COVID-19 Test
The test is available online as a home self-swab test kit, or as a service carried out by a pharmacist in selected Well pharmacies.
Quick turnaround
Results are typically available within 48 hours*
Test for travel
Test negative and receive a fit to travel certificate
Fast delivery
Purchase your test online before 5pm Monday-Friday to get it the next day
Test to Release scheme
If you travel to England from outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you must quarantine for 10 days on arrival. However, you can take a private COVID-19 test on or after day 5 of your quarantine and if your test is negative, you can finish your quarantine early. This does not apply if you have travelled from a country on the travel ban red list. This option is only available if you purchase an at-home self-swab COVID-19 testing kit. Our in-pharmacy COVID-19 testing service is not eligible for the Test to Release scheme. Find out more on the government website.
Using the Test to Release scheme does not mean that you are exempt from the government requirement for all international arrivals to be tested on both day two and day eight of isolation. The government website gives information on providers of these tests.
Please note, due to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, no appointments will be available from and including March 31st. In pharmacy bookings will be available again from Tuesday 6th April.
Please be aware that the lab is closed from the 2nd to the 5th of April The courier service will also not be available on the same dates.
What does the COVID-19 Test do?
Whether you need to get tested for work, are hoping to travel, or are attending a key event, we now offer a COVID-19 PCR Test through our online pharmacy shop, and as a service in selected pharmacies. Order online and you can self-swab at home and send the swab off to a lab for analysis to check you don’t have COVID-19 infection at the time of testing. The test is 99% accurate** and can be completed from the comfort of your own home. We also offer this COVID-19 Test as a service in a selection of our pharmacies.
Who is the test suitable for?
The COVID-19 PCR Test is suitable for adults and children 12 years of age and over. This service is not suitable for anyone with symptoms of coronavirus, or anyone who thinks they may have COVID-19. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should follow the latest government guidelines and get a free NHS COVID-19 Test.
How much does the test cost?
The COVID-19 home self-swab test costs £120 including delivery. The test-kit comes with instructions on how to have your sample collected from your home by courier and taken directly to our partner laboratory for analysis. Home test kits are non-refundable and non-returnable.
Our in-pharmacy COVID-19 Testing Service also costs £120. Payment is taken for your test when making an appointment.
Read our frequently asked questions.
Our in-pharmacy service
This testing service is not suitable for people who currently have coronavirus symptoms, or who think they may have coronavirus. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should follow the latest government guidelines and get a free NHS COVID-19 Test.
How our in-pharmacy COVID-19 Testing Service works
- Book your appointment online
Our COVID-19 Testing Service is available at a selection of our pharmacies, and you can book and pay for your appointment online. If you are having the test in order to fly, your airline or destination country may specify how soon before travel you should have your test. - Visit your pharmacy
You must ensure you bring your photo ID along to your appointment. Unless you are exempt, please make sure you wear a face covering when you enter the pharmacy. - Take the test
Once our pharmacist has checked your photo ID, they will take your test in the consultation room. You will have to remove your face covering for our pharmacist to take your throat and nose swab. All our colleagues wear PPE (personal protective equipment) and the consultation room is cleaned before and after each use. - Get your results
Our pharmacist will send your sample to the lab for testing. You’ll get your results through an online portal typically within 48 hours* of having your test. If you test negative, you’ll be able to download and print a fit to travel certificate.
Book your appointment
Use our online booking service to make an appointment for your in-pharmacy COVID-19 test.
COVID-19 Test for travel
If you require a fit for travel certificate for a flight, you should order the test well ahead of time. It is your responsibility to check the travel requirements of the airline and country you are travelling to and make sure your results are received within the time frame required by the airline or country. The test checks to see if the COVID-19 virus is present in your body at the time of testing. Once a negative result is confirmed, it is important government guidelines are followed to maintain your result ahead of travel.
Please check the latest guidance on the suitability of this test for your destination. Due to the constantly changing environment and entry requirements, Well Pharmacy is unable to provide specific guidance on whether our COVID-19 Test is suitable for your destination.
How the home self-swab test works
- Order your test kit online
Buy your COVID-19 Test kit at shop.well.co.uk. We expect your test will arrive next day if your order is placed before 5pm Monday to Friday. Orders placed after 5pm will be dispatched the next working day. - Self-collect your swab sample
Self-collect your sample with a nose and throat swab from the comfort of your own home – make sure you closely follow the step by step instructions provided. - Return your sample for processing
The test-kit comes with instructions on how to have your sample collected from your home by courier and taken directly to our partner laboratory for analysis. - Sample tested at the laboratory
Your swab sample will be analysed in our partner laboratory. - Get your results
We aim to deliver your results within 48 hours* of taking your test. You will be notified by secure email that your results are available to view on the portal in your individual account.
