Ministry of Health issued a statement yesterday clarifying that there is no out of pocket charge for COVID-19 testing.
The service charge of $25 is still being negotiated with HealthCare Fund to be covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI). MOH said that the service charge is necessary to cover overhead costs. At the moment, Ministry of Health says it will not deny anyone testing due to inability to pay.
“Ministry of Health will not deny any person access to COVID-19 testing services due to inability to pay. If a person requires COVID-19 testing at the Belau National Hospital and is not covered by any insurance and unable to pay, the patient will not be charged.”
MOH says it continues to test individuals with relevant symptoms. Should anyone develop a cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell, call your doctor or the BNH Emergency Room at 488-2558 for further guidance.