Testing has been a main hinderance to travel during this pandemic and not to mention the uncertainty of finding a testing location while overseas with the added stress of whether you will get the test result back in time to continue onwards or return.
On the heels of the travel advisory being removed against non essential travel, we now see Air Canada partnering with Switch Health to offer portable self-administered COVID-19 tests. As a result, you can now enjoy the convenience of self-administered Covid-19 tests that you can complete from the comfort of your home or from your accommodation abroad.
Regardless of your destination, Switch Health provides convenient and affordable testing options.
Aeroplan Members also get preferred pricing, can earn Aeroplan points on all Switch Health testing products, or can redeem Aeroplan points for COVID-19 test kits via the Aeroplan eStore (not a recommended use for Aeroplan points).
Switch Health offers remote testing with their COVID-19 Collection Kits (results processed via laboratory) and COVID-19 Test Kits (results processed wherever you are).
You can order 3 types of tests:
1. COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit (2-pack)
Regular Price is $129
Aeroplan Members pay $79 + Earn 500 points per kit purchased
or
Redeem 14, 100 Aeroplan Points
The rapid antigen test is accepted for entry into the United States, amongst other countries.
Each kit contains two tests, which can be conducted independently, and are self-administered tests observed via a telehealth experience.
Test for presence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. The Rapid Antigen Test Kit is an antigen diagnostic test and does not require laboratory processing.
2. COVID-19 RT-LAMP Test Kit
Regular price $199
Aeroplan Members $149 + Earn 500 points per kit purchased
or
Redeem 25, 700 Aeroplan Points
The RT-LAMP test is accepted for re-entry into Canada, amongst other countries.
Test for presence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. The RT-LAMP Test Kit is a molecular diagnostic test and does not require laboratory processing. It is a self-administered test observed via a telehealth experience.
3. COVID-19 RT-PCR Collection Kit
Regular Price is $195
Aeroplan Members $159 + Earn 1,000 points per kit purchased
or
Redeem 26, 900 Aeroplan Points
This kit currently only ships to certain cities in Canada. Check your postal code for eligibility.
Test for presence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19.
The RT-PCR is a molecular diagnostic test. This kit requires your specimen to be returned to our laboratory for processing. All return methods are free, quick and contact-less.
The most important piece of information with these three tests is how long does it take?
Your Result Record for the RT-PCR Collection Kit will be available within 48 hours after your returned specimen is received by the lab. Your Result Record for the RT-LAMP or Rapid Antigen Test Kit will be available within 45 minutes of uploading your result reading into ASMO.
It is great to see options offered to make travel easier and almost appear seamless.
Here’s to travelling again.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
Images courtesy of AirCanada.com