COVID-19 Test Cost in India

The RT-PCR is the most popular COVID-19 detection test that is accepted globally. In India, the RT PCR test cost is determined by the State governments basis the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). In addition to the RTPCR test cost optimisation in private healthcare centres, most government healthcare facilities provide the RT-PCR test for free.

However, it is important to bear in mind that with the new SARS-COV-2 strain, i.e., B.1.617 and B.1.1.7, even the RT-PCR test showcases inaccurate test results. This compels patients to undergo a CT scan to detect the COVID-19 infection in their lungs. In case an individual does test positive, they can use their medical insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage to avail of the best treatment without worrying about the expenses incurred.

The corona test price differs in different states as per the rules set by the State government. The objective of setting the COVID test cost being set by the government is to make the test accessible and affordable to every individual. Setting the RT-PCR test price also prioritises the detection of the illness at the right time before the problem escalates.

Without further ado, let’s explore the RT PCR test cost across different states in India:

• Delhi

The corona test price (i.e., RT-PCR) in Delhi is fixed by the State government to be between ₹300 and ₹500 in private laboratories. This also applies to the samples collected from home. The COVID test cost for the rapid antigen tests (RAT) will be ₹100.

• Haryana

As with Delhi, the RT PCR test rate in Haryana has also been reduced. Individuals can get their test done at ₹1200.

• Uttar Pradesh

The Health and Family Welfare Additional Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh issued a notification fixing the RTPCR test cost at ₹700 in every private hospital. However, the cost of COVID-19 test in private labs with home collection can go up to ₹900. You can use your health insurance with COVID-19 cover to pay for the expenses of both diagnoses as well as treatment.

• Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the average cost of the RT-PCR test in private laboratories has been reduced from ₹800 to ₹500. The state government has been taking efforts to encourage people to take the RT-PCR test if they are displaying any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.

• **Maharashtra **

The government of Maharashtra lowered the price of the RT-PCR test on 1 April. The revised rates for the RT-PCR test in the state are ₹500, ₹600, and ₹800.

If individuals submit the samples at the collection centres, they will be charged ₹500. The cost of swab collection at the testing centre is kept at ₹800. As for the quarantine centres, the cost has been kept at ₹600.

• Andhra Pradesh

With the increased availability of the SARS-CoV-2 testing kits, the State government lowered the prices of the RT-PCR test by as much as 40%-50%. In government labs, the samples collected would be charged ₹475. Alternatively, individuals approaching the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) would be charged ₹499 for their COVID-19 test.

• Kerala

The state government of Kerala also slashed the RT-PCR test prices within the state. The revised price for getting tested is ₹500, which is a significant drop from the former cost of ₹1700. At every lab that is approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research or is accredited by the state, the tests can only be conducted at these revised prices. As for the government hospitals, the RT-PCR test is being done free of cost.

• West Bengal

The government of West Bengal slashed the RT-PCR test prices by nearly half. The test formerly cost individuals ₹950, and it has been revised to ₹500. For the home collection of samples, the additional charge of ₹15 per kilometre remains unchanged. According to the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC), the revised prices will also be applicable to all the private laboratories within the state.

• Karnataka

If the sample has been collected at a government lab, the RT-PCR test price is kept at ₹800. At a private lab, however, the cost of getting the RT-PCR is ₹1200. For home collection, an individual may be expected to pay as much as ₹1600. The charges for the test are inclusive of confirmatory test screening as well as PPE kits.

• Gujarat

The government of Gujarat also lowered the cost of the RT-PCR test from the former ₹1100 to ₹900 if the sample is collected from home to be given in a private lab. However, if the sample is collected directly at the laboratory, then the charge of the RT-PCR test is ₹800.

The reader must make a note of the fact that the aforementioned corona test price in India is subject to change and therefore must only be considered as a point of reference.

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