Ontario no longer paying for COVID-19 tests for international travel
Posted December 14, 2020 9:43 am.
Last Updated December 14, 2020 9:46 am.
Ontario residents who require a COVID-19 test for international travel are no longer eligible for publicly funded tests.
The provincial government says it is making the change to ensure that taxpayer dollars are appropriately allocated and to ensure priority access to testing is given to residents who need it most.
The change is effective as of last Friday.
“As the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed, we have continued to adapt to our approach to testing and the services we have made available,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “While international travellers are no longer eligible to receive a publicly funded COVID-19 test, we remain committed to ensuring that anyone who needs a test can get one quickly, at no cost.”
Provincial testing guidelines were updated in the fall to better prioritize people who are at the highest risk of becoming infected. The province says they will continue to provide free testing for anyone who requires a test per these testing guidelines.
The province is recommending that international travellers refer to the federal government’s travel website for any expectations and requirements.
