COVID-19 testing
Find the right COVID-19 test
Click below to learn more and find the test that best fits your need.
- Exposure/Symptoms
- High-risk/pregnant
- Travel
- Peace of mind
Exposure/Symptoms
Drive-thru PCR Laboratory Tests Reliable results for people with and without symptoms Schedule now | No cost to you Federally funded or covered by select insurance plans if medically necessary* | 48 hours Processed at lab | 3+ |
Drive-thru Rapid NAAT Test Reliably and quickly detects small amounts of COVID-19 Schedule now | No cost to you Federally funded or covered by select insurance plans if medically necessary* | 2 hours Processed on-site | 3+ |
Ship to home Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit Test kit arrives in 1 to 2 days. Samples are self-collected at home and shipped to a lab for processing. Order now | No cost to you No-cost tests available with insurance and if you meet clinical guidance. | 1 to 2 days after sample is received by lab Processed at lab | 2+ |
Pickup Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit Samples are self-collected at home and shipped to a lab for processing Order now | No cost to you Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services†† | 1 to 2 days after sample is received by lab Processed at lab | 2+ |
Pickup at pharmacy At-home Rapid Antigen Test Most reliable for people with high levels of COVID-19 viral load; may require a follow-up test. Order now | No cost to you Covered by most insurance plans* | Typically about 15 minutes; depends on test type Processed at home | 2+ |
PCR Laboratory Tests
Reliable results for people with and without symptoms.
Age: 3+
48 hours
Processed at lab
No cost to you
Federally funded or covered by select insurance plans if medically necessary*
Order now
Rapid NAAT Test
Reliably and quickly detects small amounts of COVID-19
Age: 3+
2 hours
Processed on-site
No cost to you
Federally funded or covered by select insurance plans if medically necessary*
Schedule now
Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit
Test kit arrives in 1 to 2 days. Samples are self-collected at home and shipped to a lab for processing.
Age: 2+
1 to 2 days after sample is received by lab
Processed at lab
No cost to you
No-cost tests available with insurance and if you meet clinical guidance.
Order now
Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit
Samples are self-collected at home and shipped to a lab for processing
Age: 2+
1 to 2 days after sample is received by lab
Processed at lab
No cost to you
Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services††
Order now
At-home Rapid Antigen Test
Most reliable for people with high levels of COVID-19 viral load; may require a follow-up test.
Age: 2+
Typically about 15 minutes; depends on test type
Processed at home
No cost to you
Covered by most insurance plans*
Order now
Please note: COVID-19 test results, including those for travel, cannot be guaranteed by a specific time. Additionally, COVID-19 test costs are non-refundable.
Expert insights
Important COVID-19 information from healthcare professionals and
pharmacists to help you stay informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 testing
- Is my COVID-19 test free at Walgreens?
In some cases, your COVID-19 test may be available at no cost to you.* However, due to recent changes to the federal eligibility criteria, beginning July 1 patients will be required to verify medical necessity in order to receive no-cost COVID-19 testing, either through their health plan or through a federal program, if uninsured. Medical necessity includes people who are symptomatic, have a high-risk condition, are pregnant, or have had a recent exposure to a confirmed positive COVID-19 case.
If you don’t meet medical necessity guidelines, payment may be due at the time of your drive-thru COVID-19 testing appointment. If you’d like an at-home testing option that may be covered by your insurance, we recommend checking with your insurance provider for details.
* You will not have out-of-pocket costs if you meet the criteria for no-cost testing through your insurance or a government-funded program. You should contact your insurer before scheduling to confirm the test meets coverage criteria. You may be billed by Walgreens and, if applicable, the laboratory for up to the full price of the test if your insurance denies coverage or you don’t meet eligibility criteria for government no-cost testing programs.
- How does the drive-thru COVID-19 testing process work?
To make an appointment, choose a location and time for your COVID-19 test
- Enter the patient information and complete a quick questionnaire
- Head to the drive-thru and the pharmacy staff will prepare a test collection kit and place it in the drawer at the drive-thru window.
- Pull the testing kit out of the drive-thru drawer and verify your name and date of birth. Peel open the swab package and remove the swab carefully without touching the tip.
- Insert the swab ½ inch to ¾ inch into your nostril. Rotate the swab in one nostril four to five times or for at least 15 seconds. Repeat in the other nostril using the same end of the swab.
