Boris Johnson has been urged to cap the cost of private Covid-19 tests amid warnings customers are being ‘ripped off’ by opportunistic firms.
A list of providers which meet minimum testing standards on the Government website shows more than 100 outlets charging £200 or more.
Analysis of the list by the Liberal Democrats shows just 11% of the providers offered tests for under £50, with the cheapest offering prices ranging from £20.
Some 24% of the providers were charging more than £200 - with the Mayfair GP clinic listed as £575, although its own website said prices start at £399.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has asked the competition watchdog to investigate the market for travel PCR tests in response to concerns about the cost for families travelling abroad.
Have you paid an eye-watering price for a Covid test? Get in touch: emma.munbodh@mirror.co.uk
Lib Dem health spokeswoman Munira Wilson said: "The price of PCR tests for international travel are a rip-off and far higher than most other countries.
"When the cost of providing a test is estimated to be £20, why are many companies charging well over £100 and some over £500?
"Testing is vital in our fight against the pandemic, but if it is safe to travel it should be affordable to travel.
"The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to cap the cost of PCR tests for international travel, scrap the VAT on tests and cut the red tape that is keeping prices high."
Travellers who are not fully vaccinated arriving in England from amber list countries, such as Spain or France, must self-isolate 10 days upon arrival and take a PCR test on day two and day eight.
They may be able to get out of quarantine early if you pay for a private PCR test to be taken on day five under the Test to Release scheme.
Those with two vaccines only need to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival and can skip self-isolation - the same rules apply to those who are under the age of 18 regardless of their vaccination status.
Anyone returning from a green list country need only have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before travel, fill in a passenger locator form and take a test on day two after arrival.
In Greece and Italy, test prices are capped at £34 and £52 respectively - and in France, tests are free for French citizens.
In a letter to Competition and Markets Authority chief executive Andrea Coscelli, Mr Javid said: "It is important that the sensible measures we have introduced at the borders are fair and transparent and don't involve unnecessary costs or low quality provision to people who have made so many sacrifices during this pandemic."
He asked the CMA to conduct a "rapid high-level review of the market for PCR travel tests to assess what action might be taken to ensure that consumers do not face unnecessarily high costs or other poor provision".
Javid added: "I would also urge you to take action to prevent such exploitation where you can under your existing powers."
A CMA spokesman said: "We are aware of concerns about the evolving markets for Covid-19 tests for international travellers.
"We look forward to providing the Secretary of State with advice on how best to ensure that travellers have access to tests that are affordable and reliable."
Consumer watchdog Which? said the clock is ticking to protect those heading abroad this summer from exploitative prices.
“Which? has been warning the government for several months that the cost of private testing for travel in this country is comparatively and prohibitively high.
“Currently, an unvaccinated traveller on a return trip to Spain requires four tests totalling an estimated £219 per person, and even if you are vaccinated it’s still close to a hundred pounds. Much of that cost is because of the high price of tests in the UK.
“While it is positive that the Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to examine the Covid test market, it is disappointing that it has taken so long for this issue to be investigated. The government must take action to ensure private testing for travel is affordable for all UK consumers - not just those who are better off.”
What is a reasonable price to pay for a travel PCR test?
This all depends on where you are entering the UK from and what your vaccination status is.
On the high street, fit-to-fly PCR home tests can cost around £65, or £85 for in-store testing, while private clinics tend to charge around £200. With that in mind, £65 is probably reasonable and will do the job, so you may want to use that as your maximum price or benchmark.
However, also check the airport as these vary by the day. London Gatwick Airport’s drive-through and walk-in test centres is currently charging £60 per passenger.
Some companies – such as Tui – are offering test kits for as little as £20 per person making it more affordable, if you’re travelling with them, so check your provider. These are also more affordable for families.
Which? says the average price for a round trip to Spain is £91 which includes a pre and post travel test. This rises to £219 for four tests if you’re unvaccinated.
A return to Greece also costs £91 return, or £173 for four tests if you’re unvaccinated.
You can only visit France if you have been fully vaccinated – and the average price is £134 for all three tests on the amber list country.
Italy is £130 for all three tests or £173 for four tests if you’re unvaccinated.
Portugal is £130 (three tests) versus £173 (four tests).
Dubai is £176 for three tests and £216 for four if you’ve not been vaccinated.
You can see Which’s? full guide on pricing here.
