Vitamin D testing is not covered by OHIP for most adults in Ontario; it is insured only for specific conditions such as osteoporosis, malabsorption, kidney disease or certain medications. Otherwise it is a patient-pay test, drawn on a requisition at any Bio-Test centre with no appointment, with the fee confirmed at the desk before collection. Low vitamin D is common in Ottawa from November to April.
Why do Canadians run low on vitamin D in winter?
Your skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to UVB rays from the sun. The problem is that at Canadian latitudes, the sun sits too low in the sky through the winter for meaningful UVB to reach the ground. Roughly from October through March, sunlight in a city like Ottawa produces little to no vitamin D in the skin, no matter how bright the day looks. Add short days, heavy clothing, and more time indoors, and it is easy to see why levels drift down over the winter for many people.
- Low UVB from about October to March at our latitude
- Shorter days and long stretches spent indoors
- Skin that is covered up against the cold
- Older adults and those with darker skin make vitamin D less efficiently
- Limited dietary sources, mainly fatty fish and fortified foods
What are the symptoms of low vitamin D?
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and keep bones and muscles healthy, so a shortfall can show up in vague, easy-to-miss ways. Some people have no symptoms at all and only learn of low levels through a blood test.
- Tiredness or low energy
- Aching bones or muscle weakness
- More frequent aches and general run-down feeling
- In children, severe long-term deficiency can cause rickets
Is vitamin D testing covered by OHIP?
Ontario delisted routine vitamin D testing from OHIP in 2010. That means that for most healthy adults who simply want to check their level, the test is uninsured and paid out of pocket, generally around $40. OHIP still covers the test when you meet specific medical exception criteria, and your ordering provider indicates this on the requisition.
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Rickets or osteomalacia
- Certain conditions affecting how the body absorbs or handles vitamin D, such as some kidney disease, malabsorption, or while taking specific medications
If you do not meet an exception, the test is not automatically denied; it simply is not covered, so payment is required before your sample is collected. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, ask the provider who signs your requisition.
When is a vitamin D test worthwhile?
Because most healthy adults can safely take a modest daily vitamin D supplement through the winter without testing first, routine screening is not recommended for everyone. Testing tends to be most useful when a result would actually change what your doctor does, for example if you have a bone condition, symptoms that need explaining, a condition affecting absorption, or you are on treatment that needs monitoring. For a deeper look at causes, healthy ranges, and how deficiency is managed, see our full article on vitamin D deficiency.
How does the vitamin D test work?
A vitamin D test is a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm, and no fasting is required. You will need a requisition from an authorized provider, such as a physician or nurse practitioner, since patients cannot self-order the test. If it is being billed to you rather than OHIP, our staff will let you know the cost before collection. Results are typically available through our patient portal within about a day for routine chemistry.
Where can I get a vitamin D test in Ottawa?
Bio-Test Laboratory has been serving Ottawa-Carleton since 1971, with 11 locations across the region. Most bloodwork is walk-in, first-come, first-served, so you can simply bring your Ontario health card and your requisition, or book online through our patient portal. If your test is uninsured, we will confirm the roughly $40 fee before drawing blood. Home visits can be arranged by request for a fee, which can help if getting out in winter is difficult.