Canadians are turning to DNA tests for answers about their ancestry, health, fitness and even legal matters. With DNA testing becoming more accessible than ever, you’re among the thousands to consider it. But, how much does a DNA test cost in Canada?
Let’s break it all down for you.
Average Cost of a DNA Test in Canada: Breakdown by Type
DNA test prices in Canada range widely depending on the type of test and its intended use. The average cost of a DNA test in Canada varies from $150 to over $2,000 CAD.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Type of DNA Test | Purpose | Price Range (CAD) |
Ancestry | Family origins and ethnicity | $129 – $199 |
Health & Wellness | Nutrigenomics, fitness, and brain health | $249 – $499+ |
Paternity (Home Use) | Peace of mind | $149 – $399 |
Legal Paternity | Court-admissible | $395 – $899 |
Prenatal Paternity | Before birth | ~$1,995 |
If you’re considering a DNA test, then you can look for something like the totalPower kit from dnaPower. It costs only $499 CAD. At this price, this could be the silver bullet of DNA test kits. The test provides a comprehensive overview that includes your diet, fitness, brain health, and detox solutions.
Types of DNA Tests and Their Costs in Canada
If you’re mulling over which test to get, here are the types of DNA tests available with costs.
Ancestry DNA Tests
Ancestry DNA tests come at the most affordable rates among all. These tests simply find your ethnic background and family history. If you’re interested in tracing your lineable, choose this.
The costs range from $129 to $199 CAD and will vary based on the depth of data and the platform used.
Health & Wellness DNA Tests
Health and wellness tests help you understand how your genes impact your diet, exercise, sleep, and even mental health. The average cost of a DNA test in this category is between $249 and $499 CAD. You can uncover details like nutrition, fitness, brain health, and detoxification.
For better knowledge, you can check out dnaPower’s specialized health and wellness kits:
- dietPower: For personalized dietary information.
- fitPower: To better understand fitness, exercise and muscle response.
- brainPower: For brain and mental wellness.
Paternity Tests
Paternity tests are legal and can be done at home. If it’s a home-use kit, it will cost from around $149 to $399 CAD. On the other hand, legal paternity tests can cost anywhere from $395 and $899 CAD. These are admissible in court and need strict sample handling.
Prenatal Paternity Tests
These are advanced tests used to determine paternity before a baby is born. This is a highly complex test and needs special safety measures. The costs rise to around $1,995 CAD. They are generally arranged through specialized labs or medical clinics.
What Factors Influence the Cost of a DNA Test?
The cost of the DNA test will change depending on a few factors. Here’s what you need to know:
- What type of test: An ancestry test is less expensive than a medical-grade one. A legal DNA test will cost even more.
- Why are you getting the test: The purpose of your DNA test matters. Legal tests cost more because they need a chain of custody. Tests like these also need certified lab procedures.
- Is the analysis deep: The depth of analysis will increase the cost. Tests like dnaPower’s “totalPower” analyze 200+ genetic variations.
- Are there added services: Some companies include one-on-one consultations or customized health plans.
- Does it have lab accreditation: Tests processed in CLIA or ISO-certified labs often cost more due to quality assurance.
Will Insurance Cover DNA Testing?
The answer depends on the type of test and why it is being done.
Generally, DNA tests covered by insurance are ones ordered by a doctor for medical purposes. These can include tests to identify genetic disorders or assess your risk for inherited diseases. If it falls in the recreational and direct-to-consumer tests, insurance is not eligible.
So, is DNA testing covered by insurance? Only in specific clinical cases, and usually with a physician’s referral.
Your Next Step: Choosing dnaPower for Your DNA Test
With dnaPower, you get full tests with personalized reports. You get an 80+ page report with recommendations for your DNA. The team schedules a 45-minute session with a DNA-certified consultant.
As for privacy, dnaPower operates a CLIA-certified Canadian lab and does not expose your genetic data. You can also get a simple at-home cheek swab collection with easy mail-in.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does a DNA test cost in Canada? Anywhere from $150 to nearly $2,000, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re exploring your ancestry, a budget-friendly kit might do. But if you’re serious about improving your health through science, kits like dnaPower’s totalPower kit are worth the investment.
Just be sure to choose a provider you trust, understand what you’re paying for, and set clear goals for what you hope to learn.