Good news! Free government COVID-19 test kits are still available to US residents through the mail! Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to get yours:
Website: Visit COVIDTests.gov. This is the official website run by the US government for ordering free at-home COVID tests. Avoid any other website claiming to offer free tests; many are scams.
Eligibility: Every US household is eligible to receive four free at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests delivered directly to their home. There are no restrictions based on income, health insurance, or other factors.
Ordering: The ordering process is simple and takes just a few minutes. You’ll need to provide:
- Your name
- Your mailing address (including apartment number, if applicable)
- Optionally, your email address (to receive order confirmation and tracking information)
How many tests can you order?
- If you haven’t ordered tests since the program reopened in September 2023, you can place two orders for a total of eight tests.
- If you ordered tests between September and November 19th, 2023, you can now place an additional order for four more tests.
- Each household can only order a maximum of eight tests in total.
Shipping: The tests will be shipped for free via the US Postal Service. Expect to receive them within one to two weeks of placing your order.
Important points:
- You will never be asked for any payment information or any other personal details like Social Security numbers.
- Beware of scams! Only order tests from COVIDTests.gov. Other websites or phone calls claiming to offer free tests may be trying to steal your information.
- The tests available through this program are intended for home use only. For official testing or confirmation of a positive result, please contact your healthcare provider.
Additional resources:
- For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the USPS At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits FAQ page: https://faq.usps.com/s/article/At-Home-COVID-19-Test-Kits
- The Federal Trade Commission also offers guidance on avoiding scams related to free COVID-19 tests: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/free-covid-test-kits-are-back-heres-how-get-yours
Please note: While I am able to provide this information for the US, I am currently located in Madhya Pradesh, India. My knowledge about COVID-19 testing options in India may not be as comprehensive. If you are looking for information about COVID-19 testing in India, I recommend searching for official government websites or contacting your local healthcare provider.
I hope this helps! Stay safe and healthy.