Key takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers certain types of allergy testing, such as skin pricks, as part of Original Medicare. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) offers the same coverage.
  • To qualify for coverage, your doctor must review your complete medical history and perform a physical exam before ordering the test. There must also be evidence that the test results will be reliable based on scientifically valid, peer-reviewed studies.
  • The cost of allergy testing varies based on the type of test and provider. However, Medicare typically pays 80% of approved costs after you meet your deductible.

Allergy testing should be covered by Medicare Part B, which is part of Original Medicare and covers medical insurance. That said, if you need allergy testing while hospitalized, you may be covered by Part A.

If you have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), this is a separate plan that offers the same benefits as Parts A and B. Some plans also cover extra benefits not offered by Original Medicare.

This article provides more information on Medicare’s coverage for allergy testing, including which tests are covered and how much they cost.

Medicare commonly covers percutaneous tests (skin tests involving puncturing, pricking, or scratching) leading to IgE-mediated reactions to suspected allergens, such as certain foods, inhalants, insect stings, and medications.

To be covered, you need to fulfill the following:

  1. Your doctor needs to review your complete medical history and do a physical exam before ordering the test.
  2. There must be evidence that the test results will be reliable based on scientifically valid peer-reviewed studies.
  3. There needs to be a reasonable likelihood of you being exposed to the antigens in your day-to-day life.

If the percutaneous tests are negative, your doctor may suggest intracutaneous or intradermal testing. These tests involve injecting a small amount of an allergen into your skin.

In addition, Medicare may also cover a few other types of allergy testing. In each case, it may depend on your particular Medicare plan, the specific allergen being tested for, and your doctor’s certification that the testing is necessary, reasonable, and part of a treatment program. These tests include:

  • Patch testing: This is a commonly used method for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis.
  • Photo patch testing: This evaluates for photosensitivity disorders.
  • Skin Endpoint Titration (SET) Testing or Intradermal Dilutional Testing (IDT): These tests determine your starting dose for allergy shots (immunotherapy).
  • Delayed hypersensitivity skin testing: This looks for a delayed allergic reaction and is typically used for only a few specific known allergens or pathogens.
  • Inhalation bronchial challenge: This looks at whether you experience a reaction to inhaling certain substances.
  • Ingestion (oral) challenge: This is a test for reactions to food.
  • Blood tests for certain allergies: These may be covered when medically necessary and ordered and performed by a doctor.

Talk with your doctor to see if Medicare will cover your allergy testing needs and treatment. Depending on the type of test, the scope or number of tests you can receive may be limited.

What isn’t covered

Some types of allergy testing are considered experimental and not medically necessary, so they are unlikely to be covered by Medicare.

These include certain antibody tests, ingestion tests performed at home, laboratory tests, and food allergy tests administered under the tongue. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides a more thorough list of what isn’t covered.

Generally speaking, the cost of allergy testing before insurance depends on the type of test and the clinic or doctor who performs it.

One 2023 study of 270,831 people insured by Original Medicare found that those who received a measurement of specific IgE, which is a blood test that checks for food allergies, paid slightly less ($161) than those who underwent a skin prick test ($247).

That said, how much you may pay after Medicare coverage kicks in also depends on which part of Medicare provides coverage. For Medicare Part B, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $185 in 2025, and the annual deductible is $257. Once you’ve paid those premiums and deductibles, Medicare typically pays 80%, and you pay 20% of approved costs.

Regarding Part A, most people don’t pay a premium, but you must meet a $1,676 deductible. Once you do, Part A will cover your hospital stay and any services you need during that time fully for the first 60 days.

Private insurers manage Part C plans and have different premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance depending on your plan. According to the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.

Ask your doctor if Medicare covers the test they recommend. If it does, ask your doctor how much it will cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is allergy testing considered preventive care?

Medicare considers allergy testing a diagnostic service.

How often does Medicare cover allergy testing?

Medicare doesn’t limit allergy testing coverage as long as it’s medically necessary.

Does Medicare cover immunotherapy (allergy shots)?

Medicare Part B covers most of the cost if the shots are deemed medically necessary. The cost depends on your plan or Medicare part that provides coverage.

Certain types of allergy testing are often covered under certain circumstances. That said, check with your doctor before undergoing an allergy test to ensure the test is covered under your Medicare plan and to find out how much it will cost.