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Summary

You Will Now Have To Pay If You Want To Get A COVID-19 Test Before Travelling

They cost $199 plus tax at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Ontario COVID-19 Tests Will Now Cost You If You Get One Before Travelling
Shawn Goldberg | Dreamstime
Ontario Editor

If you're looking to get an Ontario COVID-19 test before travelling, it's time to pull out your wallet. 

In a press release on Monday, the Ontario government announced that outbound international travellers are no longer eligible to receive a province-funded test. 

As of December 11, those who need a negative test for travel clearance will have to pay out of pocket. 

Editor's Choice: Ontarian Leaves Package Of Poop On Porch & It Apparently Got Stolen Only 40 Mins Later

$199 + tax Price of a COVID-19 test at Shoppers Drug Mart

According to the government, the move was made to help save taxpayer dollars for "key priorities."

According to Shoppers Drug Mart's website, currently, anyone who wants to get a COVID-19 test for international travel will be paying $199 plus tax. 

You can book an appointment at select stores across the province. 

Despite this change, those who are testing for other reasons, such as potential exposure or existing symptoms, can still get it done for free. 

"While international travellers are no longer eligible to receive a publicly funded COVID-19 test, we remain committed to ensuring that anyone who needs a test can get one quickly, at no cost," said Christine Elliott, Ontario's Minister of Health. 

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  • Allysha Howse
    Allysha Howse was the Ontario Editor for Narcity Canada. Based in Toronto with seven years of experience as a leading journalist, she has been able to bring breaking news to readers across the country. Over the past year, she has been able to help Narcity reach record-breaking growth and bring original Ontario-focused stories to the fingertips of millennials. Allysha specialized in Books and Media Studies at the University of Toronto and has publications in Snapd Media.

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