Melio Health sells Covid tests for travellers at UK pharmacies

Melio Health has teamed up with Superdrug to bring a PCR test to the high street in all major UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Newcastle and Leeds.

Superdrug Nurse Clinics are offering the in-clinic swab test to Melio Health customers, priced at £149. The test includes a “Fit-to-Fly” certificate to enable foreign travel.

Customers must register their details with the Melio Health online portal, whereupon they will be guided to book into a convenient test site. Payment is taken in advance.Results arrive within one to three weekdays from when the test is taken, based on the transport time of the sample.

Additionally, Melio Health claims its PCR test gives more accurate results than the LAMP method, which is used by the majority of airports and is said to produce more false positives and false negatives.

With many countries now requiring evidence of a recent negative PCR test on entry (or even before departure), guaranteed access to tests and a speedy turnover of results will be vital for anyone with intent to travel abroad.

For example, from December 28, 2020, all passengers flying from the UK to the US will be required to test negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours of departure.

Similarly, holidaymakers returning to the UK can make use of the Melio Health service to reduce the duration of quarantine from 14 days to five if they test negative.Melio Health also offers an antibody test (£99) that includes a free Vitamin D test. It uses the most accurate device on the market – Siemens Total Cov2 Assay – which will be helpful for travellers heading to Iceland or Hungary where new policies are being discussed to allow those who have Covid-19 antibodies into the country.

William Stoddart, co-founder of Melio Health, says: “With many countries and airlines requiring a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate, demand is incredibly high. Given the fact that certificates need to be issued no more than 72 hours before a flight this is putting extra pressure on the testing system.

“I would urge travellers to book tests promptly and make sure you’re buying from a company that has the infrastructure to deliver – check reviews online and ask questions before you book. Sadly, we’re helping more and more people who appear to have been ripped off by disreputable firms taking advantage of the pandemic.”