How much does a flu test cost?
How much does a flu test cost?
$30 – $100 average cost at a pharmacy
$100 – $200 average cost at urgent care
$10 – $20 average cost for an at-home test kit
Average flu test cost
A flu test costs $30 to $200 on average without insurance, depending on where you get tested and whether you get a standard or rapid flu test. Health insurance may cover all or most of the cost, but coverage, copays, and deductibles vary by provider. An at-home flu test kit costs $10 to $20.
| Test type / location | Average cost without insurance* |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy | $30 – $100 |
| Urgent care | $100 – $200 |
| At-home test kit | $10 – $20 |
*Not including any additional physician, office visit, or service fees.
Does insurance cover flu tests?
Most health insurance plans cover flu testing as preventive care or diagnostic testing, often with no out-of-pocket cost or a small copay. Coverage typically includes tests at pharmacies, urgent care centers, and doctor's offices.
Check your specific plan for details on copays, deductibles, and in-network requirements. Some plans may require prior authorization or have different coverage levels for rapid versus standard tests. Call your insurance provider before testing to understand your potential costs.
What affects flu test prices?
The following factors affect how much you'll pay for a flu test:
Where you get tested: A flu test at an urgent care center or a walk-in clinic may cost more than at a pharmacy due to additional office visit fees.
Test type: Rapid flu tests typically cost more than standard laboratory tests due to the convenience of immediate results. However, standard tests require a follow-up visit or a call for results, which could add to your overall expense.
Provider consultation: Some pharmacies and urgent care facilities bundle testing with a medical evaluation, while others charge separately for each service.
Insurance coverage: Many health insurance plans cover flu testing, but coverage and co-pays vary by plan. Most at-home test kit retailers don't accept insurance but may allow payment via HSA and FSA cards.
Geographic location: Testing costs vary significantly by region. Pharmacies and clinics in urban areas and states with a higher cost of living typically charge more than those in rural areas.
Flu test vs. COVID-19 test
Flu and COVID-19 share similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between them without testing. Some healthcare providers offer combination tests that screen for both viruses simultaneously, providing comprehensive results from a single swab.
Combination flu and COVID tests cost $50 to $150 without insurance, depending on the location. Many insurance plans cover these multi-pathogen tests just like individual flu or COVID tests. Testing for both viruses helps ensure proper treatment and prevents spreading illness to others.
How do you test for the flu?
Flu testing involves collecting a sample from your nose or throat using a swab. A healthcare provider inserts a swab into your nostril or the back of your throat to collect respiratory secretions. The sample is then analyzed to detect influenza A or B viruses.
At-home flu tests work similarly. You collect your own sample and follow the kit's instructions to read results. Follow the instructions for sample collection precisely to ensure accurate results.
How long does a flu test take?
The time it takes to get the results depends on the type of flu test you get:
Rapid flu tests deliver results in 15 to 30 minutes, making them ideal when you need quick answers. These tests are available at most pharmacies and urgent care centers and can detect influenza viruses with reasonable accuracy.
Standard flu tests take 1 to 3 days to process. Your healthcare provider sends the sample to a lab for more detailed analysis. While the results take longer, these tests can identify specific flu strains and are more sensitive than rapid tests.
At-home flu tests provide results in 15 to 30 minutes, similar to rapid tests.
When should you get a flu test?
Get tested within 2 days if you develop flu symptoms—fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, or chills—especially during flu season from October through May. Early testing helps you start antiviral treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset for maximum effectiveness.
Testing is particularly important if you're at high risk for flu complications, including adults over 65, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Quick diagnosis allows prompt treatment and helps you avoid spreading the virus to vulnerable individuals.
How long can you test positive for the flu?
You can test positive for the flu for up to 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin, though viral shedding typically peaks in the first 3 to 4 days. Most people remain contagious for about a week, starting one day before symptoms appear. Children and immunocompromised individuals can shed the virus for up to two weeks.
Testing too late in your illness may produce false negatives since viral levels decrease over time. If you've been sick for more than 4 to 5 days, your doctor might diagnose the flu based on symptoms rather than relying solely on test results. However, the CDC recommends testing for hospitalized patients and those at risk for complications instead of relying just on symptoms.
Can you be tested for the flu too early?
Testing for the flu too early—within the first 12 to 24 hours of exposure—may not detect the virus yet. The flu has an incubation period of 1 to 4 days, meaning you can be infected before the virus reaches detectable levels in your nasal passages.
For the most accurate results, get tested within 2 days of symptom onset. This timing captures peak viral shedding while the test can still provide actionable information for treatment decisions like antiviral medication.
Are at-home flu tests accurate?
At-home flu tests are generally reliable when used correctly, with accuracy rates of around 90% for detecting influenza. They work best when you test during the first few days of symptoms when viral levels are highest.
However, at-home tests may produce more false negatives than professional tests administered in medical settings. If your at-home test result is negative but you have strong flu symptoms, consider following up with a healthcare provider for confirmation, especially if you're at high risk for complications.
Where to get a flu test
The following providers offer flu tests:
Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart
Urgent care centers
Walk-in clinics
Home test kit retailers
If you test positive for the flu, your healthcare provider may prescribe Tamiflu or its generic equivalent. Generic Tamiflu costs $25 to $125 without insurance or $0 to $75 with insurance.
The content of this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of health problems. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for advice about any medical concerns.