hours of the lab receiving your kit.
Process (for pick-up option):
Complete COVID-19 prescreening assessment.
Get a lab order online and choose a participating Costco Pharmacy location for pick-up and purchase.
Show your lab order QR code and purchase your test kits at your select Costco Pharmacy locations.
Schedule the required video observation ahead of time to take your test within the required timeframe for your travel destination.
Shop your COVID-19 test kit back to the lab with UPS.
Get your results within 12-48 hours from the time the lab receives your COVID-19 testing kit.
Order your AZOVA test here:AZOVA (for delivery option) or AZOVA (for pick-up option)
2. LETSGETCHECKED COVID-19 TEST
American Airlines has teamed up with LetsGetChecked as their trusted partner for at-home COVID testing. This test is approved for travel to Hawaii, if traveling through American Airlines. The full list of destinations can be found on American Airlines’ website. The important information and steps for the LetsGetChecked process are outlined below.
Type of Test: RT-PCR Test
Price: $119.00
Collection Method: Lower Nasal Sample
Turnaround Time for Results: Within 48 Hours
Currently Approved for: Belize, Brazil, Jamaica, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii and more
Limitations: Limited to American Airlines travelers flying to a destination that requires a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Process:
Order your LetsGetChecked test online.
Should receive your test kit within 24 to 48 hours.
Schedule a pick-up time with UPS for your samples.
Activate your test and complete your health screening questionnaire.
Schedule an observation call if your destination requires this for testing.
Be sure to take the test within the timeframe required by your destination.
Collect a sample via nasal swab.
Prepare sample for shipping on your pre-arranged pick-up time from above.
Test should be taken on the same day that the package will be collected by UPS.
Receive your results on your LetsGetChecked secure account within 48 hours.
Order your LetsGetChecked test here: LetsGetChecked
3. VAULT HEALTH COVID-19 TEST
The at-home test kit from Vault Health is similar to the kit offered by AZOVA. It requires collection of a sample under observation from a Vault Health supervisor but with two key differences: (1) the at-home testing kits can be sent to all 50 states, and (2) no need to schedule an observation ahead of time. Instead, test supervisors are available Sunday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm EST and Friday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm EST. The important information and process for the Vault Health at-home COVID-19 test is outlined below.
Type of Test: RT-qPCR Test
Price: $119.00
Collection Method: Saliva
Turnaround Time for Results: 48-72 Hours
Currently Approved for: Hawaii
Limitations: Will not receive test results if not completed under video observation
Process:
Order the Vault Health test online.
Receive your at-home test kit and read the instructions.
Do not open the test tube package until instructed on the Zoom call.
Log into the Vault Health website and connect with a test supervisor via a Zoom video call.
Be sure to take the test within the timeframe required by your destination.
Ship the kit back using the provided return label.
Receive results in 48 -72 hours in one of two ways:
Via an email containing the results; or
Via an email with a link to the results on your Vault Health account.
Order your Vault Health test here: Vault Health
4. BINAXNOW COVID-19 TEST
The at-home BinaxNOW COVID-19 test kit is, in my opinion, the gold standard for international travel. Unlike the previous three COVID-19 tests, the BinaxNOW COVID-19 test is an antigen test and the process is entirely virtual from start to finish (so you can skip that trip to the post office). Instead of mailing in your test kit, the test supervisor confirms your results on the spot.
Test supervisors are available 24 hours a day, and the entire process takes about 30 minutes to complete. The important information and process for the BinaxNOW at-home COVID-19 test is outlined below.
Type of Test: Antigen Test
Price: $69.99 for a two-pack, $99.99 for a three-pack, or $150.00 for a six-pack
Collection Method: Lower Nasal Swab
Turnaround Time for Results: 15 minutes
Currently Approved for: reentering the United States from abroad, for meeting the testing requirements of certain countries abroad
Limitations: Short shelf life before tests expire, low inventory during peak travel periods, longer wait times around the holidays
Process:
Order BinaxNOW COVID-19 test kit online.
After you receive your BinaxNOW COVID-19 test kit, visit the testing website to begin your virtual visit with a test supervisor.
Do not open your test kit until told to do so by your supervisor.
Be sure to take the test within the timeframe required by your destination.
Get results sent to your NAVICA app within 15 minutes.
Order your BinaxNOW test here: BinaxNow (2-pack), BinaxNOW (3-pack), or BinaxNOW (6-pack)
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
If you’re looking to travel to a destination that requires a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, the four at-home tests listed above are great options. The tests can (and should) be ordered well ahead of time. Most of the tests above are Flexible Spending Account (“FSA”) and/or Health Savings Account (“HSA”) eligible.
Make sure you do your research before you travel. Confirm that the test is still approved for your destination, as the list changes regularly. Be sure you take and return your COVID-19 test within the timeframe designated by your destination.
Test too early and your test could end up being invalid. Test too late and you could have to quarantine until you receive your results. Or even worse, you may not be allowed to board your flight or leave the airport at your destination.
Feeling inspired? Be sure to watch our free video guide on 5 Tips For Finding Your Next Flight (without breaking the bank).
Your Connect,
Gabriella
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