How much does blood work and lab tests cost without OHIP?
In Ontario, most lab testing is covered for OHIP patients (patients with an Ontario Health Card).
For individuals without the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), the cost of blood tests and laboratory examinations can vary significantly. These costs are dependent on the type of test and the facility providing the service. For those not covered by OHIP, such as international visitors or recent immigrants who haven't yet qualified for the plan, the lab will also charge you an additional fee for lab testing.
Each lab provider, the big three being LifeLabs, Dynacare, and AlphaLabs, sets its own fee structure. These fees are influenced by the complexity and type of tests conducted. Basic blood tests, like a Complete Blood Count (CBC) or a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), may cost anywhere from $30 to $100. More specialized tests, such as hormone panels or genetic testing, can exceed several hundred dollars. The price is influenced by the complexity of the test and the technology required to perform it.
Cost of Blood Test in Ontario, Canada
For uninsured tests or those without OHIP, you can expect to pay the following prices:
STD
- Chlamydia: $20 - $25 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Gonorrhea: $15 - $20 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Hepatitis B: $15 - $20 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Hepatitis C: $15 - $20 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- HIV: $20 - $40 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2: $90 - $110
- Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma: $50 - $60 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Mycoplasma Genitalium: $80 - $90
- Oral Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: $20 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Rectal Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: $20 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Trichomoniasis (female-only): $5 - $10 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): $15 - $20 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Syphilis: $20 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
Metabolic
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): $15 - $20
- Creatinine (eGFR): $5 - $10
- Blood Glucose: $5 - $10
- HbA1c: $20 - $30
- Insulin: $20 - $30
- Lipid Panel: $10 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- NMR Lipid Profile: $180 - $190
- Lipoprotein(a): $15 - $30
- Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine (ACR): $5 - $10 (Usually covered by OHIP)
Hormone
- Estradiol (E2): $30 - $40
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): $20 - $30
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): $10 - $30
- Prolactin: $20 - $30
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): $30 - $40
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): $20 - $50
- Testosterone (Total): $20 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Free Testosterone: $65 - $70
Thyroid
- Free T3: $20 - $30
- Free T4: $20 - $30
- Reverse T3 (RT3): $40 - $70
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): $20 - $30
Wellness
- Covid Antibodies: $75 - $90
- Vitamin B12: $20 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Vitamin B9 (Folate): $30 - $40
- Celiac+DGP-IgG: $100 - $130
- Celiac: $90 - $100
- Vitamin D: $40 - $60
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP): $5 - $15
- PT/INR Test (Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio): $10 - $15
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA): $10 - $15
- Uric Acid Levels: $5 - $10
- Lead Levels: $25 - $30
- Ferritin: $15 - $25 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Selenium: $50 - $60
- Zinc: $20 - $50
- Serum Potassium: $5 - $10
Liver
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT): $5 - $10
- Aspartate Transaminase (AST): $5 - $10
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) $5 - $10 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Bilirubin: $5 - $10
- Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT): $5 - $10
Women's Health
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): $60 - $80
- Pregnancy (B-HCG): $20 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Yeast Infection & BV (Life Labs Only): $15 - $20 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- Bacterial Vaginosis: $20 - $30 (Usually covered by OHIP)
Men’s Health
- Sperm Analysis: $30 - $40
Infectious Diseases & Others
- Rabie Immunity: $130 - $150
- Measles Serology: $20 - $30
- Mumps Serology: $5 - $20
- Rubella Serology: $15 - $30
- Varicella Serology: $20 - $30
- Hepatitis A: $15 - $25 (Usually covered by OHIP)
- H. Pylori Breath Test (Post Treatment): $100 - $110
Note: These prices are subject to change at the discretion of the lab provider.
Why are some blood tests not covered by OHIP?
In Ontario, both individuals with and without the Ontario Health Insurance Plan may encounter blood tests that are not covered by the insurance. This lack of coverage stems from a few key reasons.
Firstly, some blood tests are considered non-essential or elective, meaning they are not deemed medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment. These can include tests for specific vitamins, minerals, or elective screenings that individuals choose to undergo without a doctor's recommendation. OHIP generally covers tests that are essential for diagnosing or treating a medical condition.
Secondly, advancements in medical technology have led to the development of highly specialized and advanced tests, often at the forefront of medical research. These tests may not be covered by OHIP as they are not yet widely recognized as standard practice or their efficacy and necessity might still be under evaluation.
Thirdly, the policy guidelines of OHIP, which are subject to change over time, determine which tests are covered. These guidelines are often influenced by budgetary constraints, cost-effectiveness analyses, and evolving medical standards. As a result, some tests may fall outside the scope of coverage.
Lastly, some tests are part of private healthcare services, such as those offered by executive health programs or for specific occupational requirements. These specialized tests are usually not covered by OHIP as they are considered beyond the scope of general public health care.
Same-Day Testing
At TeleTest, we offer same-day appointments so patients can go directly to the lab for immediate testing. We only charge for the secure messaging consultation with our physicians to arrange the appropriate testing, any necessary follow up consultations are included in the fee.
Patients have the flexibility to choose their desired lab provider and location (we track turnaround times of all labs in Ontario to ensure the fastest patient experience.) Upon arriving, the selected lab will inform patients of the costs associated with any tests not covered by insurance so patients are able to decline before proceeding, thus avoiding any unexpected costs.
If there are any tests you would like that we don't currently offer, feel free to contact us to be added to our mailing list and we'll notify you when it becomes available.