The government has called on the competition watchdog to investigate “excessive fees” for Covid travel tests.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said in a letter to the Competition and Markets Authority that it was time for a “rapid high-level” review to protect consumers.
Holidaymakers have complained of huge prices and poor service from many of the 400-plus firms offering PCR tests.
Tests cost about £75 per person on average but prices can reach hundreds of pounds for families hoping to travel abroad.
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The government has been under pressure from the travel industry and its own MPs to ditch the costly PCR tests.
MP Huw Merriman, chairman of the transport select committee, tweeted last week: “Passengers are being ripped off with expensive PCR tests.”
Javid wrote in his letter to CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli: “I know that for too many people the cost of PCR testing can act as a barrier, especially for families who want to travel together.
“We have all experienced enormous disruption to our lives over this pandemic but it is not right if some families experience yet further disruption unnecessarily because of potentially unfair practices in the market for private travel tests.”
Javid has requested immediate advice from the CMA on how to “stamp out any exploitative behaviour in this market” rather than wait for a long competition investigation.
But Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said questions why Javid has left it until the summer to call for action into “exploitative” PCR testing.
She tweeted: “British people as a crude estimate would have spent £50m (£10m in VAT) in unnecessary PCRs.”
Javid said: “People should be able to go on holiday, whether it’s to see family or just to relax, without fearing excessive fees for PCR tests.
“That’s why I’ve asked the independent CMA to see how we can crack down on unfair market practices.”
The government publishes a list of companies and clinics offering testing but there have been reports that many have not got full accreditation.
There are reports of PCR tests being offered for as little as £20, and more than £500.
Consumers have reported not receiving test results or of being sent damaged PCR kits in addition to complaints about high charges.
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “Which? has been warning the government for several months that the cost of private testing for travel in this country is comparatively and prohibitively high.
“Currently, an unvaccinated traveller on a return trip to Spain requires four tests totalling an estimated £219 per person, and even if you are vaccinated it’s still close to a hundred pounds. Much of that cost is because of the high price of tests in the UK.
“While it is positive that the Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to examine the Covid test market, it is disappointing that it has taken so long for this issue to be investigated.
“The government must take action to ensure private testing for travel is affordable for all UK consumers – not just those who are better off.”
More: MP says passengers being ‘ripped off’ with PCR tests
Agents criticise extra costs and confusion of Welsh testing rules