Lab tests
COVID-19 and flu A & B rapid antigen test cost in California
COVID-19 and flu A & B rapid antigen test is a lab test. Many labs sell tests directly to the public for a flat cash price, often far below hospital prices.
Typical cash price
In California
From 74 hospital and 1 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $90 (most listed prices $38.40–$248).
Cheapest in California
- $22.50
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Enloe Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $34.80
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Eisenhower Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $44.26
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $47.71
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Northridge Hospital Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - mediNOW Urgent CareCombo Rapid Antigen Test (Flu A + Flu B + COVID-19) · COVID-19 and flu A/B rapid antigen testAsk what's includedAddon$50
Charged in addition to the $229 visit price.
Source: medinowuc.com · checked Oct 2026 - $52
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mayers Memorial Hospital District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $55.63
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy San Juan Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $55.63
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Woodland Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $57.12
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Healdsburg Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $58.47
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento price file · checked Oct 2026 - $64.60
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Bakersfield Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $65.30
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy Hospitals – Bakersfield price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for COVID-19 and flu A & B rapid antigen test
Common questions
Do I need a doctor's order?
In most states, direct-to-consumer labs can sell many tests without a separate doctor visit. Some states and some tests still require an order.
Is the blood draw included?
Usually yes for lab stores and booking sites. Hospitals sometimes bill the draw (venipuncture) separately.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.