In High Demand: How to Obtain an At-Home COVID-19 Test When They're Out of Stock

Due to the omicron variant, at-home rapid tests have become as scarce as masks and in-person testing. If you have travel plans on the horizon (or just returned), you might be in urgent need of one.

Gone are the days when finding a test at your local pharmacy or online was simple; some online retailers now report shipping delays of weeks. Unfortunately, this poses challenges for daily life and travel. Health professionals emphasize that testing and contact tracing are essential for navigating the pandemic, especially considering omicron's high transmissibility. Additionally, pre-travel COVID-19 testing is mandatory for certain destinations (and for returning to the U.S.).

So, how do you secure a COVID-19 test right now? While they can be difficult to find, you might discover rapid antigen tests in some unexpected places. It’s important to note that many of the suggestions below may not meet travel requirements (details on that later). However, if you seek reassurance before your trip, at-home tests can be beneficial.

Here’s how to track down an at-home test for travel when it seems they’re completely sold out.

Authorized Distributors

Earlier this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded the testing program for international travel to the United States, permitting airlines to accept at-home instant tests that feature remote supervision.

One company quickly rose to fame among travelers seeking a simpler way to obtain COVID-19 tests for their return to the United States. Abbott's BinaxNow COVID-19 Home Test is conducted and monitored online, receiving approval for travel to the U.S. Results are delivered in just 15 minutes.

You have a few options for purchasing this test, but it’s advisable to order as soon as possible if you have imminent travel plans.

Travelers can purchase packs of six tests from eMed for $150. The website provides FedEx next business day delivery for orders placed and approved by 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. However, there’s no guarantee your order will arrive before your trip. Due to high demand, the site warns that "your test kits may be delayed by a couple of days." This option might not be ideal if you're in a hurry, so consider other alternatives like in-person testing.

Another retailer, Optum, has started offering tests individually. Optum sells one kit for $50, two kits for $70, or three for $100. Similar to eMed, Optum is also facing demand challenges, advising travelers to allow "up to three business days" for delivery.

Delivery Apps

Delivery services aren't just for your favorite pizza or tacos anymore. You can also order COVID-19 tests through these platforms now.

The delivery service Gopuff, available in major cities like New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, offers COVID-19 tests through its app. There are various options, including the Binax test and On/Go's COVID-19 rapid test.

Other platforms like GrubHub, UberEats, and DoorDash also provide tests through large pharmacies. Just be cautious of price gouging: I spotted a Binax test (which typically sells for $24) priced at an outrageous $70 at a store on the DoorDash app.

NowInStock

While I have a few lesser-known COVID-19 testing kits, I'm particularly eager to acquire Abbott's BinaxNow COVID-19 (non-proctored) antigen rapid self-test home kit.

During my research for this article, I noticed Walgreens' availability for this product switch from "out of stock" to "in stock," which I tracked via a website called NowInStock. This site is better known for assisting frustrated gamers in snagging PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch consoles that sell out in moments. It also shows availability from Amazon, Walmart, and pharmacies like CVS. Besides the Binax test, NowInStock provides updates on other tests like Amazon's COVID-19 Test Collection Kit (which is valid for travel).

The site also provides information on the availability of pandemic-related products like N95 masks.

Predicting availability isn't straightforward; patience is key. I keep the page open in a separate browser window and check in throughout the day. Much like gaming consoles, at-home tests vanish quickly. If you spot availability, make sure to add the test to your cart and check out immediately. Creating an account and linking your credit card can also speed up the checkout process.

City governments

Certain cities are providing at-home tests to their residents. A few examples include:

• Washington, D.C.: The city runs a program called "Test Yourself DC," allowing residents to obtain a COVID-19 at-home PCR testing kit without queuing at a testing site. Residents need to return the test kit by 8 p.m. on the day the test was conducted. Results will be communicated via email or text within three to five days.
• New York City announced in December that it would distribute 500,000 free at-home COVID-19 tests along with 1 million higher-grade KN95 masks through community organizations.

While I was waiting for an in-person PCR test recently (with a line stretching over a block), a city worker handed out at-home tests to those in line. Residents could choose to continue waiting for their PCR test or take the rapid test, but choosing the latter meant losing their place in line. I decided to take the rapid test and went home to complete it.

Although this test, like many others mentioned, wasn't approved for travel, I took it before attending an indoor dinner with a friend, which made me feel more at ease about being in enclosed spaces. For those who want to monitor their health status prior to traveling, these tests remain highly valuable.

Conclusion

As previously noted, many rapid COVID-19 tests available at drugstores or delivery apps typically aren't suitable for travel. However, these options can help you determine if you're fit to travel (if you receive a positive result) or simply provide peace of mind before venturing out into the world.