Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Testing

Talk to your doctor or other health care provider about getting tested at your health clinic or hospital.

You can also get tested for free through the Community Testing Program. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This testing is open to all Minnesotans, whether you have symptoms or not, and you don’t need insurance. Find out more information Community Testing Program sites.

You can also use Minnesota's COVID-19 Test at Home program. 

Both of these tests can tell if you have COVID-19 right now. 

• A molecular test, also called a PCR test, is done with a nasal or throat swab or saliva sample. It is the most accurate test for COVID-19. While you might get a result within 24 hours, it can take two or more days to get the test results. 
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• Antigen, or “rapid” tests, give you a result in just minutes. However, they are not as accurate, especially for people who do not have symptoms. 

Antibodies are proteins that your body makes to fight infections. An antibody or “serology” test for COVID-19 looks for proteins that your body makes when fighting COVID-19. This test tells you if you may have had COVID-19 in the past; it does not tell you if you have it now. 

No. Testing is for anyone who thinks they need a test. Learn more about who should be tested.

One of the fastest ways to get a test result is to get tested at a community testing site sponsored by the State of Minnesota. You will likely receive your results 24-48 hours after taking the test. Some, but not all, medical clinics, pharmacies, and testing centers also process tests onsite or at nearby labs, which speeds up turnaround time.

COVID-19 testing is no-cost in Minnesota for everyone who lives in the state. The State of Minnesota has made no-cost testing available to everyone through a number of testing options. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires office visits and associated services for receiving COVID-19 tests be no-cost for patients, regardless of insurance status or coverage. 

• At Community Testing sites across the state. 
• Through Minnesota’s COVID-19 Test at Home program. 

• Ask the health care provider administering your COVID-19 test for an application to cover the cost of the test. The provider will submit your application, and you’ll get a notice in the mail about whether it’s approved or denied.
• Or, go online and print the application yourself form and fill it out.
  • Medical Assistance (MA) Coverage for COVID-19 Testing Form

• Connect with a navigator in your community to help you get enrolled. Navigators can help in several different languages. Search the Assister Directory for the language easiest for you in which to communicate.

If you have health insurance and get charged by your health insurer for a doctor-ordered COVID test, call the Commerce Department’s Consumer Services Center at 651-539-1600 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you have health insurance and get charged by your health provider for a doctor-ordered COVID test, call your health insurance company to seek reimbursement. 

If you do not have health insurance and you get charged for a COVID test, call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline 1-833-431-2053 between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Call the doctor’s office to see if it was a mistake and make sure they have your correct insurance information on file. Call your insurer to seek reimbursement if you paid the bill.

Double check to see if you were charged for a separate, unrelated health care procedure that was performed in addition to your COVID test. 

Most individual and small group health insurers are covering telemedicine services. These services include audio or visual communication. Call your health insurer if you have questions about your insurance coverage.

Most Minnesota health insurance companies have waived copays, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with treatment, at least through the end of June 2021, but check with your health insurance company to find out if there may be any costs for you.  

If you get your health care coverage through Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you pay no cost-sharing, including co-pays or deductibles, for the diagnosis, testing and treatment of COVID-19.

Yes. Individuals under 18 years-old are welcome to get tested at one of the state’s community testing locations. However, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the location while they get tested.

Testing is free for every Minnesotan, whether or not they have insurance. If you do have insurance, you are encouraged to bring your card. The state will ask your insurance company to pay for your test. If your insurance does not pay for COVID-19 tests or does not pay enough, the state will cover the cost. If you do not have insurance, the state will pay for your test. You will not receive a bill.

Yes.

Yes.

Vault Health is operating the testing sites. They have been operating similar sites across the country.