How Much Does Bloodwork Cost Without Insurance in 2023?

The average cost of bloodwork without insurance is $432, but the price can range from $50 to upwards of $1,000 depending on what tests are performed. There are several ways to lower the cost of bloodwork, such as going to community health clinics or ordering at-home lab tests. 

Most high deductible health plans only cover the annual bloodwork if it is ordered by an in-network primary care physician. If the bloodwork is subject to a deductible, you might have to pay out of pocket.

Cost of Bloodwork Without Insurance 

The cost of blood tests without insurance can vary greatly. Some of the factors that determine how much you will need to pay for blood work include your insurance status, how many tests you get, and where you get tested. Below we outline the range of how much you can expect to pay for some common blood tests without insurance. 

If you don't have health insurance or have a high deductible health plan, Mira makes a great option for you to get affordable same-day lab tests without getting a doctor visit. Learn more about Mira now.  

Types of Bloodwork 

There are several types of blood tests that may be recommended by your physician. Below we outline some of these blood tests and what they test for. 

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC looks at the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in your body. CBCs are typically done to evaluate your overall health status and screen for diseases. Many doctors recommend that adults get a CBC once a year.
• Lipid Panel: Lipid panels measure fat substances, such as total cholesterol level, triglyceride level, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Lipid panels can help monitor your overall health and screen for risk of cardiovascular disease. The frequency of these screenings depends on your age and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): A basic metabolic panel measures the levels of eight substances in the blood. Basic metabolic panels can be used to monitor general health and can be used to identify kidney problems, lung problems, diabetes, and other health conditions. Many doctors recommend getting this test once a year.
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): A comprehensive metabolic panel tests the same substances as a basic metabolic panel and includes an additional six tests, which measure liver function. Your health care provider may suggest getting a CMP rather than a BMP if he/she wants to get a more complete picture of your health or is concerned about diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease.
• A1C: The A1C test looks at your average blood sugar levels over the past few months. This test is typically done to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin tests, such as the vitamin D test, are used to monitor the levels of certain vitamins in the body. These tests can be used to indicate if dietary changes or supplements are needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your health care provider may run this test at a routine checkup or if you are experiencing symptoms or a vitamin deficiency.
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Test: STI tests are used to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections. Some STI tests are done through a blood sample, such as the test for HIV and syphilis. The recommended frequency of STI tests will depend on several factors, such as your age, gender, and sexual activity.
• COVID-19 Antibody Test: The COVID-19 antibody test can be used to detect the presence of antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19. The presence of certain types of antibodies may indicate prior infection with COVID-19. It is generally not recommended to get an antibody test to see if your vaccine was effective, as the type of antibodies produced by vaccination may not be picked up on some types of antibody tests.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test (TSH): A TSH test is used to monitor the levels of TSH in your blood and assess how your thyroid is functioning. A TSH test can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism as well as monitor if medications are working. The frequency of TSH testing will depend on your age, risk factors, and symptoms of a thyroid condition.

Where To Get Bloodwork Done 

There are several places where you can get blood work done, and where you get tested may affect how much you pay. 

• Urgent Care or Doctor’s Office: Many urgent care facilities and doctor’s offices offer blood tests. You will likely be charged an office visit fee of about $100 - $200 in addition to the cost of the blood tests. If you are managing a chronic condition, going to a primary care physician who knows your medical history may be beneficial.
• Laboratory Facilities: You can get bloodwork done at laboratory facilities, such as Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp, which typically do not charge an office visit fee. With a Mira membership, you can get access to discounted rates for blood tests done at a laboratory facility.
• At-home labs: Several companies offer at-home lab tests, which you order online and perform at home. These tests can be less expensive than going to see a doctor in person, but you may need to see a doctor if your results are abnormal.
• Hospitals: Hospitals are typically the most expensive place to get blood work. Therefore, if you are just getting routine testing or managing a non-life-threatening condition, you may save money by going to a primary care or urgent care facility. However, if you are experiencing an emergency situation or life-threatening illness, you should always call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Bloodwork Without Insurance 

While blood tests are crucial for monitoring your health and diagnosing medical conditions, they can be expensive. There are several ways that you can lower the cost of blood tests without insurance. 

1. If you are getting bloodwork done at an urgent care facility or doctor’s office, you should always check if the tests are being done in-house or being sent to an outside laboratory. Getting tests done out-of-house can be expensive, as you may be subject to additional billing from an outside laboratory.
2. With a Mira membership, you can get access to low-cost blood tests, including a health panel, lipid panel, STD panel, A1C, and vitamin D test. Tests range from $19 to $99 and can help you avoid high prices and surprise billing associated with getting blood work.
3. Some companies offer at-home blood tests, which can be ordered online and mailed back to a laboratory. These tests may be less expensive than getting tested at a doctor’s office or urgent care, as there may be visit fees for going to a facility to get a blood test.
4. When possible, you can call multiple locations to see how much each charge for blood tests. There can be significant variation in the cost of bloodwork without insurance at different locations.
5. You can research community health centers and free clinics in your area. These facilities may provide free or low-cost tests for individuals without insurance.
6. You should also tell your doctor or health care provider that you are paying without insurance and ask if they have any suggestions for how to keep the cost of your tests down.

Blood Work Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What can I expect during a blood test? 

During a blood test, blood will either be drawn from your finger or a vein in your arm using a needle. Blood tests typically only take a few minutes and any discomfort should be short-term. Some blood tests may require you to fast for 12 hours in advance in order to get accurate results. You should speak to your healthcare provider in advance to see if fasting or any other preparation is necessary. 

Does health insurance always cover blood work?

Even if you have health insurance, blood work may not always be covered. For example, if you go to an out-of-network provider that does not accept your insurance, you may need to pay full price for a blood test. In addition, if you have a high deductible health plan, you may have to pay full price until you reach your deductible. 

A Mira membership can be used with a high-deductible health insurance plan to help you access affordable blood tests when you need them. 

How often should I get blood work done? 

Many doctors recommend that you get basic blood work done at once a year; however, the exact frequency will depend on your health status and medical conditions. If you have certain risk factors or are taking medications, your doctor may recommend getting certain blood tests more frequently. In addition, the tests that are recommended as routine screenings vary with age. 

Bottom Line 

Blood tests can be expensive, especially when paying without insurance. Some important blood tests to monitor general health include metabolic panels, complete blood count, A1C, and STI tests. By considering where and how you get tested, you can potentially reduce the amount you spend on blood tests. 

A membership with Mira can help you get necessary blood tests for a discounted price and avoid the high cost of a blood test without insurance. In addition, Mira members get access to affordable urgent care visits and prescription medications. You can start using Mira as soon as you sign up to access the health services that you need.