The costing for swab tests in Manila, Philippines goes for an average of P3,500 to as high as over P8,000 as of Red Cross.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) COVID-19 swab test costs P4,000 for walk-ins. However, some facilities charge upwards to P8,150 for the confirmatory tests.

Meanwhile, the Lung Center of the Philippines polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test costs around P4,600. According to an article from Manila Bulletin, this would be P400 cheaper than most private hospitals around Manila.

Moreover, there are still cheaper options in private hospitals in Quezon City which asks P4,300 for the swab test.

Other hospital’s RT-PCR swab test would cost P8,150 for an appointment while others cost P5,000.

A second option for the public is to undergo rapid tests for COVID-19 which are much cheaper than swab tests. However, these tests are not nearly as accurate as the RT-PCR tests.

Some clinics and hospitals conduct these tests for around P1,200 to P2,000. Still, experts emphasize that these tests are merely a precautionary measure against a potentially infected individual.

Fortunately, if P1,200 to P2,000 was still heavy in your pocket due to unemployment caused of the pandemic, there is a free drive-through rapid test booth in Manila.

Moreover, another drive-through testing site has begun operations in Quirino Grandstand. Also, those were outside of Metro Manila could avail of the free tests. You just need to bring valid government ID and at least a two-wheeled vehicle such as bikes.

So far, the Philippines has over 76,444 reported coronavirus cases. However, the cost of swab tests for the disease is still a luxury others simply could not afford.

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