Below is a brief overview of what is in place in different European countries, extracted from various sites and publications.
As a general overview, tests, in cases where there is a valid reason (e.g. symptoms etc.) are free of charge for citizens of each country. However, there is a differentiation for visitors or in some cases for non-mandatory movements e.g. travel abroad.
In general, and given what is happening in Greece, European countries are absorbing the cost of the tests in the public health system, and generally prescribing the necessary tests. In Greece, unfortunately, and given the increasing demands for testing (rightly in my opinion), tests and especially molecular tests are not prescribed and the costs are becoming very heavy. Apart from their in my opinion very high price.
What exactly is the cost of testing in other European countries?;
-Germany: Free rapid test for German citizens and PCR test on prescription. 120€ to 150€ cost for tourists and visitors.
-France: Prescription free test for fully vaccinated, minors and unvaccinated citizens. Alternatively, PCRs cost around 50 euros for visitors.
-England: In the UK, a free test is carried out on the NHS (the British NHS) if common symptoms of coronavirus occur or are deemed necessary on the advice of a public service. The cost of the test is only covered if there are no symptoms and for travel abroad.
-Italy: With a prescription from a family doctor the test is free, as it is free after contact with a case, if a regional helpline (something like a regional Epidemiological Health Service telephone centre) has been contacted beforehand. For other cases tests are carried out, which cost between €20-€30 at pharmacies, private clinics and diagnostic laboratories.
-Ireland: After referral from the family doctor, free PCR test at a screening centre.
-Spain: Free for Spanish citizens, but from €40 (rapid test) to €100 (PCR) for visitors.
-Austria: Rapid and PCR tests are available free of charge. Anyone, whether insured or uninsured, can make an appointment and go to the specially designed Teststrasse sites in the centre of towns and cities to get a test free of charge.
-Sweden: Symptomatic free PCR test in a public health facility.
-Denmark: Citizens can get a free Rapid or PCR test at any time. This applies to everyone, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, and free tests are also available to both immigrants and tourists.
-Belgium: Anyone can undergo a free PCR test on prescription.
I believe that the proposal that has been put forward in the public debate for the prescription of (Rapid and PCR) tests with the involvement of the primary health care system is correct. Along with but necessary measures e.g. permanent recruitment of health workers, strengthening of distancing measures (including more/smaller classes, more public transport (in the metro it happens...) etc.
Humanity will outrun COVID, especially with powerful scientific tools like vaccines. But we must overcome it with the least possible loss. And it is especially troubling that the mortality rate in our country is very high. So changes are needed in the strategy implemented so far.
