If you’ve paid for a blood test in Canada and hoped your insurance would cover it, you’ve probably noticed the process isn’t always straightforward. Some tests are covered by provincial health plans, others by private insurance, and a surprising number fall through the cracks entirely. For example, fewer than 30% of Canadian cancer patients receive molecular testing, even though liquid biopsy can detect actionable mutations in more than half of cases where no prior testing was done. That gap often comes down to reimbursement — who pays, and how you claim it.
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This article is general information only and does not constitute professional advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified professional.
Blood tests aren’t a single category. Some are routine lab work covered by your provincial plan. Others — like liquid biopsy for cancer — are newer, more expensive, and often not covered unless you know exactly how to file the claim. The difference between getting reimbursed and paying out of pocket can come down to how you document the test, where it was ordered, and whether your private health insurance policy classifies it as an eligible expense. Here’s what you actually need to know.
One term you’ll run into constantly is eligible medical expense. The Canada Revenue Agency defines this broadly, but not everything qualifies.
What I tend to notice is that people assume if a test is medical, it must be claimable. That’s not how it works. The CRA has a specific list, and blood tests fall into different categories depending on what they’re testing for and who ordered them.
What blood tests cost and how reimbursement works across Canada
The cost of a blood test depends entirely on what it’s looking for. A standard complete blood count might cost $20–$50 if you’re paying privately. A liquid biopsy for cancer can run $2,000–$5,000. Provincial health plans cover many routine tests, but advanced molecular testing often isn’t included unless you’re in a specific program or clinical trial.
Here’s how the main categories of blood tests compare for reimbursement purposes:
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| Test Type | Typical Cost (private pay) | Provincial Coverage | Tax Claim Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine blood work (CBC, lipids, glucose) | $20–$100 | Usually covered with doctor referral | Yes, if not reimbursed by provincial plan |
| Liquid biopsy (ctDNA testing for cancer) | $2,000–$5,000 | Rarely covered outside clinical trials | Yes, as a laboratory procedure |
| Blood coagulation monitoring | $50–$200 per test | Varies by province and indication | Yes, explicitly listed by CRA |
| Genetic testing (non-cancer) | $500–$3,000 | Rarely covered | Depends on medical necessity documentation |
The practical consequence is straightforward: if you’re paying out of pocket for a liquid biopsy or genetic test, you’re almost certainly going to exceed the 3% threshold, making the full amount above that line claimable. But you have to know to claim it, and you need the right paperwork.
What I’d do in this situation is keep a running log of every test, the date paid, the amount, and whether any portion was reimbursed by a provincial or private plan. That single habit determines whether you can actually use the tax credit or not.
Three mistakes that cost you money on blood test claims
Assuming provincial coverage means you can’t claim the rest
If your provincial health plan covers part of a test but you pay a portion out of pocket, that out-of-pocket amount is still an eligible medical expense. The CRA allows you to claim amounts you paid that were not reimbursed, as long as the reimbursement wasn’t already included in your income. The mistake is writing off the whole cost because “the government already paid some of it.”
Missing the 12-month window strategy
You can choose any 12-month period ending in the tax year. If you had a $3,000 liquid biopsy in March 2024 and another $1,500 in tests in February 2025, you could group them into a single 12-month window that ends in 2025, pushing your total over the threshold. Most people just claim expenses from January to December and miss the chance to bundle costs strategically.
Not getting a doctor’s referral in writing
The CRA can ask for documentation that a test was medically necessary. Without a written referral or requisition from a physician, a private genetic test or advanced blood panel may be denied as an eligible expense. One person I know had a $2,800 claim rejected simply because the lab order was from a naturopath, not a medical doctor. The fix is straightforward: ask your family doctor to sign a referral before the test, and keep a copy with your tax records.
If you’re unsure whether a specific test qualifies, it’s worth checking with a professional who deals with these claims regularly. Services like JustAnswer can connect you with someone who understands the nuances of medical expense claims and insurance reimbursement in Canada.
How to actually claim blood test costs — step by step
Step 1: Confirm the test is an eligible medical expense
Check the CRA’s list of common medical expenses. Laboratory procedures are explicitly eligible. Blood coagulation monitors are also listed. If the test doesn’t appear on the list, you need a doctor’s note explaining why it was medically necessary. Without that, the claim may be rejected.
Step 2: Gather your receipts and proof of payment
The CRA requires receipts that show the date of payment, the name of the patient, the type of service, and the amount paid. If you paid by credit card, keep the statement. If you paid by cheque, keep the cancelled cheque or bank record. Digital copies are fine, but they need to be legible and complete.
Step 3: Choose your 12-month period
This is where a little planning goes a long way. If you had a large test in March 2024 and another in February 2025, your best 12-month window might be March 2024 to February 2025, claimed on your 2025 tax return. You can’t claim the same expense twice, so make sure you haven’t already used those months on a previous return.
Step 4: File the claim on lines 33099 or 33199
On your tax return, enter the total eligible medical expenses on line 33099 for yourself, your spouse, and your children under 18. If you’re claiming for a dependent relative, use line 33199. The CRA will automatically calculate the 3% threshold and apply the credit at the lowest tax rate.
Step 5: Keep records for six years
The CRA can ask for supporting documents up to six years after you file. If you’re audited and can’t produce receipts, the claim is disallowed and you may owe interest on the tax you saved. A simple folder — physical or digital — with all test receipts, referrals, and proof of payment is enough.
What’s changing with liquid biopsy reimbursement
Health economics modeling for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in Ontario found that adding liquid biopsy to the standard tissue biopsy pathway can save the system money by reducing trial-and-error chemotherapy and adverse events. Some provinces are starting to fund liquid biopsy through public programs, but it’s not universal yet. If you’re in a rural or remote area, in-house NGS liquid biopsy platforms in community hospitals are beginning to reduce geographic inequities, but you may need to ask specifically whether the test is available locally.
For those navigating complex claims or denied reimbursements, speaking with a legal professional who understands insurance and health law can be helpful. JustAnswer Legal offers access to lawyers who can review your situation and explain your options.
Frequently asked questions about blood test reimbursement in Canada
Can I claim a blood test on my taxes if my private insurance already paid for it? ▾
What if my blood test was done in the US or another country? ▾
Is a liquid biopsy for cancer covered by provincial health insurance? ▾
Can I claim the cost of a blood coagulation monitor? ▾
What happens if I miss the 12-month window and claim expenses from the wrong period? ▾
Do I need a doctor’s referral for every blood test I claim? ▾
Why the reimbursement gap matters more than most people realise
The 17% of patients who died or became unsuitable for treatment while waiting for biomarker test results in the ACTT study isn’t just a statistic — it’s a direct consequence of how reimbursement shapes access. When a test isn’t covered, it either doesn’t get ordered, or the patient pays and doesn’t know they can claim it back. The system creates a two-tier reality where your postal code and your knowledge of the tax code determine whether you get the test at all.
Remember: this article is general information only. For advice on your specific situation, speak to a qualified professional.
If this was useful, you might also want to read Understanding Infertility Treatment Reimbursement in Canada.
Sources and Further Reading
Tips for Personal Insurance After an Accident or Injury — Practical guidance on filing claims and understanding your coverage after a medical event.
How to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums in Canada — Strategies for reducing costs while maintaining adequate coverage.
Canada Revenue Agency (2025). Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax return (Lines 33099 and 33199). 🔗
Avitia Bio (2024). Fast, Fair Cancer Care: Liquid Biopsy Reimbursement and Access Barriers in Canada. 🔗
