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RT-PCR (COVID-19) Test for Travellers $130 ($20 Discount) @ Healius Health

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flthacks

With the Australia - New Zealand travel bubble having restarted (for some states) and soon for most of Australia, there's 1 new requirement before heading to NZ: A negative RT-PCR test.

Healius are offering a $20 discount until the end of July for online bookings. Note that while the test is the same as many of the free testing offered around the country, for travel purposes your certificate should have the following info: traveller's name, DOB + passport number, date and time of test, name of testing lab, test type, test result.

Is Healius the cheapest option? It is if you live in WA, SA, NT or TAS. Otherwise, 4Cyte and Histo Path have slightly better prices in NSW, VIC, QLD and ACT. It also depends on which testing location is more convenient to you. Sydney airport has a facility by Histo Path who offer 1h tests for $150 if you need one last minute.

Full disclosure: we've partnered with Healius to offer this deal and may receive a small commission when you use the discount code.

For more info and travel test locations around the country, check out my post on Flight Hacks here.

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closed Comments

  • +1

    This is a pain in the arse, but at least this softens the blow a little.

    • +7

      I didn't realize that's where they swab!

      • +3

        This is not Mainland China ;)

      • HOPOATE-21

      • +3

        they swab your arse. then stick it up your nose. if you can smell it stinks. you dont have covid. j/k

  • GP can give the Covid test report/certificate for free!

    • Just don't mention it's for travel ;)

    • +2

      The tests that NZ requires need a passport number on them. I don't think GP tests have passport numbers on the certificate.

      • +5

        Not according to their stated requirements (https://covid19.govt.nz/travel/pre-departure-tests-to-enter-…):

        Testing labs must be able to issue you a dated report that should have:

        • traveller’s name
        • traveller’s date of birth and/or passport number
        • date and time the test was conducted
        • name of testing lab
        • test type
        • test result.
  • +4

    Do i get to decide the cycle threshold for the test?

    • Doubt it :D
      You can probably request the details afterwards though, it would be interesting to know.

    • +2

      As a molecular scientist, I wouldn’t advise to get it if it’s any additional cost: it’s really worthless information.

      If you’re positive, you’re positive. If you’re negative, you’re negative. The Ct value won’t change that at all.

      Even for your own interest, the Ct value rarely correlates strongly to the viral load. It’s actually completely misinterpreted all the time. It can be skewed by something as simple as how clean your sample was (eg: lot of boogers on that swab - or a clean nose?)

      This idea that you can tell who has a heavier infection by comparing Ct values is basically pseudo-science.

      Edit: ah. I typed all that and then misread your comment. I thought it was a reporting option, you want to DECIDE the cutoff? lol.. don’t think they’re running a build-an-assay workshop.

  • 19 months in. They've developed a vaccine yet are we still using PCR testing?

    • There are lots of other testing solutions such as a breath test version being trialed in Singapore or Saliva testing (which is rarely used) however the PCR test is seen to be the most accurate hence why NZ (or other travel) require them.

    • +2

      I don't understand why they don't use rapid antigen testing. Much cheaper and faster, for a fraction of the cost they could probably test prior to travel and once you arrive to "catch em all".

      • +1

        because we are aiming for covid zero, one mistake = lockdwon

  • +1

    I thought this is covered by medicare, isn't it?

    • +1

      It is unless you're traveling, if you need to get a COVID 19 test for overseas travel then you have to pay.

    • +4

      What Henrus said, for travel you will need to do a private test. Mainly due to the fact the taxpayer shouldn't have to fork out for testing requirements needed for leisure travel.

      • +2

        taxpayer shouldn't have to fork out for testing requirements needed for leisure travel.

        Did they do that for the snow?

  • +1

    4cyte pathology is $120 for a Covid PCR test in VIC. I used them and had no issues. Around 18 hours to return results.

    • Yep, I think Histo Path is also an option in VIC and they charge only $100

  • Just got mine done at a testing centre yesterday
    Even told them it was for travel and needed all the dot points as above
    Got results back today, has all the points on there

    This is $130 too much

    • If it's for travel i believe it's on you to pay for it. You might get a bill in the mail.

      • -1

        Confirmed with them, no charge

        • Sounds like you just billed the taxpayer for your holiday checks.
          The testing place shouldn't have done that.

          • -2

            @Drakesy: Pay for it if it suits your morals
            Giving everyone else an option going forward to save some money.
            Isnt that why we’re all here? To save a dollar?

  • +2

    Geez
    How much is Australia forking out for these tests.

  • It has been free (covered by Medicare) for over a year whether you travel or not.

    • +1

      I'm not sure why your negging this deal since this business has nothing to do with the Policy of the New Zealand Government. They are just the testing lab who is giving a discount.

      • Because its more expensive than the competition

        • But some of don't have competition. That only applies if you live in certain areas, which some already are red zones which would get you banned.

          Edit: Both 4Cyte and Histo Path seem to be mostly located in NSW/QLD, which is off limits for testing.

        • Because you can get it done for free.

          • @bob19: The tests performed under Medicare aren't good enough for travel to NZ…

            You've completely missed the point of this.

  • -1

    Damn, got a test with this exact company a few hours before this was posted! Also it sucked and wasn’t worth $150 and wasn’t scientifically accurate and the tester wasn’t wearing her mask properly

  • +1

    FYI code still works, just used today

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