How Much Does Blood Work Cost Without Insurance?

Blood work is an essential part of taking care of your health. Whether you're checking in on your overall well-being, diagnosing a condition, or monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, blood tests can provide valuable insights. You might need to get blood work done for routine checkups, specific symptoms, or when your doctor needs to get a closer look at how your organs are functioning. In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about blood work, from costs to when and why you may need it.

What Is Blood Work?

Blood work is another name for blood tests. These tests are done on a blood sample. Examples of some of the common blood tests and the substances they measure include:  

• Complete blood count (CBC) test: red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets 

• Basic metabolic panel (BMP): blood glucose, electrolyte levels, kidney function

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): includes all the substances a BMP measures plus liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, and total protein

• Liver function tests: liver enzymes, bilirubin, proteins, and blood clotting ability

• Vitamin levels: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin B (folate)

• Lipid panels (cholesterol levels)  

Additionally, blood tests may also include blood clotting tests, measures of infection and inflammation, and evaluation for particular infections (i.e. COVID-19). 

Blood work helps medical providers diagnose medical conditions, check the functioning of organs in your body, and determine your response to treatment. 

You usually get your blood drawn from your arm. A sample of blood is commonly taken from a blood vessel in the inner elbow or wrist where the veins are relatively close to the skin surface. 

How Much Do Blood Tests Cost?

Let's take a closer look at the costs of blood work, both with and without insurance. Understanding these costs can help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your healthcare options.

Is There A Charge For A Blood Test?

Yes, there is usually a charge for a blood test unless you are having preventive care testing, which is covered by your health insurance plan.

How Much Does a Unit of Blood Cost Without Insurance?

A blood “unit” is the measurement utilized when considering a blood transfusion. One unit of blood contains 500 milliliters (mL) of whole blood (which includes red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma).  A unit of whole blood costs approximately $250 without insurance. A unit of platelets can cost between $500 and $700. 

How Much Is Bloodwork Without Insurance?

The cost of blood work without health insurance can range from $29 to $99 per test and as much as $199 to $350 for a health profile or combination of multiple tests.

What Is The Cost of a Complete Blood Count Test?

The cost of a complete blood count (CBC) is $29 without insurance from independent labs such as Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics.

How Much Does It Cost To Do A Full Blood Test?

• A complete men’s or women’s blood and urine test panel from Labcorp costs $199.

• A basic men’s or women’s health profile panel from Quest Diagnostics costs $220.

• A comprehensive men’s or women’s health profile from Quest Diagnostics costs $385.

Here are some indicative prices for common types of blood tests from independent labs:

Note: Other fees may apply, such as a fee for a healthcare provider’s consultation.

What Factors Impact The Cost of Blood Tests?

The cost of a blood test is mainly impacted by the specific type of test being performed. Additional factors that can affect the cost include the laboratory performing the test, its geographic location, the technology used, whether it's a single test or a panel of multiple tests, the healthcare provider's fees, and whether insurance plans cover the test.

Test Type

Complex or specialized tests are more expensive than basic ones. For example, standard lab tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), which measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, are relatively inexpensive. A lipid panel that measures bad and good cholesterol and other types of fats in blood is slightly more expensive.

On the other hand, a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) costs more because it measures 14 different substances in a sample of blood, including blood sugar, electrolytes (calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate), albumin, total protein, three liver enzymes, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. 

The cost of specialized tests such as genetic testing or cancer screening can run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars without insurance.

Location  

Blood tests are usually done at a doctor’s office or hospital. However, there are other options available for those who cannot make it to a doctor’s office, such as:

• Independent labs such as LabCorp OnDemand and Quest Diagnostics allow you to order various lab tests online without a doctor's visit. You can choose your desired tests and pay online. For some tests, you can collect samples at home and send them in. For others, you need to visit a collection center to give your blood sample. The results are available digitally through the laboratory’s online platform. 

• Services such as Quest Mobile offer you the option of having a phlebotomist visit you at home to collect a blood sample in a convenient, comfortable, and confidential manner. The cost of in-home sample collection through Quest Mobile is $79.

• Drugstores such as CVS and Walgreens offer healthcare through hundreds of clinic locations. For instance, MinuteClinic locations in CVS HealthHUBs offer blood work, healthcare provider consultations for minor illnesses and injuries, screening tests for preventive care, monitoring of chronic conditions, immunizations, annual exams, and more. Walgreens offers laboratory services in select locations through Labcorp.

• Urgent Care Centers provide access to healthcare on weekends and after normal business hours when primary care offices are closed. Some of these facilities may provide lab tests and diagnostic imaging. 

• Emergency departments provide after-hours care for individuals on critical medications who are experiencing unusual signs and symptoms. Some examples of critical medications include insulin, blood thinners (anticoagulants), antimicrobial agents, and treatments for seizures (anticonvulsants).

Costs can vary from place to place, but here is an indicative list of what you might pay for laboratory testing at an urgent care center:

Self-Pay Option for Blood Tests 

If you do not have health insurance or your healthcare benefits do not cover lab tests, you will have to pay for blood work out of pocket. Most labs accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. 

Certain routine tests may be available at discounted prices from independent labs, for example, Labcorp’s LabAccess Partnership Program. You will, however, have to visit a patient service center to give your sample and pay for the test in full. 

Labcorp Services

Who is Cheaper: Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp?

Both Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics are reputable labs that provide accurate results at similar prices. Both offer similar services, including online test booking and digital results. 

Ultimately, the choice between LabCorp vs Quest Diagnostics comes down to the specific tests you need, your location and proximity to a sample collection center, and personal preferences. Your healthcare provider may have a preferred lab, so it’s a good idea to consult them as well.

