For €158.65, you can get a rapid PCR test for COVID-19 in Berlin through quicktest.berlin. You must book and pay online in advance with a credit card.
(Image source: bz-berlin.de)
Key Points
- Health insurance (public) will not cover the cost. Private insurance may reimburse you — check with your provider.
- After booking, go directly to one of four test locations in Berlin.
An der Messe Berlin
Parkplatz P2, Eingang Nord
Masurenallee, 14055 Berlin
An der Mercedes-Benz Arena
Hedwig-Wachenheim-Straße
10243 Berlin
Am Berliner Dom
Am Lustgarten
10178 Berlin
Am Rathaus Schöneberg
Am Rathaus 2
10825 Berlin
No bureaucracy or queuing. A doctor takes a throat swab, and you receive the result by email within a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of test is used?
quicktest.berlin uses direct virus detection via RT-PCR, which specifically detects the genetic material (RNA) of SARS-CoV-2.
What can RT-PCR determine?
RT-PCR can detect an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. In later stages of the disease, a nasopharyngeal swab may test negative. Even after recovery, the direct virus test will be negative.
When is the best time to test?
The best time to detect SARS-CoV-2 from a nose and throat swab is within the first 7–9 days after symptoms appear.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
In 55,924 confirmed cases, the most common symptoms were:
- Fever (87.9%)
- Dry cough (67.7%)
- Fatigue (38.1%)
- Sputum production (33.4%)
- Shortness of breath (18.6%)
- Sore throat (13.9%)
- Headache (13.6%)
- Muscle or joint pain (14.8%)
- Chills (11.4%)
- Nausea or vomiting (5.0%)
- Nasal congestion (4.8%)
- Diarrhea (3.7%)
- Hemoptysis (0.9%)
- Conjunctivitis (0.8%)
[Source: WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020.]
Is it useful to test if you have no symptoms?
Yes, SARS-CoV-2 can be detected before symptoms appear, and asymptomatic people can spread the infection. Early detection helps prevent transmission.
How is the swab done?
A combined swab is taken: first the throat, then the same swab is inserted deep into the nose.
Can private health insurance (PKV) cover the cost?
The test is billed according to the doctors' fee schedule (GOÄ), so it is generally reimbursable. Whether your private insurance covers it depends on your contract and the test indication. → More info on PKV coverage
Can I get the test covered by public insurance (GKV)?
No, for legal and organizational reasons, billing via public insurance is not possible.
How long does it take to get results?
You usually receive the result by email (password-protected) by the next working day at the latest.
Where do I find the password for the encrypted email?
The password is sent with the payment confirmation.
How reliable is a negative test?
The chance of correctly detecting the virus is high within the first 14 days after symptom onset. Later, when lower respiratory infection occurs, upper respiratory swabs may be negative. Poor sample quality or transport can cause false negatives, but quicktest.berlin uses trained staff and strict procedures to minimize this. A single negative test does not absolutely rule out infection.
What if my test is positive?
Stay calm. Many cases are mild. What you should do depends on your health:
- If you have no or mild symptoms, isolate yourself at home immediately. Avoid contact with others. Do not go to a doctor or hospital directly. Call your doctor for advice.
- If you have severe symptoms or your condition worsens, call 112 (emergency). Inform them that you tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. You will be taken to hospital with appropriate precautions.
Will the health department be notified if I test positive?
Yes, infection with SARS-CoV-2 is notifiable under Section 15 of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Notification must be made immediately (within 24 hours).
Can I get tested anonymously?
No, anonymous testing is not possible due to the legal reporting requirement.
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