For the official and up-to-date information of the FOPH (Federal Office for Public Health) on this subject please visit the following link: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/testen.html
In these cases, we recommend you to inform yourself in advance about the cost of the test at the competent center, as it may vary.
Last modification 11.10.2021
The federal government will cover the costs as follows:
Please note: people aged 16 or over must pay for any tests carried out in order to obtain a COVID certificate. Tests for those with symptoms and people who have been in close contact with an infected person, as well as PCR confirmatory tests, in principle no longer lead to a COVID certificate. The same applies to rapid tests performed by professionals that are needed to visit a healthcare facility. Exceptions according to type of test are set out below.
PCR tests
The federal government covers the costs of individual PCR tests in the following cases:
- You have a test because you have symptoms.
- You have received a notification from the SwissCovid app.
- You have been instructed by a cantonal authority or a doctor to have a test.
The federal government does not cover the costs of PCR tests in the following cases:
- You need a negative test result for travel. In this case we recommend that you find out in advance how much it will cost.
Pooled PCR tests
The federal government covers the costs of pooled PCR tests in the following cases:
- You take part in organised testing (e.g. in businesses and healthcare institutions and in schools, universities or for a camp).
The federal government covers the costs of a COVID certificate in the following cases:
- You are under 16.
- You cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. A medical certificate is required.
- You are taking part in repeat testing and in certain cases you receive a certificate as proof of a negative test result, the cost of which is covered by the government.
- You have received one dose of a vaccine that is recognised in Switzerland and are waiting for your second dose. During this period, but only until 30 November 2021, the costs of a COVID certificate are covered by the federal government.
- You received the Janssen vaccine and now have to wait 22 days for your COVID certificate. During this period, but only until 30 November 2021, you can get tested free of charge.
Rapid antigen tests
You can get tested at a testing centre, at your doctor’s surgery, at a hospital or in pharmacies. In the following cases, the federal government will continue to cover the costs of tests:
- You are experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
- You have been in close contact with a confirmed case.
The federal government covers the costs of a COVID certificate in the following cases:
- You are under 16.
- You are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons. A medical certificate is required.
- You are taking part in repeat testing and in certain cases you receive a certificate as proof of a negative test result, the cost of which is covered by the government.
- You have received one dose of a vaccine that is recognised in Switzerland and are waiting for your second dose. During this period, but only until 30 November 2021, the costs of a COVID certificate are covered by the federal government.
- You received the Janssen vaccine and now have to wait 22 days for your COVID certificate. During this period, but only until 30 November 2021, you can get tested free of charge.
Antigen self-tests
The federal government no longer covers the costs of antigen self-tests. This means that you will have to cover the costs yourself, regardless of whether you have already recovered or been vaccinated. Self-testing kits can be bought from pharmacies, drugstores and retail outlets.