For most people in Ontario, the answer is reassuring: the majority of medically necessary blood tests are covered by OHIP when you present a valid Ontario health card. That said, not every test is insured, and a few common tests come with an out-of-pocket cost. Knowing the difference before your visit helps you avoid surprises and makes your trip to the lab smoother.
What OHIP covers
OHIP covers most medically necessary laboratory tests ordered by an authorized provider for people with a valid Ontario health card. This includes routine bloodwork such as complete blood counts, kidney and liver panels, thyroid testing, and glucose. When a test is insured and your card is valid, you won't be charged for the collection or the analysis. Bio-Test is licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Health. You can review what OHIP covers on the Ontario government's website.
Tests that are uninsured
Some tests are not covered by OHIP and are considered uninsured. For these, payment is required before the sample is collected. Uninsured tests can include certain screening tests, tests requested outside standard medical indications, and tests for third-party purposes such as insurance or employment. Because coverage depends on the specific test and your clinical situation, the safest approach is to ask your ordering provider, or ask our staff, whether a particular test is insured before your appointment.
Vitamin D testing
Vitamin D is the most common example of a delisted test. Routine vitamin D testing was removed from OHIP coverage in 2010 and is now paid out of pocket, approximately $40, unless you meet specific exception criteria. Exceptions can apply to conditions such as osteoporosis, rickets, and certain other medical conditions, in which case the test may still be covered. If your provider has ordered vitamin D, ask whether you qualify for an exception; if not, our staff can confirm the current fee before collection.
A note on PSA screening
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is a common source of confusion. Coverage can differ depending on whether the test is being done for screening in someone without symptoms versus monitoring a diagnosed condition or investigating specific findings. Because the coverage nuance depends on your clinical situation, ask your provider whether your PSA test is insured, and our staff can help clarify any fee before your sample is drawn.
Coming from Quebec or another province?
If you carry a Quebec (RAMQ) health card, note that Quebec's plan does not cover community laboratory testing performed in Ontario the way OHIP does. In practice, out-of-province patients are usually asked to pay for their tests at the time of collection. If you're visiting from Quebec or another province, it's worth asking us or your provider about costs before your visit so there are no surprises.
What to bring and how to check
To make coverage simple, bring these to your visit:
- Your valid Ontario health card (or your out-of-province card)
- Your signed lab requisition
- A payment method, in case any ordered test is uninsured
If you're unsure whether a test is covered, don't guess. Ask your provider when they write the requisition, or call us before your visit. You can also review our tests and services and our reports and results pages for more on what to expect.
Want a quick answer first? If you are not sure whether a test is insured, ask at our desk before collection and we will tell you.
Getting your covered bloodwork at Bio-Test
Most bloodwork at Bio-Test is walk-in, no appointment needed, and first-come, first-served. Bring your Ontario health card and your requisition so we can confirm coverage at check-in. We have 11 locations across Ottawa-Carleton and Eastern Ontario, and you can book online through our patient portal or simply walk in. If a test is uninsured, our staff will let you know the fee before we collect your sample, and home visits can be arranged by request for a fee.