![Covid-19: can PCR tests carried out abroad be reimbursed?](https://img.passeportsante.net/1000x526/2021-06-18/remboursement-tests-pcr-voyageurs-francais.jpeg)
Will we be able to get reimbursed for PCR and antigen tests carried out abroad? The Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, spoke on the subject announcing that unless they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, the French will have to be tested on their return from a trip to France and will have to take care of the resulting costs.
Between 40 and 190 euros to perform a PCR test in Europe
While the European Commission has already asked the various members of the European Union to harmonize the prices of PCR and antigen tests, there are still great disparities between the different countries. Indeed, prices can vary from 40 to 190 euros in Europe. Beyond European countries, prices can even go up to 300 euros in the United States or 400 euros in Japan. In France, Covid-19 screening tests are fully reimbursed by Health Insurance as stated by Olivier Véran: ” If we have made the choice to take 100% from day one, it is to guarantee the protection of French people, to slow down the epidemic and to ensure that there is no financial barrier in access to care “.
With the summer holidays, the question thus arises of reimbursements for tests carried out abroad for French tourists wishing to return to the territory. Indeed, all travelers are asked to present a PCR or antigen test of less than 72 hours at their vacation spot in order to be able to return to French territory.
No reimbursement for personal initiative trips
To help the French to see more clearly, the Minister of Solidarity and Health spoke on the subject by declaring: ” Antigenic PCR tests carried out by French people wishing to return to France will not be covered by Health Insurance “. In other words, travelers wishing to leave France will have to take into account the cost of PCR and antigen tests in their vacation budget if they wish to leave France. On the other hand, as provided for by the gradual introduction of the “sanitary pass”, French people who have been vaccinated (only with a complete vaccination schedule) will not be affected by the obligation to present a negative test on their departure and arrival in France.
If the authorities do not authorize the reimbursement of tests within the framework of a personal trip, Olivier Véran nevertheless specifies that the French can be reimbursed (on justification) by the Health Insurance if the trip is ” administrative, medical and urgent “. In this case, the individual must present his European health insurance card, or return documents to the administration retrospectively.