Free lateral flow device tests are no longer available for everyone in the UK.  However, some specific groups of people can still get this test for free. If you are one of the people eligible for a free lateral flow test (LFT), you may want to know more about lateral flow test availability. This article sheds light on who is eligible to order a free lateral flow test and how they can get them.

Who Can Get a Free Lateral Flow Test?

Free lateral flow tests are no longer available to the public in the UK. However, according to the NHS, there are certain groups of people that can order a pack of LFTs for free.

These groups of people include:

• People with a health condition that makes them eligible for free Covid-19 treatments – If you have a health condition and you’re experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, you can order a free Covid-19 test from NHS.
• If you’re in the hospital for a surgical procedure – If you’re due to have surgery or another medical procedure, you can get a free test if your GP requires you to get tested for Covid-19.
• If you work in adult social care or healthcare – People who work in healthcare and adult social care can get a free test depending on their role and if they have symptoms. Healthcare and adult care home workers with Covid-19 symptoms can get a free NHS test if they work for the NHS in a patient-facing role, work in adult social care or if they work for an independent healthcare provider. People without symptoms who work in adult social care settings or healthcare can get a free NHS test if they need a test to return to work, work with vulnerable people who are at a higher risk of getting infected with the virus, or they are at a higher risk of getting infected with Covid-19.

Ways to Get a Free Lateral Flow Test

If you’re eligible for a free LFT, you can get it by ordering it online. The test pack usually arrives within 3 days. However, the test may take longer if you order it during public holidays. If you’re having trouble ordering the test online, you can call 119 and the pack will be delivered to you. 

Another common question we get from our clients on the free LFTs is how many lateral flow tests can I order. According to the NHS, you can order one pack every 3 days. Each box of tests has seven tests. Notably, if you’re ordering the test for someone else, ensure you use their details to make the order.

In case you’re having problems completing your order or if your box of tests doesn’t arrive in five days, call 119 for assistance. You can also report any damages or missing parts of the free Covid-19 test online or by calling 119. Calls made to 119 are free on mobile and landlines. The lines are open from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and between 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, 119 provides customer support in 200 languages, and it also has a sign language interpreter service called SignVideo. Notably, after taking the test, the NHS requires you to report the test results within 24 hours.

Other Options to Get a Covid Test

Kindly don’t call 119 for a free test if you aren’t eligible for one, as you won’t get a test this way. If you don’t qualify for the free NHS test, you can buy the test from online private test providers like HandStations.co.uk. At HandStations.co.uk, we have quality and affordable lateral flow device tests that are in packs of 1, 5 and 25. Our FlowFlex lateral flow tests are 98.9% accurate, and they have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Besides, we offer prompt delivery once you make your order and our support team is always available to answer your questions. Contact us today, and we will be more than glad to serve you.