How do I get free home rapid lateral flow test kits?

Free testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) from the NHS has ended for most people in England. Free testing services have closed at:

  • pharmacies
  • test sites
  • community collection points such as libraries
  • schools, nurseries and universities

Who can get a free NHS COVID-19 test

There are a small number of people who will still be able to get free COVID-19 tests from the NHS.

If you have a health condition which means you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments

If you have a health condition which means you're eligible for new COVID-19 treatments, you should be sent a COVID-19 test to use if you have symptoms.

You can order free NHS tests yourself, if you have not received any tests yet or have used the tests you've been sent.

Find out more about testing guidance and new COVID-19 treatments

If you're going into hospital for surgery or a procedure

You may need to get tested if you're due to have surgery or a procedure.

You can check our visiting page to find out if this applies to you.

If you work in the NHS or in social care

You are eligible for free tests if you're:

  • NHS patient-facing staff
  • staff who deliver NHS services through an independent healthcare provider, and have direct contact with NHS patients
  • a social worker
  • a personal assistant
  • a Shared Lives carer
  • a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspector

If you work in care homes, domiciliary care, extra care and supported living services, and adult day care centres, you can also get free NHS tests. Find out more about free NHS tests if you work in adult social care on GOV.UK

Order a free NHS COVID-19 test if you're eligible

You can get free NHS test kits sent to your home.

Order NHS home test kits on GOV.UK

If you need help with your order

If you cannot use the online service to order and you're eligible for free NHS tests, you can call 119 (free from mobiles and landlines).

Lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm. 119 provides support in 200 languages.

SignVideo is a free online British Sign Language interpreter service for 119.