TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The cost of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test has grabbed news headlines in Indonesia as this type of test used in screening Covid-19 viruses once cost up to Rp2.5 million but has gradually dropped to Rp1.3 million, Rp900,000, and the latest government circular mandates the upper cap of the service to be at Rp275,000 for air travel in Java and Bali.

Indonesia is not the only country that adopts paid Covid-19 tests amidst the pandemic. However, there are countries that do not charge their citizens to undergo PCR tests.

New Zealand

The New Zealand government does not charge for PCR tests in the majority of cases. Citing their official website covid19.govt.nz, “Everyone can get tested — you do not need to be a New Zealand citizen or resident. The test is still free, and you will not have to pay for care if you test positive. But, you may need to pay for a test if it is to enter another country.”

Meanwhile the site health.govt.nz reads “Testing is free if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been directed to take a test(s) by a health official for example, if you work at the border, ports or in a managed isolation or quarantine facility, are a close contact of a confirmed case, or are crossing an Alert Level boundary.”

However, it is important to note that testing is not free if a person is seeking a COVID-19 test to travel to another country.

Australia

The Australian government in large offers free of charge PCR testing as stated in its official website healthdirect.gov.au “If you get tested at a public health facility, mobile testing centre or GP medical practice that offers bulk billing, you won't have to pay for the test. You might have to pay to see your GP if they don't offer bulk billing, but the test itself is free.”

Read: Mandatory PCR Tests Affect Tourist Visits to Bali: Sandiaga Uno

RAHMAT AMIN SIREGAR