Vancouver is known for its cutting-edge healthcare and advanced testing solutions, but that doesn't mean it comes cheap. With the growing demand for rapid antigen tests, finding the cheapest antigen tests Vancouver has to offer can be a bit daunting. However, we shortlisted the best 5 places to get cheap antigen tests in Vancouver to make it easier for you to decide. The list includes Iridia Medical, Midtown Medical Clinic, Canadian Travel Clinics, Covid Travel Vancouver, and Fast Test.
Of the five top antigen test providers, the cheapest is Iridia Medical, located at 1755 West Broadway, Vancouver V6J 4S5, Unit 314, which provides tests for only $72.45. You can head down to their facilities, or if need be, they offer mobile testing solutions for those who can’t move around for any reason. Hile Iridia is the cheapest option, you can pay slightly more with Fast Test to get your results in only 20 minutes. Furthermore, none of the five providers mentioned charge more than $119 for a test.
Even though it’s been over four years since the COVID-19 pandemic started and the Canadian government removed testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements to go in and out of the country last October 2022, people are still being infected with recent or old strains of the virus. That’s why antigen tests are still the order of the day for many Canadians.
However, finding cheap antigen tests isn’t easy, especially not in Vancouver. That’s why we went through dozens of providers, comparing prices, convenience, and quality to find the cheapest. In this post, we narrowed down five of the best places to purchase the cheapest antigen tests Vancouver has to offer.
We will also provide helpful tips on how to buy the cheapest antigen test in Vancouver. So whether you need a rapid test or require one with a short turnaround time, you’re in the right place.
Overview Of The Cheapest Places To Buy Antigen Test In Vancouver
There are many places to buy an antigen test in Vancouver, but not all of them offer the same value for your money. Here are five of the best places to buy a cheap antigen test in Vancouver.
Test Facilities | Price |
| Iridia Medical | $72.45 |
| Midtown Medical Clinic | $99 |
| Fast Test | $99 |
| Canadian Travel Clinics | $115 |
| Covid Travel Vancouver | $119 |
#1 Iridia Medical
Iridia Medical is located at 1755 West Broadway, Vancouver V6J 4S5, Unit 314. It was established in 1998 and has been providing Canadians with cutting-edge healthcare services ever since.
Antigen test offerings come at an affordable price of just $72.45, with results released within 15 minutes of taking the sample. It offers the cheapest antigen test in Vancouver for both employment-related and international travel needs.
In addition, they provide mobile testing solutions, which can be tailored to suit every customer's individual needs – making it easy for everyone to check for COVID-19 anytime.
Opening Hours
- Monday—Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
#2 Midtown Medical Clinic
Midtown Medical Clinic is one of Vancouver's cheapest rapid antigen test providers. If you're looking for cutting-edge healthcare services, a skilled team of family doctors/GPs, and well-trained medical assistants, then this is the place for you.
Midtown Medical Clinic is located in Vancouver at 550 West Broadway, Unit 641. Their primary care clinic has provided patients in the greater Vancouver area with top-notch medical services for eleven years. They deliver test reports in a maximum of 4 hours.
They offer an unbeatable $99 price point for their antigen testing service, and online booking is also available.
Opening Hours
- Monday—Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
- Saturday: 9 am to 2 pm
- Sunday: 9 am to 1 pm
#3 Fast Test
Fast Test provides Canada's fastest COVID-19 testing service, setting the bar for stability, accuracy, and speed. It is located at 900 W Georgia Street in Vancouver.
Their testing services include both RT-PCR/NAAT and Antigen tests that are fast and reasonably priced – their cheapest antigen test in Vancouver costs only $99 and only takes 20 minutes on-site. You can also opt for in-home or office collection of samples for both PCR and antigen testing for just $150.
They also provide same-day and 24-hour results for their PCR tests Antigen Test, which means you won't have to wait days (or longer!) to know your results.
Fast Test sets the standard for providing reliable testing services with excellent customer service; as such, they are committed to ensuring safety while helping people get back to work and life with peace of mind.
Opening Hours
- Monday—Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—Sunday: 8 am to 4 pm
#4 Canadian Travel Clinics
Canadian Travel Clinics is located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, at 970 Burrard St., Unit 102. This renowned facility offers antigen testing – plus travel vaccinations – with a focus on convenience.
They offer same-day appointments when needed, allowing travelers to book at the last minute if their plans change. Additionally, they are the only travel clinic in Calgary to offer complete care in 30 minutes.
Their COVID-19 Antigen Test & Travel Certificate costs $115, with results ready within 3 to 4 hours. As one of the few facilities able to offer this kind of care in Calgary, they remain committed to delivering timely results with professional care.
Opening Hours
- Monday—Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
- Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
#5 Covid Travel Vancouver
Covid Travel Vancouver is located at 105 – 1590 Bellevue Avenue in West Vancouver and 110-1100 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver. Besides their cheap antigen test starting at $119, they also offer the cheapest PCR test in Vancouver.