- Without touching the tip, place the nasal swab tip down into the respective sleeve or collection tube. If applicable, break off excess swab handle and tightly seal the cap without placing the excess handle inside.
- Place the sleeve or collection tube into the tote in the drive-thru drawer for the pharmacy staff member to collect.
- Wait to receive your test results via email.**
** 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 does the COVID-19 PCR curbside pickup testing process work?
- Choose your pickup store†
- Enter the patient information and complete a quick questionnaire.
- When your order is ready, we’ll email you detailed pickup instructions.
- Follow Labcorp instructions to collect your sample at home and send it to a lab for processing. Shipping is free with the included pre-paid return pack.
- When your test has been processed, you will receive an email from Labcorp with a secured link to your results.
Learn more about PCR COVID-19 tests or pick a store here.
† Limit one test kit per order. Test availability varies by store.
- How do I get my no-cost at-home COVID-19 test kits?
- Choose your pickup store†
- Select your quantity. You can choose 2, 4, 6 or 8 tests.
- Enter the patient information and complete a quick questionnaire.
- Enter your insurance information, and we'll submit a claim on your behalf.
- When your order is ready, we'll contact you with detailed pickup instructions.
Learn more about at-home COVID-19 test kits or pick a store here.
† Test availability varies by store.
No-cost at-home COVID-19 tests are available with select insurance plans. Limits apply to the number of tests covered per person per month. Test kits are non-refundable. After you submit your order, the Walgreens pharmacy will confirm your eligibility and your potential copay amounts with your insurance plan.
- What do I need to bring to my COVID-19 test?
You will be asked to bring:
- Copy of your confirmation email (digital accepted)
- Valid state ID or driver’s license
- Insurance card or voucher, if applicable
For patients ages 3–18, the parent or legal guardian who provided consent to test the patient will be asked to show a copy of the appointment confirmation email, a valid state ID or driver’s license, and insurance card or voucher.
- How will I get my COVID-19 test results?
After testing, you’ll receive an email that contains a secured link to your test results. If you’ve tested within the last 30 days and need help accessing your test result records, call the store where you received your COVID-19 test. If it’s been longer than 30 days, please call the Walgreens custodian of Records at 217-554-8949.
Three options for saving your results:
- Take a screen shot
- Download the PDF to your device
- Scan the QR code to save your results to a Smart Health Card-compatible app, such as CommonPass or CommonHealth.
- When will I get my COVID-19 test results?
Test results turnaround times will vary based on location and the type of test taken. You will be notified of the results by email.
- 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
‡‡ 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
- I don’t drive. Can I walk in for a COVID-19 test?
For drive-thru testing, patients must arrive in a vehicle (or on a bicycle) and are not permitted to enter the testing location.
Walgreens also offers many rapid antigen and PCR at-home testing options. We’ve partnered with Labcorp to provide Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 At-Home Collection Kit, a PCR test available through Labcorp OnDemand™ at no cost to individuals who meet clinical guidelines*. To get your Pixel by Labcorp® kit:
Visit our scheduler to request a Labcorp COVID-19 at-home kit
- You will then be directed to Labcorp OnDemand, a health care platform that helps individuals manage their health and make more informed decisions. Once on the platform, you will be prompted to answer eligibility questions and request a kit.
- Drop off completed tests at more than 6,000 Walgreens locations or at a FedEx drop off location using the pre-paid FedEx Priority Overnight bag provided.
*Individuals must meet one or more of the following requirements to qualify for a Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 test at-home collection kit at no cost: Experiencing mild symptoms; exposed to someone with COVID-19; live or work in a congregate setting; and/or asked to get tested by a healthcare professional, contact investigator, or public health department.
- How old do you have to be to get a drive-thru
COVID-19 test at Walgreens?
Walgreens offers drive-thru testing for patients ages 3+. Minors getting a COVID-19 test must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors may be assisted by their parent or legal guardian during the self-collection process. Walgreens also offers at-home test options for purchase online and in most stores.
- Can I get a COVID-19 test at any Walgreens location, even if I live out of state?
Yes, we offer drive-thru testing for ages 3+ at 7,000+ locations nationwide. Visit our COVID-19 testing page to schedule a test.
- 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. Even if you don’t develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19.
- When do I need to get a COVID-19 test if I’m traveling?
