An early pregnancy discovery can empower decision-making regarding a person’s health and future. Some women may experience pregnancy symptoms.
Many people take home pregnancy tests that test their urine. urine tests measure the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg), which indicates pregnancy. These tests typically cost less than $15 and can be found for less than $1.
Blood tests, which are usually done in a medical setting, are more reliable than urine tests, but more expensive. a suspected pregnancy can be confirmed with an ultrasound from your health care provider.
Accessing and paying for a pregnancy test can be difficult for some people. Read on to learn more about how to get a free pregnancy test.
where are free pregnancy tests usually offered?
Free pregnancy tests are offered at health centers and community organizations. some are funded by tax dollars and others are run by donations. those locations include:
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health departments: Every state has a health department funded by tax dollars. many state health departments have offices in different cities. Your area may also have county, city, and tribal health departments. health departments often provide services to low-income people. some may offer free pregnancy tests using your urine or blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides this directory for state, local, and tribal health departments in the United States, including locations in the District of Columbia and eight territories.
Community Health Centers: Community health centers may also offer free pregnancy tests. This directory of community health centers in the United States is provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Campus Health Services: If you’re a college student, a free pregnancy test is often available at the campus health center. a free pregnancy test may be more likely for those who have a campus health insurance plan. A free pregnancy test may also be available to high school students from their school nurses. check with your campus health program for more information.
pregnancy centers: Pregnancy centers are also known as crisis pregnancy centers or pregnancy support centers. Some of these facilities offer free pregnancy tests and other free medical services, such as ultrasounds. some are counseling centers and not licensed medical facilities. Many of these centers are run by religious organizations that discourage abortion. they do not perform or refer for pregnancy interruptions. some of these organizations connect free medical services with the continuation of the pregnancy. One network of pregnancy centers is Care Net, which has more than 1,100 members in North America.
Family Planning Clinics: Family Planning Clinics and other Family Planning Clinics are medical facilities that may offer free pregnancy tests. planned parenthood offers free pregnancy tests at certain centers. You can use the Family Planning Health Center Directory to find a clinic near you.
adoption service agencies: Adoption agencies offer free pregnancy tests. These organizations support birth parents through the adoption process, birth, hospital stay, and planning for the future. the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services offers this national searchable directory of state and private adoption agencies.
can you get free pregnancy tests by mail?
this may be possible. however, all of our free pregnancy test sources involve showing up in person.
Can you order free pregnancy tests online?
possibly. you can make an appointment for a free pregnancy test online. however, all of our sources require you to appear in person to receive your free pregnancy test.
When should I see a doctor about pregnancy tests or pregnancy test results?
If you have a positive test result at home, it is important to confirm the pregnancy with a visit to the doctor. Your medical provider may do a blood test, which is more reliable than a home urine test, to confirm pregnancy. additional confirmation may include ultrasound.
Confirming the pregnancy and how long it has been is important to your prenatal care. if you choose to terminate the pregnancy, knowing how far along you are is important to your reproductive health decisions.
does health insurance cover pregnancy tests?
normally. pregnancy tests are covered by most health insurance plans.
The Affordable Care Act requires all health insurance plans in the marketplace to cover essential health benefits, including pregnancy care and laboratory services. this includes urinalysis, blood tests, and ultrasounds. you may have out-of-pocket costs for your deductible, copay, or coinsurance.
Most employer-sponsored or private health insurance plans must also cover essential health benefits.
Medicaid covers family planning and laboratory services as mandatory benefits no matter where you live.
Are free pregnancy tests reliable?
yes. free pregnancy tests are reliable.
pregnancy tests are not reduced quality because they are free. Free pregnancy tests are generally based on the same hcg detection technology as over-the-counter pregnancy tests.
when should you take a pregnancy test?
A pregnancy test should be performed at the onset of potential pregnancy symptoms. if you are pregnant, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:
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lack of menstruation
headache
stained
breast tenderness
swelling
constipation
fatigue
trouble sleeping
nausea and vomiting
acne
You may not have any of these symptoms or notice other changes in your body, so it’s important to take a pregnancy test.
how much do pregnancy tests cost?
You can find a reliable home pregnancy test for less than $15. dollar stores sell them, and other retailers can have them for less than $1. all of these would test your urine.
Blood tests are more accurate. They are also more expensive because they involve a blood draw and a lab test. you can order them online without a doctor’s visit, but you must visit a lab for the blood draw.
for example, you can buy a labcorp pregnancy test for $49 online if you are 18 or older, but you must go to a labcorp location to have your blood drawn. you will receive your results online. You can pay for this test with funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
goodrx care offers pregnancy testing for ages 18-65 for $39, which includes a virtual visit. the provider orders a blood test for you at a local laboratory in your area. pregnancy tests on the goodrx online marketplace cost less than $50.
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