Our routines have shifted dramatically amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic—from the classic commute-work-sleep cycle to test-telework-sleep. With the virus spreading relentlessly and highly contagious variants like Omicron fueling surges, daily positives are commonplace. Contact tracing at schools and offices has become routine, making antigen, PCR, and self-tests indispensable for detecting COVID-19 contamination. Self-tests offer quick reassurance before family gatherings or to distinguish a common cold from infection. They're especially vital for children: those under 12 who are contacts must complete three successive self-tests (on Day 0, Day +2, and Day +4) to return to school.
You've likely noticed price differences between self-tests in pharmacies and supermarkets. From December 28 to February 15, supermarkets were authorized to sell self-tests without a price cap. Pharmacies set a minimum of €3.50 per unit, the amount typically covered by health insurance for free issuance. Supermarkets, aiming to draw shoppers, offer significantly lower prices.
Our analysis reveals the best deals on self-tests. Leclerc sells them at cost for €1.24 per unit. Intermarché matches this at €1.24 each. Netto leads with €1.15 per unit, followed by Lidl at €1.39. Carrefour, Auchan, Franprix, and Casino price them at €1.95 per unit (€9.75 for a box of five). Monoprix charges €2.59 per unit.