If you are traveling outside of the United States, the CDC recommends all travelers consider getting tested no more than three days before their trip.
If you are traveling to the United States, the CDC recommends those traveling by plane and who are age 2 and older consider getting tested with a viral test no more than three days before travel. Regardless of how you travel, the CDC recommends getting tested three to five days after arrival in the United States.
If you’re traveling domestically, the CDC recommends all travelers consider getting tested no more than three days before your trip and getting tested after travel if your trip puts you at greater risk of exposure.
Please note: Testing for travel is no longer covered by federal testing criteria. You may be required to pay for your test if your insurance plan does not cover it. Please contact your insurance provider for coverage information.
- I’m getting ready to
travel. What do I need to do?
Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and getting tested before and after traveling, along with taking everyday precautions, can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on planes, in airports, at destinations and back home.
Before you travel:
Get resources for domestic, international and cruise ship travel.
Check specific travel recommendations for your destination.
- Make sure you understand and follow any testing, proof of vaccination, masking and quarantine requirements at your destination.
If you’re not fully vaccinated or if a negative COVID-19 test is needed for entry, get tested at a Walgreens near you.
After you travel:
All travelers —including individuals who are fully vaccinated — should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested three to five days after travel if you develop symptoms.
- If you’re not fully vaccinated, you should self-quarantine for five days even if you’ve tested negative for COVID-19.
To travel with confidence, follow the latest CDC guidance.
Please note: Testing for travel is no longer covered by federal testing criteria. You may be required to pay for your test if your insurance plan does not cover it. Please contact your insurance provider for coverage information.
- What at-home COVID-19 tests are available at Walgreens?
We offer several types of at-home COVID-19 tests online or at your local Walgreens. At-home COVID-19 tests may be available at no cost to you.* Pick up a test kit from any Walgreens and ask the pharmacy if your plan covers the cost. If you need to get reimbursed, save your receipt and submit to your insurance.
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.
Flowflex is an FDA-authorized COVID-19 antigen home test that requires only one test. Get results in 15 minutes with a nasal swab.
† The cost of COVID-19 at-home testing kits may be reimbursed by select insurance plans. Limitations apply on the amount of tests covered per person per month. Test kits are non-refundable. Contact your insurance provider to confirm eligibility, reimbursement limits and claim submission process.
- How long can you test positive for COVID-19?
People infected with COVID-19 typically test positive for five to 8 days. However, it’s possible to test positive for as long as 90 days, even if you’re no longer contagious.
- When is a COVID-19 test most accurate?
You’re most likely to get an accurate result at least a few days after exposure, because that gives the body enough time to develop a viral load that can be detected by a test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing immediately when symptoms develop, or at least 5 days after exposure if you aren’t showing symptoms.
- 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 CDC.
Information on this page is sourced from the CDC website. In the event of a discrepancy between the information on Walgreens.com and the CDC website, please follow CDC’s guidance.
* You will not have out-of-pocket costs if you meet the criteria for no-cost testing through your insurance or a government-funded program. You should contact your insurer before scheduling to confirm the test meets coverage criteria. You may be billed by Walgreens and, if applicable, the laboratory for up to the full price of the test if your insurance denies coverage or you don’t meet eligibility criteria for government no-cost testing programs.
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.
** No-cost at-home COVID-19 tests are available with select insurance plans. Limits apply to the number of tests covered per person per month. Test kits are non-refundable. After you submit your order, the Walgreens pharmacy will confirm your eligibility and your potential copay amounts with your insurance plan.
† The cost of COVID-19 at-home testing kits may be reimbursed by select insurance plans. Limitations apply on the amount of tests covered per person per month. Test kits are non-refundable. Contact your insurance provider to confirm eligibility, reimbursement limits and claim submission process.
† † No-cost at-home COVID-19 test kits are available to customers ages 2 and older. Test kits are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Customers will not be billed. To get tested, customers must register their kit with Labcorp and provide their demographic information. Customers must self-swab and mail their kit to Labcorp, as directed, free of charge. Customers may order one test kit at a time.
3 The Pixel by Labcorp PCR Test Home Collection Kit has not been FDA-cleared or approved, but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA, and has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Antigen Self Test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. It has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARSCoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner. For serial testing, the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test should be performed twice over 3 days, at least 24 hours (and no more than 48 hours) apart. For symptomatic use, a single test can be used.