COVID-19 Test

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 prepaid postage and packing to make returning your swab sample to our partner laboratory for analysis easy. 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.

COVID-19 Test for travel

If you require a fit for travel certificate for a flight, we recommend you 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.

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 two working days by email that your results are ready to view on the portal. Every effort will be made for results to be received in two working days; 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.

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 of children under the age of 12 years of age, but younger children may find the test upsetting.

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.

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

Every effort will be made to make sure results are received 72 hours after your test, however we cannot guarantee results will be received within 72 hours.

Well Pharmacy will not be held liable for losses, costs, damage that you suffer or incur as a result of any delays in receiving test results or as a result of inconclusive test results.

Well Pharmacy will not be held liable for losses, costs, damage that you suffer or incur as a result of receiving a positive test result (including, if you are unable to travel as a result of testing positive).

Please see our Terms and Conditions for full terms of purchase.

*Subject to lab capacity and stock availability.
**PrimerdesignTM Ltd. Coronavirus (COVID-19) genesig® Real-Time PCR assay