Houston-area COVID-19 testing: Where you can go and how to make an appointment

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HOUSTON - Whether you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, there are dozens of places to get a COVID-19 test around the Houston area.

If you need a test, your primary care doctor or an urgent care center may be able to help, and the cost may be covered by your insurance.

MORE: How to tell the difference between the common cold, flu and COVID-19

There are also several free testing options in the Houston area. Some are open to all, while others may be restricted to local residents. Government programs may cover costs for those who are uninsured. You may also need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for free testing from specific providers.

Typical symptoms include fever, cough or difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing a health emergency, and not just symptoms, you should call 911.

Here is a list of Houston-area testing options, costs and other requirements.

Who should get tested for COVID-19?

While there are some guidelines that differ depending on a person’s vaccination status, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people get tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms.

The CDC says most people should get tested if they have had close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19. Close contact is defined as contact within six feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

- Fully vaccinated people should be tested five to seven days after their last exposure.

- People who are not fully vaccinated should get tested immediately when they find out they are a close contact, the CDC says. If their test result is negative, they should get tested again five to seven days after their last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop.

- The CDC says people who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new symptoms.

People not fully vaccinated who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19 should get tested, the CDC says.

People who are not fully vaccinated should also get tested if they have been asked or referred to get tested by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, or a health department.

Here are the symptoms of COVID-19

Some of the most common symptoms are fever, a dry cough, shortness of breath and fatigue. But as the virus continues its rapid spread, additional symptoms are being identified.

FREE

Houston Health Department

Houston Health Department-affiliated sites offer free testing. Testing does not require proof of residency, citizenship or insurance. Appointments may be required at some sites. The Health Department operates both pop-up testing sites with different locations and schedules as well as fixed testing sites with consistent schedules and locations. Click here to learn more.

Harris County Public Health

HCPH sites offer free testing regardless of citizenship status and insurance. Click here to find a testing site and make an appointment. You can also call 832-927-7575 for testing information.

Fort Bend County

Testing is free for Fort Bend County residents at Fort Bend County-sponsored locations. Results can take up to three to five business days. Appointments are required. Call (281) 633-7795 to schedule an appointment to be tested for COVID-19 at Fort Bend County-sponsored location. Click here for more information.

CVS

CVS offers testing with no out-pocket cost through insurance or a federal program for the uninsured. CVS says those with insurance should not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for a covered COVID-19 test, but patients should check with their health plan to confirm. Those without insurance will need to provide their social security number, driver's license or state ID to submit the cost of the test to the federal program for the uninsured. Click here to learn more, find a location and schedule a test.

Curative

Curative offers free testing at thousands of sites across the country, including in Houston. Click here for locations and to schedule an appointment.

Quest Diagnostics

Those who are determined to be eligible for testing can get tested at no cost when billed to your insurance or the government. Testing is available for those ages 2+. Same-day appointments may be available. Click here to find locations, see if you are eligible and schedule an appointment.

Walgreens

Walgreens offers free drive-thru testing for those ages 3 and up at select locations. If you have insurance, you will be asked to show your insurance card at the appointment and the lab may bill your insurer. To get tested, you can complete a questionnaire online, choose a location and schedule a time for your test. Click here for more information and locations.

Weaver Wellness Clinic

Weaver Wellness Clinic offers free testing events in the community. The testing is paid for through insurance, or if not covered, through government funds. Click here for a list of testing events in the Houston area.

AT-A-COST

Some testing costs may be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider before getting tested to learn how much you may have to pay.

Legacy Community Health - Multiple locations

Legacy Community Health has screeners at the entrance of all clinics open to in-person appointments across Houston, Baytown, and Beaumont. Legacy will only test those who screen positive. Legacy accepts most HMOs/PPOs, Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare. The cash price of a COVID-19 diagnostic test is $80 for self-pay patients. Some patients may be eligible for a sliding scale fee that would reduce the $80 cash price. Click here to learn more.

Next Level Urgent Care - Multiple locations

With more than a dozen locations across the Houston area, Next Level Urgent care offers several different testing options including PCR tests, rapid antigen tests and a Biofire respiratory panel at varying costs. Insurance may cover part of the cost. Find a list of costs for those with and without insurance by clicking here.

MedExpress - Multiple locations

MedExpress offers rapid antigen tests and send-out PCR lab tests. Costs may be covered by your insurance. Click here to learn more.

West Isle Urgent Care - Galveston

No appointment is needed for COVID-19 testing at West Isle Urgent Care. They offer rapid tests as well as send-out PCR testing. Insurance may cover some of the cost. Click here to learn more.