Where can you get tested?
Here's a list of places to get COVID testing in Monterey County and all related info.
With cases rising, I thought this might be a good time to put together a list of testing locations with their times, requirements, and possible costs. If anyone has additional information, please respond in the comments! The email version of this list will not be updated, but the information will be updated on the website version.
List of all testing sites in the tri-county area.
*Edit: It should be noted that it is California law that insurance companies must cover the cost to get tested. However, it seems that this is only if you are showing symptoms. If you want to get tested, but are not showing any symptoms, you must pay out-of-pocket.
*Edit: I did not include testing sites hosted by LHI because they do not let you see pricing information unless you fill out a symptom checker on their website. These locations are plentiful in our area and many people have had great experiences with them. They are definitely worth checking out, especially if you are showing symptoms.
Free Tests, No Appointments
Planned Parenthood offers complimentary testing at MPC. This is on a first-come-first-served basis and will be available until they run out of tests. The site provides a list of dates and times of when the testing site will be available. Bad weather may cause a cancellation. This is available to people with or without symptoms. You must bring your ID and insurance information if you have insurance, though you will not be billed either way.
Free Tests with Valid Insurance, No Appointments
CVS MinuteClinic offers the PCR test and rapid test. The website says tests may be limited depending on location. PCR tests take 3-4 days and the rapid test is “within hours”. The website lists a COVID-19 screening as $39, however, the scheduling page states it is free with any insurance. These tests are available to anyone age 10 or older. The website states that you must qualify for the tests, which I would assume means you must be showing symptoms. The results can be sent to your MyChart account.
Walgreens testing is available to all people age 3 or older. You must complete a survey to qualify. These are self-collected tests. The website says the tests are free if your insurance covers them, otherwise you may be billed. The price is $130 for both the PCR and rapid tests. The time for results varies for the PCR test and the rapid test gives results within 24 hours. Results are sent to PWNHealth.
Self-Collected Tests
The Safeway locations offer at-home saliva tests. They cost $140 and I’m not sure if they include shipping fees. I have not read much about the accuracy of these tests. Make an appointment online, M-F (9 am-7 pm), Sat-Sun (8:30 am-5 pm)
Quest Diagnostics offers a saliva test or nasal swab. They both seem to be self-collected (the nasal swab is observed by trained healthcare professional). If using the saliva test, they can be purchased online for about $130 (after fees). If using the nasal swab, you must schedule an appointment at one of their locations since this is done in-person. These tests are only available for people 18 years of age or older. Quest also offers antibody testing for about $130 (after fees). There is a disclaimer at the bottom of this product’s page: “Additional studies need to be conducted for this test and others like it to be FDA cleared or approved.”
Appointment Required
Doctor’s on Duty locations seem to fill up fast. Though they do not specifically state the cost, the website says most visits are $164 and up for established patients. I’m not sure if they test asymptomatic patients. I’m not sure if they provide the PCR test and/or rapid test. Make an appointment online. Hours vary by location, but they seem to be mostly 8 am-4 pm.
Clinica de Salud! offers tests to all people, whether they show symptoms or not. Their website says they try to focus on farmworker families and the agricultural industry. They are open 8 am to 5 pm. Contact information for each location (choose on the map). You can also register on their Patient Portal (click the menu near the top) and I’m sure you can make an appointment there.
ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay seems to offer the most complete package of services. They are all drive-up tests by appointment. They offer a rapid test for $180, PCR test for $155 (results in 2-3 days), a simple antibody test for $49, and a more complete and accurate antibody test for $180. This is available to people with or without symptoms.
Some Final Notes
There are three main types of tests: PCR, rapid, and antibodies. CHOMP’s website also has plenty of thorough information on testing.
PCR tests are the most accurate. They can detect a current infection in a person and are recommended to people who are either asymptomatic or showing symptoms. In general, they take about two to four days to return results. These tests are recommended to asymptomatic people who are traveling or who have come into contact with a person who has tested positive.
Rapid tests are only reliable for people who are showing symptoms. Therefore, they are not recommended for people who are traveling. In general, these tests take around 24 hours or less to return results.
Antibodies tests are blood tests that show if a person has been infected in the past. They do not show if a person is currently infected.
Again, if anyone has extra information, please respond in the comments! As always, thank you for reading!