Can Labcorp Do Blood Work Without Doctor’s Orders?  

Yes, Labcorp can do blood work without a doctor’s orders. You can do laboratory testing as long as you are willing to pay for the tests out of pocket. Simply choose the tests you want and order them online without a doctor’s visit or order from a healthcare professional. Labcorp will do an immediate physician review and then allow you to schedule the lab work with a home collection kit or collection center near you. They will not bill your insurance for these tests. This service is called Labcorp OnDemand.

What is Labcorp OnDemand?   

Labcorp OnDemand gives you easy access to a wide range of laboratory tests to help you take control of your health, get the answers you want, and ensure peace of mind. You can shop online and pay for routine laboratory tests. You receive fast, confidential lab results and can share the results with your doctor to manage your health in a proactive manner. 

Can I Just Walk-In To Labcorp for Blood Work?  

While walk-ins are welcome at Labcorp testing locations, appointments are generally encouraged. Also, it’s a good idea to check if a particular test is offered to walk-ins at a testing center (some restrictions may apply).

Can I Use Labcorp Without Insurance?

Yes, you can use LabCorp without insurance. You can shop online and pay for desired laboratory services with all major credit cards. You can also walk in or make an appointment at a Labcorp testing center and pay with cash or personal checks.

What Blood Tests Does Insurance Cover?

Laboratory tests, including blood work, are one of the 10 essential health services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means most major health insurance plans from private insurers cover the cost of laboratory tests as part of preventive services. As long as they are ordered by an in-network healthcare provider, insurance providers will pay for bloodwork in full.

However, if your provider orders blood work that is not part of preventive care, it may not be covered by your insurance plan. The exact out-of-pocket cost will depend on the terms of your health plan. You may have to pay a part of the cost of laboratory testing in the form of a copay (also called copayment) or coinsurance.

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary clinical diagnostic laboratory tests ordered by your doctor, including blood tests, urine tests, and certain other screening tests. Learn about HSAs and Medicare to maximize your healthcare benefits.

Medicaid covers laboratory services. However, Medicaid has limited coverage policies (LCPs) for certain laboratory tests, which must meet the criteria for medical necessity in order to be covered.

How To Manage and Reduce Costs of Blood Tests  

Next, we'll explore helpful tips and alternative options for making blood work more affordable, so you can reduce costs without compromising on your healthcare needs.

Tips For Budgeting Blood Work Expenses

• Get routine health screenings. This can help with early detection of health problems when they are treatable or curable. Health screenings, vaccines, and annual wellness visits often do not require a copay or coinsurance.

• Choose in-network laboratory facilities. Depending on your health plan, you may have the option to get laboratory tests at in-network or out-of-network facilities. You pay less at in-network labs because they have a contract with your health plan and charge lower rates.

• Choose the right health coverage, based on your and your family’s health care needs. If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes and require regular blood tests, choose a plan that provides wider coverage even if the monthly premiums are higher. If you rarely need lab tests and medical care, then a high-deductible health plan may be the better choice.

• Save money in an HSA or FSA. Many employers offer health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). You can set aside pre-tax dollars in these savings accounts and use them for eligible medical expenses such as laboratory tests ordered by a healthcare provider.

HSA or FSA Funds

Funds in a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) can be used to pay for the out-of-pocket costs of laboratory tests. They will qualify as eligible medical expenses if recommended by a healthcare provider. 

Deferred Payment Plans

Some independent laboratories, medical clinics, and hospitals offer the option of paying for medical services in installments. Ask about deferred payment plans at the testing facility you plan to use. 

Credit Cards

Most hospitals, medical clinics, and independent testing facilities accept credit card payments. While not ideal, it can help you get the tests you need without delay. Make sure you understand the terms of the credit. Look for credit cards that offer a 0% interest rate for a specified time period and try to pay off the balance before it starts accruing interest. 

Financial Assistance Programs

Some testing facilities offer financial assistance to eligible patients with up to 100% discounts on lab tests. You will need to fill out an application form and attach financial documents such as your pay stub, W2, and most recent income tax return to demonstrate financial need. 

You may also qualify for local, state, or federal assistance, which is typically granted based on the poverty guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They take into account your total household income and the number of members in your household. 

Charity Care Programs

Non-profit hospitals are required by law to provide charity care or indigent care. You may qualify for free or low-cost laboratory testing if your medical bills are a major portion of your income or your medical debt due to catastrophic illness or multiple unrelated illnesses threatens your financial health.

Utilizing Payment Options at Labcorp

For people with health insurance, Labcorp files the claims directly with private insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid. Make sure your insurance information is up-to-date, and your insurance provider accepts Labcorp before having the lab tests performed. Your insurer will process the claim and send you an explanation of benefits (EOB), informing you of the amount they will pay for the laboratory services.

Any balance is your responsibility, including a co-pay, deductible, or other costs as outlined in the terms of coverage. Labcorp will send you an invoice for the balance owed.

For people who do not have health insurance or if insurance does not cover laboratory services, Labcorp requires payment in advance for laboratory testing services before the specimen is collected and the test is performed. Payment can be made with cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.

Importance of Understanding Insurance Exclusions  

Laboratory tests are typically covered by health insurance plans if they are done for screening of health issues or if you receive care for a chronic disease that requires regular monitoring. However, it’s important to understand insurance exclusions, such as:

• Your insurance may not cover laboratory services that are not ordered by a healthcare provider.

• You may not have coverage for tests done at out-of-network labs, or your out-of-pocket expense may be higher.

• Certain tests may be covered only if they meet the criteria for medical necessity.