As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, getting tested may seem like a challenge. Where do you go and what about the lines? The good news is that the city has tried to make it easy for all New Yorkers to get a free test. Here’s how.
New York City Health + Hospitals
The NYC Health + Hospitals system offers free testing at a variety of locations throughout all five boroughs. You can find a full list of all testing locations throughout the city website. Anybody can just walk in to get tested at any of these locations. No appointment, insurance, or immigration status verification necessary. New Yorkers who have insurance, though, should bring their insurance card so that their insurance plan can be billed.
No Insurance? Don’t worry. It’s free.
Nobody without insurance will be turned away at these city and state-funded locations.
No Insurance? There’s another way.
Try CityMD
Uninsured New Yorkers can also get a free COVID test at CityMD locations.
How long do you have to wait for results?
The turnaround time for a test result is around 3-5 days within the NYC Health + Hospital system. New Yorkers who may need a quicker result can take advantage of the rapid testing option.
Free Rapid Tests
Free rapid COVID-19 virus tests are available at nine public health lab locations called COVID Express Quickie Lab sites. Rapid testing is only available by appointment, but you can get test results within 24 hours.
You can make an appointment on NYC government website on COVID.
All New Yorkers are eligible for these free tests, regardless of immigration status. As of this week, CityMD is also offering free rapid testing.
There are many other locations throughout the five boroughs, outside of the city system, that do COVID-19 testing
Many rapid testing locations, not in the city system or partnership, will charge around $200 for a rapid test without insurance. Make sure to double check their information.
Priority Testing for CUNY
CUNY students who live in a CUNY dorm, work on a CUNY campus, teach or attend in-person or hybrid classes are eligible for priority testing. This is available as part of the city’s Priority Testing for School-Based Staff and Students Program. All priority testing is free with or without insurance, and on a walk-in basis. But it is only available at the locations listed on the New York City COVID-19 website.
Series: Coronavirus
