How Much Does an Allergy Test Cost?

Allergy tests help you find out if you're allergic to things like pollen, pet hair, foods, or insect stings. If you have allergy symptoms that bother you, like sneezing, a stuffy nose, or itchy eyes, your doctor might recommend an allergy test. These tests are considered safe and can help your doctor figure out a treatment plan to help you feel better.

There are different kinds of allergy tests, like skin prick tests and blood tests. The cost of allergy testing can be anywhere from $60 to over $1,000, depending on the type of test you get. Keep reading to learn the costs associated with different types of allergy tests.

What is an Allergy Test?

Allergies are becoming more common, especially in cities. This is why more doctors are offering or recommending allergy tests. An allergy test is a way to find out if someone has a reaction to things like pollen, pet dander, mold, food, or even medicine. Knowing what causes allergies can help people avoid triggers and get the right treatment [*].

Types of Allergy Tests

There are several types of allergy tests, and each one works a little differently [*]:

• Skin Prick Allergy Test: This is the most common and sensitive  test. A doctor places tiny drops of allergens on your skin and pricks the surface with, most often, a plastic lancet. If you’re allergic, a small red bump will appear. The staff will then measure the size of the bump, as well as the redness around the bump, which helps give the allergist information on gauging the probability of an allergy,. This test is quick and usually not painful.
• Intradermal Allergy Test: This test is more sensitive than the skin prick test. A doctor injects a small amount of allergen just under the skin to see if a reaction happens. It’s often used to check for allergies to insect venom or medications, like penicillin.
• Patch Allergy Test: This test helps find delayed allergic reactions, which don’t show up right away. A doctor places small patches with allergens on your skin, usually on your back, and leaves them there for about 48 hours. It’s mainly used for skin allergies, like reactions to metals, soaps, or perfumes.
• Blood Allergy Test (IgE Test): This test measures allergy-related antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood. It’s useful for people who can’t have skin tests, like those with severe skin conditions or people taking medications that interfere with skin test results.
• Food Allergy Test: There is no single test that can fully confirm a food allergy. Doctors may use blood or skin tests to gauge probability, and the gold standard is an oral food challenge, where a person eats small amounts of the suspected food under medical supervision. Elimination diets—where foods are removed and then added back one at a time—can also help identify intolerances.
• At-Home Allergy Test: These tests require a person to mail a blood sample to a lab, which checks for IgE antibodies to different allergens. While they can provide some insight, they are often less accurate than tests done in a clinic, and false negatives are common. Doctors usually recommend confirming any results with a medical professional, and possibly skin testing.

How Much Does an Allergy Test Cost?

The cost of an allergy test can vary based on several factors, including the type of test, the number of allergens being tested, and whether it is performed in a clinic or at home.

Below, we will break down the average cost for each type of allergy test to help you understand what to expect.

Skin Prick Allergy Test Cost

A skin prick allergy test can range between $60 and over $1000, depending on how many allergens are tested. This test is one of the most common and affordable ways to check for allergies.

If only a few common allergens are tested, the cost is lower. However, if the test checks for many allergens, it can be more expensive.

There may also be extra costs if a specialist does the test or if you need to see an allergy doctor for advice.

Intradermal Allergy Test Cost

An intradermal allergy test can range between $100 and over $300 per test, and is often  more expensive than a skin prick test because it requires a higher level of nursing care. It also requires more accuracy, as small amounts of allergens are injected under the skin to check for a reaction.

Doctors use this test when a skin prick test doesn’t give clear results. It is also used to test for specific allergies, like reactions to medications or insect stings.

Since each allergen needs a separate injection, the total cost can increase if many allergens are tested.

Patch Allergy Test Cost

The cost of a patch allergy test can range from $150 to over $1,000. The price depends on how many allergens are tested, where you get the test, and if follow-up visits are needed. Some clinics charge $5 to $9 for each allergen, so the total cost can add up to $400 to $1,000.

Blood Allergy Test Cost

A blood allergy test usually costs between $200 and over $1,000, depending on how many allergens are tested.

Unlike skin tests, which show results right away, blood tests have to be sent to a lab. This extra step makes them more expensive. Also, according to studied parameters, it is not as sensitive as skin testing.

A simple test that checks for common allergens costs less, while a more detailed test that looks for many different allergens can be much pricier.

Doctors may recommend blood tests if a skin test isn’t possible. For example, someone has a skin condition or takes medication that affects test results.

Food Allergy Test Cost

The cost of a food allergy test usually falls between $200 and $500, depending on the type of test and how many foods are being checked. Some tests cost more because they look at a wider range of possible allergens.

One common test is a blood test, which checks for certain antibodies in the blood to see if a person has an allergic reaction to specific foods. This test can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on how many foods are tested.

The oral food challenge is considered the most accurate test. In this test, a person eats small amounts of a suspected allergen under a doctor’s supervision to see if they react.

At-Home Allergy Test Cost

At-home allergy tests usually cost between $100 and $200. They are a cheaper and easier option than going to a doctor’s office. However, these tests are not always reliable or sensitive. They can sometimes give false negative results or miss important information.

Because of this, doctors recommend getting tested by a healthcare professional with skin testing to make sure the results are accurate.

Does Insurance Cover Allergy Testing?

Most health insurance plans help pay for allergy testing, but coverage depends on your insurance policy, the type of test, and the doctor's charges.

Skin prick and blood tests are usually covered if a doctor says they are necessary. However, special tests like patch testing, intradermal tests, or oral food challenges may not be fully covered and might need approval from the insurance company first.

Even if a test is covered, you may still have to pay part of the cost, such as a co-pay or deductible. To avoid surprise bills, it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to find out what is covered and what you might have to pay.

The Bottom Line

Allergy testing can be an important step in figuring out what triggers your symptoms and finding the right treatment. If you're unsure about which test is right for you, talking to a doctor can help you choose the best approach based on your symptoms and medical history.

If you're looking for relief from environmental allergy symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchiness, or post-nasal drip, Allermi’s nasal spray may be a helpful option. Allermi provides safe, targeted, and effective relief for short-term and chronic allergy sufferers, helping you breathe easier and feel better.

References:

1. Birch K, Pearson-Shaver AL. Allergy Testing. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537020/
2. Ansotegui, I. J., Melioli, G., Canonica, G. W., Caraballo, L., Villa, E., Ebisawa, M., Passalacqua, G., Savi, E., Ebo, D., Gómez, R. M., Sánchez, O. L., Oppenheimer, J. J., Jensen-Jarolim, E., Fischer, D. A., Haahtela, T., Antila, M., Bousquet, J. J., Cardona, V., Chiang, W. C., . . . Zuberbier, T. (2020). IgE allergy diagnostics and other relevant tests in allergy, a World Allergy Organization position paper. The World Allergy Organization Journal, 13(2), 100080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2019.100080