You can usually get a COVID-19 test at several common places near you, even in early 2026, but availability and cost vary by country and region.

Main places to get a COVID test

  • Local pharmacies and drugstores (for example, big chains and some independent chemists often sell rapid antigen self‑tests and may offer in‑store testing with appointments).
  • Urgent care / walk‑in clinics and some GP practices or primary care offices, which may provide PCR or rapid tests, often by appointment and sometimes for a fee if not covered by insurance or the public system.
  • Hospitals or large health systems , usually if you are being evaluated for significant symptoms, pre‑procedure screening, or high‑risk exposure.
  • Your regional or national public health authority website, which typically lists current community testing sites, pop‑up clinics, or special programs (these have changed a lot since the early pandemic and may now be fewer and more targeted).
  • Community health centers and some non‑profits, which sometimes offer free or low‑cost testing, especially in lower‑income or high‑risk communities.

In many places, government programs that used to mail free tests have ended or been scaled back, and public sites are now more limited, so it’s best to check your local health department’s website or call their information line for the latest options and eligibility.

How to quickly find a site near you

  1. Search “[your city] COVID test” or “[your region] health department COVID testing” to find your official public health page.
  2. Use store locator tools on major pharmacy or supermarket websites (many have a “COVID‑19 testing” or “clinic” section).
  3. Call your GP/primary care clinic and ask whether they:
    • Do in‑office COVID testing, or
    • Require a prescription or referral for a PCR test at a partner lab.
  4. If you’re very unwell (trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or very high fever), go to urgent/emergency care; they can test and treat as needed.

At‑home test kits

  • You can often buy rapid antigen home test kits in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers.
  • These are useful if:
    • You have mild symptoms and want a quick result.
    • You were exposed to someone with COVID and want to check before seeing others.
  • If a self‑test is negative but you still feel clearly sick, repeat the test over a couple of days or get a lab/PCR test if available, because early infection or new variants can sometimes be missed.

If you’re not sure where to start

If you tell me your country (and, if possible, your city/region), I can outline more specific types of places and what to ask for when you call or visit.