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