The information on this page is current as of March 11, 2022. Visit the Government of Canada website for the latest updates on COVID testing requirements, vaccinations, travel restrictions and more.
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Where to get an at-home COVID test delivered fast
A delivery service might be able to get you a COVID test within hours, but you can hunt down in-stock online retailers more easily.
Need to get your hands on a COVID test quickly? Finding in-stock COVID tests can be a challenge with retailers across Canada struggling to keep up with the demand. We’ve found stores that sell COVID tests online with fast delivery options.
In some regions, you may be able to take advantage of grocery delivery services like Instacart to get a COVID test delivered to your home within hours.
Where to get a COVID test for fast delivery
| Source | Location | Description | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Online | PPE Supply Canada offers high-quality, reliable PPE for families, individuals and businesses. The best source for rapid test kits, KN95, N95 and 3M masks. Competitive pricing, same-day delivery in the GTA available, same-day shipping on all orders and exceptional customer service. | Same day delivery in the GTA from Mon-Fri on orders placed before 11AM EST. Same-day shipping on all orders placed by 4PM EST. Priority options available. |
 Go to website | Online & In person | Go Test Rapide offers in-home and drive through COVID testing in Quebec. Rapid testing is available via phone consultation with a medical professional. You can also buy rapid tests online for delivery within 1–4 business days for most provinces. | Same-day in-person testing in Quebec (may need to book an appt. to secure your spot). Test kits delivered across Canada within 1–4 business days for most provinces. |
 | Online & Mobile app | Order same-day COVID tests from local retailers using Instacart’s grocery delivery service. Subject to test availability in your region. | Same day (within hours) |
 | In Person | Rapid antigen screening is available in every store for $40 (free in select provinces subject to availability). PCR testing (good for international travel) is available in select stores for $150. Free rapid testing is available in some provinces if you meet certain criteria. Residents in the Greater Toronto Area can get in-home pre-departure testing for travel. | Get tested within 24 hours (subject to appt. availability) |
 Big retailers | In person | Major retailers like Walmart and the Real Canadian Superstore offer in-store COVID screening services for $20–$40 each. Book an appointment online while supplies last. As of the time of writing, Walmart only offers testing in Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. | Get tested within 24 hours (subject to appt. availability) |
 Drive-through and popup test sites | In person | Many provincial governments and some private services like Go Test Rapide offer popup COVID testing locations in select regions. PCR testing (good for travel) and rapid antigen testing may be available. Check your provincial government website for more information. | Same-day testing (may need to book an appt. to secure your spot) |
Buy rapid COVID tests with quick delivery options
Note that delivery options may vary depending on where you live and where the supplier is located.
BTNX Rapid Response Covid-19 Antigen Test Kit
IN STOCK
- Delivery: 1-5 business days
- Same-day shipping on all orders placed by 4PM EST
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
EcoTest Antigen Rapid Test Kit
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-2 days
- Nasal swab test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved
BTNX Rapid Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Boson Rapid SARS CoV-2 Antigen Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Artron Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
SD Biosensor Rapid Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-30 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Antigen At-Home Tele-Test Service
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Administered by health professional via video call
- Results within 1 hour
- Approved for travel to some countries
What are the different types of at-home COVID tests?
There are 2 types of diagnostic tests that can be self-administered at home—rapid antigen and PCR tests. Both types of tests can detect COVID, but this is done using different methods.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (a type of molecular test) is a swab test used to diagnose people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. You usually have to pay for a PCR test, unless you’re provided with one by border authorities upon entering Canada.
There aren’t many molecular tests that can be self-administered at home. Lucira is one exception. Most of the time, PCR tests must be conducted by a licensed medical professional. PCR home tests may be available, but you’ll have to collect your sample under the remote (virtual) supervision of a healthcare professional and send it to a lab for analysis. This may cost more but is typically more accurate than an antigen test.
