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Halo COVID testing review
Our review looks at what COVID-19 tests Halo offers for travel, and what customers say about the service of this UKAS-accredited provider
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If you're going abroad this year you'll need to arrange COVID-19 tests for your trip. The rules were updated recently, so get up to speed with what's happening before you start booking tests. In this review, we look at Halo's COVID-19 tests for travel and see if they're any good.
What is Halo?
Halo is an independent, self-funded startup lab that sells private COVID-19 tests for travel. The company is on the UK government’s list of COVID-19 test providers. Tests are processed by laboratories which are either accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) or have begun the accreditation process.
It’s also an ABTA testing partner, the UK’s largest travel association. Impressively, Halo is the only test service that partners with UCL and the Francis Crick Institute to detect and protect against new variants of Covid.
What types of COVID tests can I get from Halo?
You can get tests to travel and antigen lateral flow tests from Halo. The tests are known as “spit and go” which is arguably more convenient and comfortable than a swab up the nose. In fact, that’s the company’s main angle.
Halo customer reviews
Halo shines quite brightly on Trustpilot’s website with most customers giving it an excellent or great rating. Users praised how comfortable Halo’s saliva test was compared to putting a swab up the nose and throat. They also praised the efficiency of the test, friendliness of the staff and helpfulness of the customer service team.
Not every customer was beaming and Halo has received some bad reviews. Some complained about not receiving results at all and lengthy wait times between submitting their test and receiving their results. Others took issue with the refund policy or not even receiving the test in the first place. “Courier” trouble was usually Halo’s response to this.
Are Halo tests accurate?
All COVID-19 test providers listed on the UK government website have to have “demonstrated compliance with the applicable minimum standards” and at least be going through the 3-stage accreditation by UKAS, the government-appointed accreditation body.
But remember, no COVID-19 test is 100% accurate, even those that meet official standards for performance and safety.
How long does it take to get results from Halo?
Halo states you should get an email and an app notification of your result within 24 hours of your test arriving at its London lab. Any longer and it advises you to call the helpline which is open 7 days a week.
What is Halo’s refund policy?
Halo does not offer refunds once its HALOV validation code for the passenger locator form has been issued. It explains that this is to prevent fraud of the code. But if there are any problems with the test, it’ll send you a replacement. If you don’t fancy travelling anymore, the tests are valid for nine months since issue.
Pros and cons of Halo
Pros
- Comfortable spit and go tests
- Easy to use website
- Helpline available
Cons
- Expensive PCR tests
- Issues with test deliveries and results
- Strict about refunds
- Negative customer feedback
Our verdict: Is Halo any good?
Some customers have had issues with receiving their tests, their results and a rigid refund policy. Plus, the tests can be a bit expensive in comparison to some other providers.
However, it’s easy to navigate Halo’s website and order the tests in a jiffy. The spit to test is a great alternative to jabbing a swab up your nose, and there’s a video that explains how to do it all. A helpline is available all week.
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