MoneySavingExpert.com homepage
Cutting your costs, fighting your corner
Chair, Martin Lewis · Editor, Marcus Herbert
Search bar closed.
MSE News

Free lateral flow tests in Wales extended until 31 July for people showing signs of Covid

hero-homepage-travel-flights-holiday-coronavirus-covid-19-pcr-test.png
Sophie King
Sophie King
News Reporter
Created 24 June 2022 | Edited 24 June 2022

Free lateral flow tests in Wales will continue to be available for people showing Covid symptoms up until 31 July. An extension to the scheme comes after a surge in coronavirus cases in Wales with one in 45 people testing positive, according to the Office for National Statistics.  

Those showing signs of coronavirus in Wales, such as a continuous cough or a loss of sense, of taste, or smell will be able to order the free tests through the Welsh Government website or by calling 119.

If you're not showing signs of coronavirus you'll have to purchase a test. These can be bought from various pharmacies or private providers.

After 31 July, people in Wales will have to pay for lateral flow tests even if they're showing signs of Covid-19.

Tests can be picked up from pharmacies including Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and Superdrug, as well as from providers such as Randox Health and Testing for All. Prices range from £1.92 to £2.90 per test depending on where you purchase it from.

Elsewhere around the UK: 

  • In England, you can no longer order free Covid tests via the NHS, even if you have symptoms. A small number of people are still eligible for free tests however, such as those with certain health conditions or those working in the NHS. See the NHS website for full details.

  • In Scotland, you can only order a free test under certain circumstances, such as if you have Covid symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who's tested positive. See the NHS Scotland website for full details.

  • In Northern Ireland, you can still get free tests to check whether you have the virus, even if you don't have symptoms. See the NI Direct website for full details.

For further info on getting tests for peace of mind or for travel, see our Cheap Covid tests guide.

MSE Email 17 September 2024

For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today - it’s spam free!

99 days until Christmas
Prep NOW
150Mb fibre broadband
From just £14 a month
Flight delayed or cancelled?
You could be due £500+
Back to uni help
Student loans & more
Free 0.5% beer, free latte
And more coupons
CHEAPER energy fixes
From E.on & more
Pizza Express 2for1 pizza £1
ANY day
Tools and calculators

Clever ways to calculate your finances

Find your odds of getting top cards
Find your odds for getting a cheap loan
Compare broadband, phone & TV deals
Compares thousands of mortgages
Eight calcs to help you work out the cost
We ensure you’re on the cheapest tariff