Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests this winter
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
Need help placing an order for your at-home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Testing resources
Need a COVID-19 test right away? The resources below are available.
At-Home Tests at Retailers and Pharmacies
At-home tests are available for sale around the U.S. Check with local retailers and pharmacies to see where at-home tests are available.
Insurance Reimbursement for At-Home Tests
If you have health insurance through an employer, the Marketplace, Medicare, or Medicaid, your insurance will pay for 8 at-home tests each month for each person on your plan.
15,000+ Free Testing Sites
No-cost antigen and PCR COVID-19 tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured, at more than 15,000 sites nationwide.
About at-home COVID-19 tests
The tests available for order:
- Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR
- Can be taken anywhere
- Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
- Work whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms
- Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines
- Are also referred to as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests
Read frequently asked questions
You can voluntarily report positive or negative COVID-19 test results through MakeMyTestCount.org to help with public health efforts.
Take an at-home test:
- If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
- At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
- When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines
What if you test Positive?
A positive at-home test result means that the test found the virus, and you very likely have COVID-19.
If you test positive, follow the latest CDC guidance for isolation.
Treatments for COVID-19 are now widely available. If you test positive and are at high risk for severe COVID-19 (age 50 and over or you have a weakened immune system or other health conditions), talk to a doctor as soon as possible about available treatment options.
The Test-to-Treat program is one easy way to get treatment. Test-to-Treat locations will give you a test and treatment. Find a Test-to-Treat location near you
What if you test Negative?
A negative at-home test result means that the test did not find the virus, and you may have a lower risk of spreading COVID-19 to others. Check your test kit’s instructions for specific next steps. If you test negative, you should test again within a few days with at least 24 hours between tests.
If you test negative, follow the latest CDC guidance for self-testing.