Hello,
I'm curious whether anyone has used iHealth's testing service for the test required to re-enter the US?
iHealth Verified COVID Test Service
I've mostly heard about the BinaxNow option from eMed. The iHealth option is interesting because we already have some of their test kits, and they're significantly smaller than the BinaxNow, which comes in handy for packing.
Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!
I haven't used them, but I looked at the site and it seems like a great idea to add a telemedicine component to the free covid tests we received. I too would love to know if anyone has done this?
One difference I see that might be an issue: The iHealth test states you must use a laptop or desktop computer. Tablets and smartphones are NOT supported. See technical requirements towards the bottom of the above link.
BinaxNow, when we used it, we all used our cellphones for the test.
I looked at it and in many ways it seemed less convenient than binax. The aforementioned laptop issue is a huge deal, I don’t bring a computer so bringing one would negate the size advantage. Also you have to have an appointment- for binax you just log on whenever - and they have hours based on us time zones which, depending on what time zone you are in, could be an issue. Binax is 24 hours.
So no, I haven’t used it. But if you bring a computer anyway and are fine with the times available I’m sure it works fine.
We also thought about using these kits since we had them but won't be traveling with a computer. Decided we will take them along and use them for testing before our official test to return home. Would be nice to have a heads up for planning if one of us is going to be positive. They will also expire before our second trip.
BinaxNow has been great for us. Super easy option. Just make sure that you bring at least on extra. My dad's test was missing the swab and I had a friend with an invalid result. Both had extras and the company sent replacements for future use.
I have just this week seen the iHealth kits for sale over-the-counter for the first time at my local pharmacy. So that would be a good option.
Thanks to those who pointed out the additional considerations for the BinaxNow tests. Being able to do the test on-demand, rather than a timed appointment like iHealth, sounds convenient and possibly less stressful. Needing a laptop for iHealth is less of an issue since we're bringing one - but using a smartphone would give the flexibility for both of us to test at the same time.
I also wonder about airlines and others being more familiar with Binax compared to iHealth. You would hope that doesn't make a difference, but who knows.
Are the BinaxNow tests from eMed in the same size box as the ones available to buy OTC? I assumed they're the same size, but maybe they aren't.
Upon further review, it looks like iHealth's service is newer than I realized - only launched on March 9. So it makes sense there isn't much info about people's experience with them. The little bit I saw on Twitter suggests they may have some kinks to work out.
For now, the more established Binax looks like the clearer choice. (Maybe we'll all get lucky and the requirement gets lifted.)
Thanks again for the replies!
I just used this test kit to return from London the other day: https://www.cityhealth.com/rapidreturn-2/
The kit is shown in a box, but the kit I had (which I ordered last November to use for a trip I wound up canceling) was in a pouch the size of a glasses case.
It was super easy - I scanned the barcode on the pouch w/my cellphone, filled in a short form with my info and submitted it; within thirty seconds there was a test proctor that walked me through the test. Within 20 minutes I had a PDF of my negative results in my email. I uploaded my PDF to Delta Fly Ready and within half an hour I got confirmation they were accepted. I wasn't asked again for my results at departure.
There was a second test kit in the pouch, which I will use as an at-home test.
If you get Scott's Cheap Flights emails, they often have a discount code for these tests.
I wanted to add that i ordered 2 tests from cityhealth for our upcoming trip. Arrived really fast. The packet is so small compared to the previous brands i ordered. We are trying to only do carryon for a 3 week trip.
Their customer service is about the best i have used. I havent taken the test yet, so no review on it yet. I will take a second brand just in case.
