How older Australians can access free rapid antigen tests (RATs)

  • 1 min

Did you know that as an older Australian, you may be able to access up to five free rapid antigen tests (RATs) each month (capped at 10 over three months)?

This means you can test yourself for COVID-19.

If you are a concession cardholder, you can collect your free RAT from a local community pharmacy on the Pharmacy Guild of Australia website.

To get free RATs, you must hold one of these cards:

  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
  • Health Care Card
  • Low Income Health Care Card
  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange card.

You need to show either of the following at the pharmacy:

If you are unable to pick up a RAT test yourself, you can have a carer or guardian collect them on your behalf. They just need to show your concession cared when they go to the pharmacy.

You can read more about accessing free RATs on the Department of Health website.

If you don’t have a card but think you might be eligible for one, read more about concession and health care cards.

Skip to content