I feel sick or was exposed to COVID-19. When should I test?
Take steps now to prevent possible spread, including staying away from others.
If you feel sick or have symptoms: Get tested immediately.
If you were exposed to COVID-19: Get tested at least five full days after your last exposure – even if you don’t develop symptoms.
Other common questions
You may be able to buy rapid tests from a local or online pharmacy using insurance or get reimbursed.
If you have private insurance
Some health plans reimbursed the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests during the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE). Since the PHE ended in May 2023, private insurance companies are no longer required to cover the full cost of tests.
Check your insurance's policy on at-home test reimbursement:
Don't see your health insurance provider listed? Please check their website.
If you have Medicare coverage
You can access testing through your health care provider or local pharmacist. Or pick up free at-home rapid tests at Medicare-certified health clinics.
Currently, original Medicare does not pay for at-home tests for individuals’ purchases. However, Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage and payment for at-home COVID-19 tests. If you're covered by Medicare Advantage, be sure to check your plan.
- Most doctor’s offices offer testing on-site. Cost may vary depending on insurance status.
- If you don’t have a provider, check with your local health department or find a community health center near you. Health centers provide care to patients regardless of ability to pay.
- Some retail pharmacies offer testing, such as CVS Health or Walgreens. Check with the pharmacy on cost.
Here’s what you should do if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result:
- Follow current CDC Respiratory Virus Guidelines.
- Tell your close contacts that you have COVID-19.
- Wear a well-fitting mask if you must be around others.
Treatments are available, and research shows they decrease your risk of hospitalization and death — if you get them in time. Don’t wait to see if your symptoms get worse. If you feel sick, even a little, take steps to get treated now. Getting treatment may cost nothing, so there’s no reason to delay.
Note: Seek medical care immediately if you have trouble breathing or experience other warning signs.
While a positive test confirms you have an infection, a negative test only shows that it didn’t detect the virus but does not rule out an infection. So, here’s what you should consider after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result using an at-home test.
If you have symptoms:
- Test again in 48 hours.
- Consider talking with a healthcare provider. You may need to get tested for other respiratory illnesses.
- Follow current CDC Respiratory Virus Guidelines.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19:
- Test again in 48 hours.
- If your second test is also negative, test again 48 hours later for a total of three tests.
Resume regular activities if:
- You were tested for another reason, like workplace screening.
- You do not have known or suspected contact with someone who has COVID-19.
- You have no symptoms.
More resources
Download and share our testing guidance flyer
- Prevention actions
- Knowing when to test
- Choosing the right test
More languages: Spanish
More testing flyers to download and share
Still have questions about testing? Visit the CDC’s website for the latest information.