Anyone who wants to be tested by a PCR test will soon have to pay for it. The popular corona test is only free for older people, high-risk patients with previous illnesses and exclusively for healthcare workers. For everyone else, the rapid antigen test is the most important tool – even in the case of quarantine or free testing.
The PCR shortage has significant consequences, especially for holidaymakers and German citizens who want to protect themselves with a PCR test.
The biggest challenge is that some EU countries make it mandatory for vaccinated and recovered people to have a PCR test on departure or at the border. This is the case, for example, in Austria. if travelers cannot show proof of a booster vaccination. But Bulgaria and Denmark also require travelers to carry out a mandatory PCR test.
The PCR shortage is also met with a lack of understanding from travel companies and the tourism industry because it presents many holidaymakers with hurdles. Large providers rely on private laboratories. This is intended to protect travelers from inconvenience, but consumers pay the price.
What should I watch out for with the PCR test?
According to travel experts, the prioritization of the federal government only applies to the statutory health insurance test centers. This does not apply to private providers who do not bill through the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and have always offered chargeable PCR tests.
If you need a PCR test for your vacation, you should go to a PCR test center in good time and make an appointment. As a rule, holidaymakers should take the test no more than 24 hours before departure so that the result is available in good time. At the same time, travelers should also plan for possible delays. If the flight is delayed, this can lead to problems in extreme cases.
FOCUS Online says: For the majority of EU countries, an antigen rapid test is completely sufficient.
The costs for a PCR test are between 40 euros and 200 euros, depending on the location, provider and express surcharge.
FOCUS Online advises: Book the test date at least one week in advance. The background is that many test centers are increasingly using their employees for the antigen rapid tests. There could therefore be considerable waiting times for the PCR tests.
Alternatively, private providers offer express PCR tests directly at airports or train stations. However, they usually cost between 80 euros and 200 euros – depending on the provider and the PCR test. Travelers should also expect longer waiting times and should therefore be at the airport earlier. Depending on the provider, the result is available within 15 to a maximum of 150 minutes.
The following applies to families: In extreme cases, the express PCR test can leave a large financial gap.
Can I cancel my holiday because I don’t receive a PCR test?
If travelers cannot arrange a PCR test because capacities are exhausted, the only option in an emergency is to cancel the holiday trip at short notice. However, it is unclear who will bear the costs. When asked, it was said that “the individual case” should be examined.
Contact the tour operator
For flights or package tours, it is advisable to contact the tour operator if you need to carry out a PCR test. In many cases, the companies work together with private providers and can also arrange appointments at short notice. However, you should also expect extra costs.
Travel agencies can also arrange PCR tests. An inquiry in a travel agency of DER Touristik in Munich revealed: If the customer has to present a PCR test upon entry, he can buy a PCR test directly on site and when booking the trip.
Other travel providers such as IST, Jahn Reisen or Dertour make similar offers.
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