How Much a Pregnancy Test Costs

The price of pregnancy tests varies widely. Generally, the cost depends on what type of pregnancy test and where you get it done. The most common type of pregnancy test is a home pregnancy test. This one uses your urine to test for the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

You can usually use this type of pregnancy test from a few days before your period is due to a few weeks or months into pregnancy. The body continues to produce hCG the entire pregnancy. This is why it can be done even later in pregnancy with good results.

How Much Does a Home Pregnancy Test Cost?

You can purchase various brands of home pregnancy tests from drugstores, supermarkets, big-box stores, and even dollar stores. These tests are all basically the same, though prices range from a few dollars to close to $20 for a single test. You can also buy multiple packs of tests for a few dollars (or for $30 or even more).

The more expensive tests don’t necessarily buy any more accuracy. They may have features that you like, such as a digital readout that states “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant” as opposed to a typical two-line or plus mark indicator. Some people really like the digital option, while others prefer the more traditional indicator where they can view whether the line is faint.

These tests are often the same tests that are used in physicians' and midwives' offices when you have a urine test done there. Many practitioners do not even repeat a pregnancy test if you come into the office with a home pregnancy test that has been positive, since the home tests are quite reliable.

Exceptions might be made if you had a test result that was different than what you expected or if you require a blood test. A urine test at your practitioner’s office will vary in cost. You should ask before it is done, even if you have insurance. The cost may be as little as your co-pay, or as much as $100 or more if it includes the cost for the visit.

How Much Does a Blood Pregnancy Test Cost?

A blood test will cost more than a urine test. Like the home urine test, a blood test also measures hCG, but in the blood. Your practitioner may order this to confirm a pregnancy or to measure the amount of hCG in your body. (Urine tests detect only the presence or absence of hCG, not the amount.)

By repeating this test and watching how hCG levels change, your practitioner can tell you something about the health of your pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, the level of hCG in the blood doubles about every 48 hours.

The cost of a blood test may also be covered by insurance, but if you are paying out of pocket, you will need to talk to the lab that does the test about their cost. For reference, Any Lab Test Now charges $49 for a beta hCG (quantitative). You will pay them separately from your practitioner. Since this is a more expensive test for most people, it is generally reserved for complicated pregnancies.

How to Get a Free Pregnancy Test

There are also places to get free or low-cost pregnancy tests. These tests are usually the urine pregnancy test. They may be given by medical personnel or people who are volunteers with no medical knowledge. You can usually also find sliding scale pregnancy tests through your local health department.

Saving Money on Pregnancy Tests

Truthfully, the best bet for most people is the dollar store tests. These are inexpensive enough that you can buy a couple to keep on hand. These can be easily done in the privacy of your own home without a lot of added expense. If you get a positive pregnancy test, be sure to call your doctor or midwife right away to schedule prenatal care.

Another way to save money on a pregnancy test is to ensure that you are choosing the right time to take a pregnancy test. If you do it too early, your results may not be accurate, and you'll have to test again. So waiting a few extra days to take your test not only ensures that you have an accurate test but that you do not have to spend money to take another one.

If you choose to purchase pregnancy tests in bulk either at discount stores or online, be aware of expiration dates. If you have a large number of tests, check the expiration of the entire batch or each box. Do this when you're making your purchase and again when taking each test. An expired test will not be accurate.

A Word From Verywell

Generally, home pregnancy tests cost between a few dollars and $20 or more. Blood tests done in your doctor's office will likely cost more and insurance coverage varies widely. If you have questions about how much a test will cost, be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. Also, if you need access to free or low-cost pregnancy tests, your doctor and local health department can likely point you to helpful community resources.