A medical worker takes a swab sample from a student for nucleic acid test at a university in Qingpu District of east China's Shanghai, March 14, 2022. (Photo: Xinhua)

Beijing has temporarily included antigen tests and relevant testing in its medical insurance since Friday against COVID-19, according to the local Healthcare Security Administration.

Each antigen testing service will cost no more than 11.37 yuan ($1.80) at designated medical institutions, with antigen test kits charging 7.87 yuan and 3.5 yuan service fees per person. There is no extra charge for the test service and the cost for antigen testing reagents at designated retail pharmacies can be covered by individual accounts.

Guizhou has included antigen tests in its medical insurance since Monday for no more than 15 yuan. Beijing, Guizhou, Hainan, Tianjin and at least 19 provinces and cities have set the price for individual testing.

According to a notification released by the administration, provincial authorities should incorporate antigen testing reagents and corresponding tests into the service catalog for their basic medical insurance and continue to regulate the price of such services.

(Compiled by Wang Zi)