You can conveniently take a COVID-19 test for travel right from your couch.

Earlier this month, I underwent a COVID-19 PCR test at a temporary facility in my New York City neighborhood, with results expected within five to seven days. Ultimately, I received my results 10 days after the swab.

These delays already create significant challenges for public health, and such long waits for results are impractical for nearly any destination requiring pre-travel testing.

Although many testing sites claim to deliver results within 48 to 72 hours, that isn't always the case, particularly now that the omicron variant has surged globally. Travelers are increasingly turning to at-home tests or paying extra for results that can be delivered in as little as an hour.

Did you know there's an alternative for getting a COVID-19 test with faster results? Best of all, you can do it from the comfort of your couch. Here’s what you should know about in-home COVID-19 testing.

What does in-home COVID-19 testing entail?

Before we explore further, it's crucial to understand that at-home and in-home COVID-19 tests are not identical, despite their similar names.

At-home COVID-19 tests, like Abbott's BinaxNow Home Test and Qured's video-supervised rapid antigen test, are authorized for travel to the United States. These tests have gained immense popularity for travel but can be difficult to find in certain U.S. regions due to the omicron surge and heightened travel testing demands. They are self-administered tests that you can purchase for personal use.

In-home COVID-19 testing, however, is a different process altogether.

This service allows a testing provider to come directly to your home, apartment, or hotel to perform a nasal swab. In-home testing provides travelers with the ease of avoiding long lines for testing. While we refer to it as in-home testing, some providers also offer testing at your office for larger groups.

How do I arrange for an in-home COVID-19 test?

Typically, you can schedule an appointment with a facility that offers in-home COVID-19 testing. However, if you need a negative result quickly before your trip, it’s advisable to book a few days ahead, as some facilities charge an extra fee for same-day or last-minute testing.

Here are some options for in-home COVID-19 testing:

• DMCovid-19 Test: Provides travel PCR testing through house calls nationwide, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, with nine physical locations available. Cost: Varies based on location and whether it's in-home or at the office.
• LabDX: Offers in-home COVID-19 testing typically with same-day results in Miami Gardens, Florida. Cost: $129 for a home visit. Use discount code LABDX10PTSGUY for an exclusive $10 discount from TPG.
• OnSite Safe: Provides home or office visits for groups of five or more in New York City. Cost: $184, with next-day results available for an additional fee for expedited processing.
• Quality Health Care Concierge: Delivers a concierge in-home testing service in South Florida. Cost: Varies depending on the test and turnaround time.
• Welz: Offers same-day in-home rapid testing in New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, with results in 15 minutes. PCR testing is also available in New York with a one- to five-day turnaround. Cost: Free with insurance; the federal uninsured program will cover fees for those without insurance.
• Zeel: Provides COVID-19 swab PCR testing in homes and offices by LPNs and RNs in the New York metro area, including New York City, Westchester County, Nassau County, North Jersey, and Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut. Cost: $249 for the first person tested, plus $50 for each additional person, with results in 48 hours.

Is it possible to use an in-home COVID-19 test for travel?

The U.S. mandates that all incoming air travelers aged 2 and older present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of departure. To ensure timely test results for your travels, consider using an in-home COVID-19 test, especially if at-home tests are out of stock.

Typically, in-home tests are acceptable for travel, provided they comply with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines and you receive a physical or digital copy of your results. However, it's essential to confirm that the in-home COVID-19 test is recognized by your destination. For example, if you're flying to countries like Canada or St. Lucia, you’ll need PCR results rather than rapid antigen tests.

Recently, TPG's public relations manager, Grace Farley, utilized the Welz concierge service for an in-home testing visit to Paris. She mentioned that scheduling the test was effortless and plans to use the service again for future international travels.

"I required a negative test to enter [France] and discovered a service that sends someone to your home for free, making the whole process ... extremely easy and convenient," Farley explained. "I received my rapid antigen test results in just 10 minutes and uploaded them to Air France."

TPG travel editor Madison Blancaflor also relied on Welz for a complimentary rapid antigen test before a last-minute trip to Jamaica. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," she remarked.

"I registered on the website for a same-day test (you can’t book in advance, so it’s best to log on early if you need a test), and someone reached out via text when they were en route during my chosen two-hour window. They administered the test and had me complete the necessary paperwork upon arrival ... A PCR test is also an option, but my test administrator warned me that lab results could be delayed by a week ... Luckily, my destination accepted antigen test results, so it worked out perfectly. I’d highly recommend this service if you’re in one of the cities they operate in — I definitely plan to use them again," she shared.

When TPG senior writer Katie Genter attended a work conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, and needed a PCR test for international travel, her "best choice" was to hire a local lab testing service to come to her hotel room. Although there were cheaper testing options in the area, they required driving to the facility, and she didn't have a car during her stay. A technician arrived at her room in the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa for an additional fee of $50, and she received her results in under 16 hours.

"It was both convenient and reasonably priced at $200, so I would definitely use it again if needed — I only wish more destinations offered similar services for travelers," Genter remarked.