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Competition watchdog to probe Covid test pricing for travel

Government
Will Payne
9 August 2021

The UK’s competition watchdog will look into fees for the Covid-19 tests required for international travel after concerns about the vastly different prices being charged for them, it has been reported.

PCR tests are needed to travel to some destinations and on return from amber and green list countries

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will provide advice and intelligence on the market in PCR tests to the health secretary Sajid Javid according to reports in the national press.

PCR tests for day two and day eight after return to England listed on the government’s website range from £20 to more than £300. Average prices in the UK are £75. 

The Guardian reports that Javid wrote to the CMA on Friday (6 August) asking the body to remove "exploitative behaviour" and "unfair practices" among the firms which offer the tests.