COVID-19 Self-Test Kit Information and Resources

UPDATES

The university has discontinued COVID-19 self-test kit distribution as the current supply is exhausted.

Other ways to access testing:

Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can get tested through an appointment at University Health Services.
Self-test kits are widely available at area pharmacies and retailers, and health insurance plans cover the cost of up to eight self-test kits per month. See below for information on how to obtain self-test kits through your insurance plan.
Free self-test kits are also available through the City of Austin’s Austin Neighborhood Centers.
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 self-test kits through covid.gov.tests.
Find additional COVID-19 testing locations at testinglocator.cdc.gov/search.

When To Use A Self-Test Kit

If you are feeling completely healthy and want to check your COVID-19 infection status.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and want to test.
- If you are symptomatic and test negative via a rapid antigen test, retest again 36-48 hours later and remain masked and isolated.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, test 3-5 days after exposure.
If you have participated in large group activities, test 3-5 days after the event.
If you have recently tested positive and want to know when you can safely end isolation (instructions linked below).
Before or after travel (to meet airline or other requirements).

What To Do If You Test Positive

Follow the guidance listed in the Exposure Action Chart, including:

Isolate immediately, remain masked and notify close contacts.
Have self-test kits on hand and re-test on day 6 and again on day 8. Do not test again after day 10.

Also, see the guidance for ending self-isolation and returning to regular activities after COVID-19 infection. Students can call the Behavior Concerns and COVID-19 Advice Line (BCCAL) at 512-232-5050, option 2 if they need assistance with isolation. Employees who need guidance on isolation and quarantine can contact the Occupational Health Program (OHP).

Obtaining Self-Test Kits Through Your Insurance Plan

If you are insured, follow these steps:

If you have UT Select – BCBS of Texas, contact your pharmacy benefits provider, which is Express Scripts. Call 1-800-818-0155 or visit www.express-scripts.com/ut.
- Depending on your coverage, you may be able to order the self-test kits through an in-network pharmacy at no charge or request the kits be mailed to you at no charge.
If you have the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan, AcademicBlue, which is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Texas plan, your PBM or pharmacy benefit manager is Prime Therapeutics. If you have questions, contact Prime Therapeutics at 1-855-457-0007.
- In pharmacy option - find an in-network pharmacy by visiting the pharmacy resources page.
- Purchase the kits at the pharmacy counter and ask that they submit the claim to your insurance plan.
- If you do not go to the pharmacy counter and use a regular checkout counter, you will have to pay for the kits. This is also true if you buy them from an approved online retailer. After either of these options, submit a claim to be reimbursed. Click here for instructions.
- For delivery options, call one of your in-network pharmacies to inquire about delivery.
If you have a different insurance plan, call the customer service phone number on the back of your card for assistance. If you are a student and you need further assistance, call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877.