Raid antigen tests can be performed at home without any medical supervision, and results are usually available within 15–30 minutes. To perform a rapid antigen test, you need to swab your tonsils and/or nose. The swab is mixed with a liquid solution, and several drops of the solution are placed onto a small tester. After a short while, the tester will indicate positive (COVID present in the sample) or negative (COVID is not in the sample).
Rapid antigen tests are quicker and cheaper than PCR tests. While not universally accepted for travel, many countries are willing to accept negative rapid antigen test results from incoming travellers. In Canada, rapid antigen tests are acceptable if administered or observed by a professional and taken within 1 day of entering or exiting Canada.
Does health insurance cover COVID testing in Canada?
Generally, private health insurance companies in Canada do not cover the cost of COVID tests regardless of whether testing is required for travel, work or any other purpose. This is true for both individual and group health insurance policy holders.
In the US, many health insurance providers cover the cost of prescribed COVID tests. However, Health Canada has stated that there is no distinction between “prescribed” and “nonprescribed” COVID tests in Canada. So, while you likely won’t get coverage for tests required by Canadian authorities, you may be able to submit claims for “prescribed” COVID tests if you visit the US and are given a prescription by a healthcare professional.
For instance, Manulife has stated that it will consider claims for prescribed COVID tests if the cost is not already covered by provincial or territorial health plans.
Many provinces and territories offer free COVID tests if you meet certain criteria. In Ontario, every household can pick up 1 box (5 tests) of COVID tests for free, a program introduced on Feb 9, 2022 to help ease the burden of COVID testing required to attend work and school. The program will continue for 8 weeks.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing in Canada
- Health Canada: Testing devices for COVID-19—Antigen testing devices, Last modified 14 Dec 2021
- Travelweek.ca: Will insurance companies cover the cost of PCR tests? 7 Jan 2021
- Manulife Canada: COVID-19 Frequently asked questions, Accessed 17 Feb 2022
- CTV News: Free rapid COVID-19 tests now available in Ontario pharmacies and grocery stores, 9 Feb 2022
Other COVID-19 guides
Compare rapid COVID tests for businesses in Canada
Here’s what you need to know about COVID testing requirements for employees who need to travel for business.
Read more…
Where to buy a rapid antigen COVID test for kids in Canada
Parents can now take the hassle out of rapid antigen testing with a range of non-intrusive, child-friendly rapid antigen test kits.
Read more…
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Vancouver
Here’s where you can find and book a rapid antigen test, PCR test or buy a home testing kit in Vancouver, BC for Covid-19.
Read more…More guides on Finder
-
PPE Supply Canada review
If you’re looking to source Health Canada-approved rapid antigen testing kits online, check out our review of PPE Supply Canada to see whether it’s the right choice for you.
-
Rapid Antigen Test Statistics
Finder asked Canadians why they would buy a rapid antigen Covid-19 test and how much they would spend on one.
-
The Canadian Shield review
Order COVID-19 rapid antigen tests straight to your home with this online Canadian retailer.
-
Compare rapid COVID tests for businesses in Canada
Here’s what you need to know about COVID testing requirements for employees who need to travel for business.
-
Where to buy a rapid antigen COVID test for kids in Canada
Parents can now take the hassle out of rapid antigen testing with a range of non-intrusive, child-friendly rapid antigen test kits.
-
Artron COVID Rapid Test review
Artron COVID Rapid Tests are fast-acting antigen tests that give you COVID-19 results in 15 minutes. Here’s our review.
-
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Vancouver
Here’s where you can find and book a rapid antigen test, PCR test or buy a home testing kit in Vancouver, BC for Covid-19.
-
Where to bulk buy rapid antigen tests online in Canada
If you’re looking to bulk buy Health Canada approved rapid antigen COVID tests for work or school, these online retailers have you covered.
-
Where to bulk buy professional COVID tests online in Canada
Need COVID tests for your business or employee screening program? These online retailers accept mass orders for rapid antigen and PCR tests.
-
COVID-19 travel tests in Canada
Compare COVID-19 test providers and learn what tests you might need to travel inside or outside of Canada.