Cheap Rapid Antigen Tests for US Travel

A new post by extremely popular demand: how Canadians can book cheap rapid antigen tests for US travel. Have a trip to the United States coming up? Here’s how to book the cheapest and most convenient COVID testing for travel. I’ve included 4 different options for you! Save and share with friends to save money this spring.

This is not your typical blog post from me but after broaching the topic on my Instagram, I was shocked by the response! I still have so many direct messages about where to book cheap rapid antigen tests for travel that I decided to write it down. I have done some research and I did find that some companies are really over-charging for these tests so I wanted to provide some affordable, virtual testing options to help save you money. COVID-19 testing for travel can be a huge stressor and I hope this makes things a little easier for you.

Please note, that it is important to check the government websites before travelling to and from Canada to ensure you are up to date on the current testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated adults and children. As of the time of publishing this article, to enter the United States, Canadians must have a negative antigen test completed 24 hours prior to their flight. To ensure you get the best and most affordable appointments, book online as soon as you know your dates of travel. Hopefully, the rules for USA travel entry will change soon but for now, you do need to test!

Use Your Government-Issued Rapid Tests

Remember all those rapid tests sitting in a drawer in your home? Well, you can use them for travel testing! No, you cannot show up at the airport with your physical negative test strip, you need official documentation! A pharmacist or nurse must witness the test and give you the necessary documents in order to travel. The good news? You can use the tests that you already have which saves you money. More good news? You can do these tests via video conference. Test kits that were provided by the Government of Canada to schools and pharmacies can be used for telehealth video tests. Whichever rapid testing centre you use, ensure that the tests that you have are an approved brand of testing. If you are out of tests, purchase them in bulk and use them for future rapid testing.

How to Book a Video Antigen Test in Canada

Online testing can be completed from the comfort of your own home and multiple people from your family are able to be tested in the same small timeframe. A telehealth video conference is the most convenient way to do it! If you have unvaccinated children that require testing, you can also book these appointments while you are in the US for return travel to Canada. Testing is completed via video conference, so you can complete the test from anywhere.

Book a telehealth video antigen test 24 hours prior to your entry to the United States. This is required for a flight or land border crossing.
Use your pre-purchased antigen tests.
Log into your virtual portal at your appointment time.
Tests are completed from home while a nurse witnesses.
A document will be emailed to you providing your official results.