Furthermore, Covid Travel Vancouver also offers mobile service or portable self-test kits, which helps to save time. Results from their Rapid Antigen Test can take up to 2 hours.
Opening Hours
Covid Travel Vancouver has two addresses in the city with different opening hours.
105 -1590 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
- Monday – Sunday: 9 am to 2 pm
110-1100 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver
- Monday—Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm
Factors That Can Affect The Cost Of An Antigen Test
If you're looking for the cheapest antigen test in Vancouver, several factors can affect the cost of your test. These include:
Location
Antigen testing clinics in larger cities are more expensive than those in smaller communities or rural areas. This is because the overhead cost, such as rent and staffing, tends to be higher in urban areas.
Insurance
If you have health insurance coverage for antigen tests, your out-of-pocket costs will likely be lower. However, your insurer may cap the amount they will reimburse you, so it's essential to check your policy to understand your coverage.
Type Of Test
The type of antigen test you choose can also affect the cost since different types may be more or less expensive than others. For example, an antigen test for cancer cells may have a higher price than a test for the virus that causes hepatitis B. Similarly, in the case of covid antigen tests, there are different tests depending on the type of specimen collected (e.g., swabs vs. blood samples), the type of device used for screening the antigens and the brand or manufacturer.
Extent Of Testing
If you require more extensive testing, such as a blood panel or imaging scans, to confirm your results, this can also affect the cost of your antigen test. However, these tests may be necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
As you can see, many factors can affect the cost of antigen tests in Vancouver. However, with the correct information and research, you should be able to find an affordable option that meets your needs.
Tips To Get The Cheapest Antigen Test In Vancouver
Tip #1 Look For Online Coupons And Promo Codes
Before booking your test, quickly search online for coupons or promo codes. You can find a discount that can be applied to your purchase.
Tip #2 Ask About Insurance Coverage
Some health insurance plans cover the cost of antigen testing, so it's worth checking with your provider to see if this is an option for you.
Tip #3 Choose A Less Popular Time Slot
Appointments booked during off-peak times are often cheaper than those booked during peak times. So, if you're flexible with when you get your test, you can save some money by choosing a less popular time slot.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Iridia Medical stands out for its amazing $72.45 price point if you're searching for the most affordable antigen test in Vancouver. For those on a tighter budget, Midtown Medical Clinic's or Fast Test’s $99 antigen testing service is a fantastic choice. The latter is a better choice if you’re in a hurry since Fast Test offers results in 20 minutes or less.
If, for whatever reason, you can’t access these options, Canadian Travel Clinics and Covid Travel Vancouver are still affordable options to consider. Whatever your choice, you’ll get accurate and trustworthy results you can count on.
Cheapest Antigen Test In Vancouver FAQs
What is an antigen test for travel?
An antigen test is a type of COVID-19 test that detects certain proteins on the surface of the virus. It can provide results in minutes and doesn't require laboratory analysis. Canada now allows travellers to enter the country with a negative antigen test instead of a PCR test, as long as the test is authorized by the country where it was purchased and administered by a lab, health-care entity, or telehealth service. The antigen test must be taken no more than one day before the departing flight or planned arrival at the land border.
Where can I get a rapid Covid test in Vancouver for free?
Rapid antigen tests are available for free at many community pharmacies in British Columbia. Anyone can ask for a kit, and you don’t have to show ID. If you can’t go to a pharmacy, a friend or family member can pick up a test kit for you.
You can also check your health authority’s website for information on where to get a PCR test and how to book an appointment if required.
How accurate are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests?
Rapid antigen tests are most accurate when they are used in people who have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, especially during the first week of illness. People who test negative may still be infected and should repeat the test if symptoms persist or worsen. Rapid antigen tests are considerably less accurate when they are used in people with no signs or symptoms of infection but do perform better in people who have been in contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19.
The accuracy of rapid antigen tests varies between tests that are produced by different manufacturers, and there is a lack of evidence for many commercially available tests. According to one review of 155 studies, the average sensitivity (ability to correctly identify positive cases) of rapid antigen tests was 72%, and the average specificity (ability to correctly identify negative cases) was 99.6%. However, these numbers may vary depending on the quality of the studies, the type of samples used, and the stage of infection.
How much does it cost for a Covid test?
The cost of a COVID-19 test depends on the type of test, where you get it, and whether you have insurance or not. In Canada, public health authorities offer free PCR testing for people who have symptoms, have been exposed to COVID-19, or need it for travel or other reasons. However, some private clinics may charge fees for PCR testing, which can range from $100 to $300 or more.
Rapid antigen tests are also free for everyone in Canada and can be obtained from community pharmacies or other locations. However, some private providers may charge fees for rapid testing services, which can vary depending on the provider and location.
How much does a PCR test cost?
As mentioned above, PCR tests are free in Canada if you get them from public health authorities for medical or public health reasons. However, if you need a PCR test for non-medical reasons, such as travel or work, you may have to pay for it from a private clinic or provider. The cost of a PCR test can vary depending on the clinic or provider, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 or more.
