Millions of Australians can now access rapid antigen tests for free and here’s who’s eligible to get the free tests and how to access them.
According to the Australian Government Department of Health, from the 24th of January, people who hold any of the following concession cards can access up to 10 free rapid tests from pharmacies over the next three months:
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card
Health Care Card
Low Income Health Card
Pensioner Concession Card
You will need to attend a participating community pharmacy in person and present your Commonwealth concession card.
You will also need to give consent to the pharmacy to record your concession card details so that the pharmacy can check and confirm your details, including whether Rapid Antigen Tests have already been allocated to you.
Once eligible, the pharmacy will then provide you with a minimum of 2 Rapid Antigen Tests for each eligible individual. You can apparently ask for up to the monthly limit of Rapid Antigen Tests per eligible individual at any one time, but this is subject to availability.
Free Rapid Antigen Tests are only available to eligible Concession Card Holders through participating Community Pharmacies.
A select number of supermarkets, as well as other retail outlets, may also carry them for private sale but if you have COVID-19 symptoms you’re not allowed to attend a pharmacy to collect Rapid Antigen Tests.
