[throwaway4good]

In Europe a COVID19 quick test is 1-2 USD. This is 20-40 USD? For a device you only use once.

Why is there any kind of market for this?

[aspyct]

Quick self-test is 8€ here in Belgium. Are we being ripped off?

[throwaway4good]

Sounds like it.

Last I paid was 1.75 euro in DM (Germany). I remember buying them at 0.99 in LIDL.

[zimpenfish]

In the UK, you can get free 7-packs of LFTs from most big pharmacies or online from gov.uk.

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-test...

Although it looks like you need a (free) "collect code" at the moment (because we ran out a couple of weeks back, IIRC.)

https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/collect-lateral-...

[geonic]

Prices have gone up sharply since the fourth wave in Europe. I remember seeing self-tests for 0.85 in summer. Now they‘re going for 3.00 bucks or so.

[throwaway4good]

It is the new toilet paper ...

[jonasdegendt]

I've seen them at Colruyt for 3,50EUR, the rack is usually empty though, but I've heard most supermarkets sell them at this point.

[pjmlp]

A little googling around European online pharmacies says yes.

[throwaway4good]

Is it because it is covered by health insurance? Might as well get the expensive one if I get it reimbursed ...

[tssva]

Home COVID tests are not generally covered by health insurance.

[riffraff]

same reason there is a market for similar "high tech" pregnancy tests: people will pay more for something they feel is higher value, and price itself is an indicator of higher value.