Buy your COVID-19 self-swab test
Order your test before 5pm Monday-Friday and get it the next day.
What is the test?
A COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Test checks to see if the COVID-19 virus is currently in your body. When your swab sample reaches the lab, a solution known as a ‘reagent’ is added to it. If the virus is in the sample, the reagent starts a ‘chain reaction’. This reaction creates billions of copies of the viral genetic material, so there’s enough for it to be detected and analysed by scientists.
How quickly will I receive my COVID-19 Test if I order online?
We expect your test will arrive next day if your order is placed before 5pm (Monday to Friday). Orders placed after 5pm will be dispatched the next working day. Orders placed over the weekend will be dispatched on Monday, excluding public holidays.
How long does it take to get the results?
Once the lab has received your swab sample, you should receive notification within 48 hours by email that your results are ready to view on the portal. Every effort will be made for results to be received in 48 hours; however we cannot guarantee this.
Is the lab open every day?
The lab operates Monday to Saturday and this needs to be considered if you are wanting to get a “Fit to Travel” Certificate within the time frame required by an airline / country.
Who are you working with to deliver the COVID-19 Tests?
We are working with ReCoVa to deliver the COVID-19 testing service to our customers and patients.
Who can I speak to if I want more information?
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 testing service, please contact our customer care team on 01782 597313 or email hello@well.co.uk. Our Customer Care Team are available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30am to 12.30pm.
What happens if my results are inconclusive?
If your results are inconclusive, we will send you a new test kit to repeat the test. If your in-pharmacy test results are inconclusive, we will contact you to discuss arranging for the test to be repeated.
How can I get a fit for travel COVID-19 certificate?
Once your result is ready you will receive an email to notify you. By logging onto your personal account on the results portal you will be able to see your results and download a certificate (for negative results). If you want to use this certificate to travel, make sure you check it is acceptable to your travel company before you fly.
How long before a flight do I need to get the test?
Check with your own airline and the foreign office travel information for country specific information.
Does this COVID-19 test tell me if I have COVID-19 or if I’ve had it before?
Our COVID-19 test kits will check if you currently have the coronavirus infection at the time of the test. The test does not check for immunity or whether you have previously been infected.
Can I get a paper copy of my results?
By logging onto your personal account on the results portal you will be able to see your results and download a certificate (for negative results). You can print this to get a paper copy.
How do I get a COVID-19 Test for a child under 12 years of age?
Many airlines and travel companies do not require a fit to travel certificate for children under 12 years of age. Check with your own airline and the foreign office travel information for country specific information.
Our tests can be carried out on children under the age of 12 years of age, but younger children may find the test upsetting.
Can I use the at-home test if I am a student living in a halls of residence?
If you are a student living in a halls of residence, please ensure there is a clear collection point for the courier, e.g. the main campus reception, when you arrange collection of your swab. When leaving your parcel for collection you must also ensure that your name is on the outer packaging so the courier is given the correct parcel.
Can I cancel my in-pharmacy test service appointment?
If your travel plans change and no longer need your appointment, or you develop coronavirus symptoms or are in self isolation and cannot attend your appointment, please contact the pharmacy you were going to have the test at who can cancel your appointment and refund you. Each pharmacy's contact information can be found on our pharmacy finder.
Where is the in-pharmacy test available?
The in-pharmacy COVID-19 testing service is available in the following Well pharmacies:
Glasgow Eaglesham Road
Edinburgh Craigentinny Road
North Carlisle MC
Gosforth
Durham
Harrogate Kingswood MC
Shadwell
Lees
Whaley Bridge
Flixton Woodsend
Wharton
Chell – Biddulph Road
Tower Hill - Walsall Road
Salisbury
Enfield - Silver Street
Highgate - Junction Road
London Colney
Loughton
Hove - Nevill Road
Wye
Plympton - The Ridgeway
Gosport
Sherbourne Cheap Street
Brecon
Llantwit Major
Monmouth
Cardiff Bay
Radyr
Swansea Kingsway
Cardigan
Terms and conditions
*If you’re flying abroad, please check the COVID test requirements specified by your destination of travel and/or airline carrier before ordering a test. Results should be received typically within 48 hours. Subject to lab capacity, and specially trained colleague and stock availability. Available in selected stores, charges apply. Well will not be liable for any costs incurred as a result of a failed or inconclusive test.
This COVID-19 PCR service is not suitable for anyone with symptoms of coronavirus, or anyone who thinks they may have COVID-19. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should follow the latest government guidelines and get a free NHS COVID-19 test. In store service offered to those 12 years of age and over. See online for pricing. Swabs are taken in our consultation room by a trained pharmacist and sent to an accredited laboratory for testing.
Please see our Terms and Conditions for full terms of purchase.
**PrimerdesignTM Ltd. Coronavirus (COVID-19) genesig® Real-Time PCR assay
