All patients must see our physician before receiving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) PCR testing.

COVID-19-related visits include a physician evaluation and a PCR test, which is the most accurate test available. The PCR test is billed to your insurance by the outside lab and results are typically available in 2-4 days.

A Quidel Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test (results in 15 minutes) may be added on the same day as a physician visit for a cash-pay price of $75.

The Rapid Antigen cash-pay price for asymptomatic patients who are uninsured or need testing for travel or employment is $100.

There is a $25 cash-pay price for the blood draw for an Antibody Test. Check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover the lab cost.

Does My Insurance Cover COVID Testing?

Does My Insurance Cover COVID Testing? Tampa FL

Before you seek testing for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), be sure to check your health insurance coverage and eligibility. That’s the best way to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Beginning on March 18, 2020—when the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed by Congress—and running through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, most people should not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 testing. During that time, all forms of public and private health insurance, including self-funded plans, must fully cover the costs of COVID-19 tests that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, there is one important caveat: The test must be deemed medically necessary by an attending health care provider in accordance with accepted standards of current medical practice. Otherwise, an insurer may still cover the cost of the test but is not legally required to do so.

When Is COVID-19 Testing “Medically Necessary”?

In general, a medical provider will deem a COVID-19 test “medically necessary” for you if:

  • You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
  • You recently had close contact with a person who was confirmed or suspected to be infected with COVID-19

Under these circumstances, you can receive a COVID-19 test anywhere and your health insurance plan is required to cover the cost. In all other situations, you may need to pay all or a portion of the cost of the test.

South Tampa Immediate Care offers convenient and reliable COVID-19 testing, and we are pleased to accept most major health insurance plans that provide urgent care coverage to patients in the Tampa, Florida, area. However, we do not require insurance for COVID-19 testing or any other service, and we have a reasonable and transparent rate schedule for our patients who pay for their health care out of pocket. Our goal is to provide exceptional urgent care at an affordable price.

For additional information, contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. If you have specific insurance or billing questions, please call us at (813) 253-2113.