Coronavirus tests remain free of charge NSW Health confirms
NSW Health has confirmed COVID-19 testing is free after reports several people had been charged for the service at some private clinics in Sydney.
People who showed up to the clinics without a Medicare card were reportedly charged a fee.
NSW Health today said the service does not cost anything and those people will be reimbursed for what they paid.
Medical officers attend to cars lining up at a drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic at Auburn in NSW. Nine
"While you can provide your Medicare card at the clinic you attend for testing, you do not need a Medicare card to be tested and you will not be charged," NSW Health said in a statement.
NSW Health also confirmed they will continue to waive fees for suspected cases of COVID-19 in overseas visitors who are ineligible for Medicare and present to NSW hospitals for testing.
There are more than 350 testing sites available across NSW with many open seven days a week.
There is no charge for having a test done at any of these sites if you don't have your Medicare card with you.
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A staff member of the COVID testing clinic. Peninsula Health
A coronavirus pop up testing clinic at the Julia Reserve Community Centre in Oran Park. Dominic Lorrimer
NSW Health said the only time there will ever be a charge for a COVID-19 test is "for the purposes of travel to other jurisdictions that require a negative test prior to travel".
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