This test says it can detect the omicron variant – and it can be used for travel
Travelers these days have plenty of COVID-19 testing options, but getting a test for travel now is more important than ever. Between the United States shortening the testing window to fly into the country from abroad to documented testing shortages to the holidays fast approaching, having more options is always a good thing.
But one company is carving out room in the COVID-19 testing world – and it’s making a bold claim that it can discover the new omicron variant. Here’s what you need to know about Cue Health, the latest player in the COVID-19 testing space.
What you need to know about Cue Health
Cue Health is a direct-to-consumer service that claims to offer 97.8% accurate results – in just 20 minutes. It’s authorized by the FDA for at-home use and can be used for travel purposes. The CDC earlier this year expanded the testing program for international travel to the U.S., allowing airlines to accept at-home instant tests that include remote supervision.
The company also claims that it can detect the omicron coronavirus variant.
The variant, discovered in November, may be more contagious than others and contains several spike protein mutations that may make it less responsive to COVID-19 vaccines, so travelers planning to see family members or hop on a plane this holiday season might want to go with this option for the peace of mind. The company says that 99.2% of the published omicron sequences – what scientists use to identify coronavirus mutations – were a “perfect match” to the primers used in Cue’s COVID-19 test.
“Our molecular test is backed by the science and technology necessary to detect emerging variants, including omicron, enabling individuals and healthcare practitioners to make better-informed decisions," Ayub Khattak, Cue’s CEO, said in a statement.
How much does it cost?
Cue Health offers two options for travelers: the Cue+ Essential membership, which starts at $49.99 (a more expensive option costs $89.99 per month,) or a one-time purchase with a pack of three or 10 tests starting at $225.
The Cue+ Complete membership offers 24-hour in-app access to doctors, a 10- or 20-pack of COVID-19 tests suitable for travel purposes, a discounted "Cue Reader," a 20% discount off additional COVID-19 tests and certified test results that you can use for travel. Most importantly, $89.99 membership also offers proctored testing (which the CDC requires) to meet travel entry requirements to fly into the United States.
The $225 option may undoubtedly raise some eyebrows, given how affordable at-home testing has gotten. It includes a Cue Health Monitoring System, a three-pack or 10-pack (the 10-pack option is a whopping $713) and 5% off a 10-pack of tests. Another option, which includes a “Cue Reader” -- a portable device that automatically processes test results -- costs $474. The company says its tests have a nine-month shelf life.
Which option should you get?
The $49 or $89 option really is a no-brainer compared to the more expensive a-la-carte options, which don't even include access to doctors or test results that can be used for travel. Even with the discounted Cue Reader (a $149 fee), it's a much better choice than the more expensive option. If you’re getting COVID-19 tests solely for health reasons, the a la carte option could be a decent choice, but there are other options, like Binax’s non-proctored test packs, which are significantly cheaper.
How is this different from other at-home COVID-19 tests?
Many COVID-19 at-home testing providers provide quick turnaround times, primarily to meet the demand of busy travelers needing a last-minute test before heading on vacation or seeing family. As these tests are primarily used for travelers flying back to the U.S., having access to a test proctor and digital results isn’t that uncommon -- but is still a solid feature.
What’s interesting – and unique – about this service is the membership option, which other services like Abbott and Ellume don’t provide. If you’re a frequent traveler, it may be more beneficial to take advantage of the $49 membership fee over the more expensive a-la-carte option.
What other at-home COVID-19 testing options are out there?
As I’ve written before, several companies sell at-home or mail-in COVID-19 tests. However, only proctored (supervised) tests approved by the CDC can be used to fly into the U.S. So make sure you’re picking up a proctored test before hitting the road if you don’t want to run into an unwelcome surprise during your trip.
Several at-home testing options vary in price, turnaround time and availability. Here are some other testing options:
- Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Home Test: Two versions, one approved for travel and one that isn’t. Cost: Starts at $50 for the CDC-approved test, depending on the distributor.
- Ellume COVID-19 Home Test The CDC approves this test for travel purposes. However, it’s not currently available online. Instead, you must find one in a local store and then pay separately for a virtual consultation. Note that some of these kits were recalled by the FDA, so check the box and make sure the kit you’re buying isn’t an affected one.
Bottom line
More COVID-19 testing options is always a good thing – and if Cue’s claims that it can detect the omicron variant are valid – it will definitely be a game-changer as travelers navigate the new variant during the holiday season and New Year. If travel is your purpose, I'd suggest going with the Cue+ membership (or the slightly more expensive Cue+ Complete) solely for peace of mind.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.