Pregnancy Test Costs: At-Home and Blood Tests
A pregnancy test from the store costs about $3 on average.
A blood test that you get from a lab or doctor's office costs an average of $64. You might be able to get a free pregnancy test at a women's health center. But the same type of pregnancy tests at a hospital can cost several hundred dollars.
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Pregnancy test costs
How much is a home pregnancy test?
Home pregnancy tests cost about $3 per test, on average.
But because you usually have to buy a pack of multiple tests, you can plan to spend between $5 and $40. You can save money by buying basic test strips. Or you can spend a bit more to buy the plastic sticks that might make the test easier to hold and use.
Brand | Cost per test |
|---|---|
| Clinical Guard | $0.41 |
| First Response | $3.32 |
| Clearblue | $4.25 |
Average cost per test as of March 2024.
Insurance usually won't cover a pregnancy test that you buy on your own. But if you are given a urine pregnancy test in a doctor's office, you'll probably have insurance coverage. You may still have to pay something though, depending on your plan.
Home pregnancy tests work by measuring a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. If hCG is found in your urine, it means you are pregnant. While most home tests just look for hCG, some can measure the amount and tell you how far along you are.
How much is a blood pregnancy test?
Blood tests for pregnancy cost $64, on average.
You can often get a blood test in a doctor's office, or you can go to a lab like Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics or CVS MinuteClinic.
Company | Pregnancy test cost |
|---|---|
| Labcorp | $49 |
| Quest Diagnostics | $49 + $6 service fee |
| CVS MinuteClinic | $89 + fees |
Prices are from each company's website and are accurate as of March 2024.
Insurance will usually cover the cost of a blood test, especially if your doctor recommends it. But just like with urine tests, you might still have to pay something depending on your specific insurance coverage.
Blood tests more accurately measure your pregnancy hormone levels, so they can help a doctor determine how long you've been pregnant. They can also help determine if your pregnancy is developing like it is supposed to.
Pregnancy test costs in hospitals
Pregnancy tests at hospitals can cost several hundred dollars.
Hospitals often charge higher costs for tests than independent labs or doctor's offices. The higher cost might be because you get your results faster, or because hospitals have to pay for lab technicians on site. While pregnancy tests in hospitals are usually much more expensive than they are elsewhere, insurance usually covers at least some of the cost.
Free pregnancy tests
You might find free pregnancy tests at women's health centers, community centers or your local health department.
If you aren't sure where to get a free pregnancy test near you, talk with your local health department. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a list of health departments that can help you find yours.
You can also search for a health center near you. The cost to get medical care at a health center is usually based on how much you make. People with lower incomes pay less. If you can't afford a pregnancy test or prenatal care, health centers can be a good option for cheap or free medical care.
Be careful where you get a free pregnancy test. Some facilities, called crisis pregnancy centers, may offer free pregnancy tests and seem like medical offices. But, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), these centers aren't regulated, and staff members may not have proper medical training. The information you get from these centers can be misleading and inaccurate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pregnancy test cost?
Home pregnancy tests cost about $3, on average. Blood work costs an average of $64. If you're tested in a hospital, you could be charged several hundred dollars or more.
Are cheap pregnancy tests accurate?
Cheap home pregnancy tests are usually very accurate, according to Cleveland Clinic. The tests are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and cheap tests should work just as well as more expensive ones. But it is possible to get a negative result even if you are pregnant, especially if you take the test too soon or don't follow the directions.
Does insurance cover pregnancy tests?
Insurance covers a pregnancy test if it's ordered by a doctor. Depending on your plan, you might have to pay something, especially if you haven't met your deductible or your plan requires a copay. You won't usually have coverage for a test you buy yourself.
Methodology and sources
Home test costs are based on independent research into the prices of First Response, Clearblue and Clinical Guard pregnancy tests. Costs will vary based on where you live, how many tests you purchase, the type of test you buy and the brand you choose.
Lab costs are based on rates from Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics and CVS MinuteClinic tests.
Other sources include Cleveland Clinic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
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