Symptomatic Testing

COVID-19 testing information for those who are showing symptoms

collapse all expand all

Who is Eligible for Symptomatic Testing?

PCR COVID-19 testing at the Tang Center off the Bancroft side patio area is available for UCB students who fall into one of the following categories. Results are generally available in 24-48 hours.
  1. symptoms concerning COVID-19, which may include NEW:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell 
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

What is the Cost of Symptomatic Testing?

For students with SHIP 

  • Now until 11/11/2023: COVID testing and office visits are covered at 100%.
  • After 11/11/2023: COVID testing is covered at 90% and there is a patient responsibility of 10%. There may also be a $15 co-pay for a primary care visit or a $35 co-pay for an urgent care visit.

For students without SHIP

  • The upfront cost for COVID testing ranges from $60 to $150, depending on the type of test used. There may also be a $15 copay for a primary care provider telehealth visit or a $35 copay for an urgent care provider visit.
  • Charges are billed to the student’s CalCentral account and students may obtain an itemized receipt by contacting the Cashier’s Office via eTang message to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. Please note, each health insurance company covers the COVID-19 test differently.
  • The Cashier’s Office will help any student navigate the reimbursement process. For assistance, please contact the Cashier's Office at 510-642-8450, email uhscashier@berkeley.edu, or currently enrolled students may send a secure message through the eTang portal. 

UHS Symptomatic Testing Hours & Location

Symptomatic testing is performed on the Bancroft side (patio area) of the Tang Center.  Appointments are booked on eTang.

Monday - Friday from 9 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch 11:45 am- 1 pm) 

Saturday 10am - 2pm

For Students

UC Berkeley Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should:

  • Schedule a COVID test on eTang 

  • If your sypmtoms are moderate to severe, you can call the 24/7 UHS Advice Line at (510) 643-7197 for medical advice.

If you think you have been exposed or a close contact, you can take a Rapid Antigen Test. On campus they are available at the UHS Pharmacy. 

Students do NOT need to be enrolled in SHIP to get tested UHS. Students not on SHIP can get a receipt for testing charges to submit to their insurance for reimbursement.

For Faculty & Staff

UC Berkeley Employees who are seeking testing because they have symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their own health care provider for medical care and advice, and/or testing, or use an Antigen home test kit.  

Antigen home test kits are available for purchase at the Pharmacy at Tang. Please note as of 8/29 the UHS Pharmacy is out of stock of Antigen tests due to a national shortage. We will update this message when we have more in-stock.

  • Any UC Berkeley Employee who may have been exposed to COVID-19 while at work may obtain Antigen test kits from the Occupational Health Clinic front desk, at no cost to the employee.