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Competitive starting prices, discounts, and subscription opportunities make Everlywell one of the most affordable home testing options. It boasts a more comprehensive range of health tests than most competitors, along with exceptional customer support.
If you’re considering home health testing, Everlywell likely tops your list of companies to consider. Everlywell rates highly on all of our critical evaluating factors: test accuracy, cost, speed, customer support, and privacy. Its wide variety of women’s and men’s health tests are often a better value than competitors’ at-home tests due to its generous promotions and subscription options.
Is Everlywell a good testing choice for you? We tried out a variety of Everlywell’s tests and services. In this article, we detail the entire customer experience so you know what to expect. We also explain how its tests stack up to your other options for health testing. Read on to learn more.
Our team at Innerbody Research spent approximately 85 hours hands-on testing and researching Everlywell products and services, plus investigated its competitor landscape. We evaluated the entire customer experience, from ordering tests to collecting samples and then going over our results. We also reached out to the customer service team with questions people like you are likely to ask.
Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about living healthier lifestyles. Our testing team purchases, tests, and compares a wide range of telehealth services, home tests, and other health-related products. We then write reviews and guides that inform you about the entire experience so you know what to expect. Our articles are also thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.
You have many options to consider if you want to learn more about your health with self-administered home tests. Is Everlywell the best choice for you? While a lot depends on the specific test(s) you want to take, we determined five criteria for evaluating Everlywell and how it fares in the home testing arena: test accuracy, cost, speed, customer support, and privacy.
Like most home tests from trusted companies, Everlywell’s tests provide valuable results when performed according to the kit’s instructions. However, the term “accurate” has its limitations. Home tests let you do just that -- test. They’re accurate as long as they provide accurate measurements, but using them to self-diagnose is not appropriate.
Each test’s results vary. Some provide a conclusive result of negative or positive. In contrast, others offer a more speculative measure of where your result fits on a scale or a numeric value. For example, food sensitivity test results reflect your level of reactivity (an immune response) to specific foods. Most tests also can’t detect whether an infection is active. False negatives or positives are always possible, primarily if you do not collect your sample precisely according to the instructions. As helpful as home tests are, they are not a replacement for in-office medical care or a consultation with a doctor, which can lessen the chance of unnecessary anxiety or misguided reassurance.
Like other credible home testing companies, Everlywell uses Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) -- tests designed, developed, and performed in a single laboratory and overseen by the FDA. All of the labs that process Everlywell tests are CLIA-certified or CAP-accredited and comply with federal and state regulations for lab testing.
So, while home tests like Everlywell’s provide results very similar to those you’d get from an in-person doctor’s visit or medical lab, they don’t diagnose conditions. You should discuss with your doctor any results that cause you concern or confusion.
Everlywell prices its tests competitively with other home health testing companies; however, the discount opportunities in the form of coupons, sales, and subscriptions make Everlywell one of the most affordable options out there. If you do routine testing, its memberships offer substantial savings of up to 50% off.
While an in-person lab test might cost less with insurance coverage, we found Everlywell’s tests a good value and affordably priced -- and the convenience factor adds to this value. You may also qualify for reimbursement on Everlywell tests with your HSA/FSA benefits.
While it took about a week to receive the test kits, shipping the samples off to the labs usually only took a couple of days, with frequent updates on the status. Even though Everlywell cautioned that they were experiencing delays, we received our test results in an average of two days. Everlywell communicates delays via email and on your account Test Results page. Overall, Everlywell’s speed matches or exceeds other home health testing companies.
Everlywell does an excellent job at providing clear instructions in each test kit. You can also find details on the tests and how to use them in both written and visual content (website tutorials, step-by-step guides, instruction pamphlets in your test kit, and videos). Everlywell’s FAQ section is helpful if you need extra information, and if you still have questions, you can get quick answers via chat, email, or a phone call.
We appreciated having various ways to reach out with questions. The customer support team is quick to respond, professional, and helpful in addressing your specific questions. We also found the customer service representatives compassionate and supportive. While we only recommend the online chat for straightforward questions, emailing and calling resulted in speedy, personal, and detailed responses -- often within 30 minutes via email or a few minutes on the phone during regular business hours. Off-hours, it can take slightly longer.
Everlywell has numerous security measures in place to protect your privacy and secure information. Bank-level encryption and security protocols safeguard your health information, and a HIPAA-compliant platform stores all your information securely.
Only you can access your test results, although you can choose to share them with whomever you wish. You’re always encouraged to share worrisome results with your doctor. Everlywell stores your records permanently; you can contact its customer service team if you’d like them deleted.
Everlywell delivers your test in a discreet plain brown box. The only telling information about what’s inside is that the return addressee says: Everlywell.
You may wish to consider that, in certain states, mandatory reporting to health departments is in effect for some diseases. For example, if you test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, or hepatitis C, Everlywell is legally required to report the result to state health departments. Health departments collect this data to track the prevalence of new infections for the sake of public health while protecting your privacy; family members, spouses, or employers cannot access it. This requirement is the same if you go to your doctor.
Everlywell makes testing for common health concerns easier, more convenient, and more anonymous than in-person lab testing. It also provides a supportive, educational experience to empower you to monitor your health. Your test results get reviewed by a board-certified physician before Everlywell shares them with you. However, these tests are not a replacement for in-person or virtual medical care from your doctor. We view most of these tests as a “first step” toward improved health.
Austin-based Everlywell was founded in 2015, becoming one of the first online marketplaces for home health tests. Today, it’s one of the most trusted providers of home health testing. Like home-based healthcare at large, Everlywell’s user-friendliness and range of tests have improved over time. Although its offerings have expanded to address a wider variety of health concerns, its prices have become more affordable.
Like all home health testing companies, Everlywell has its limitations.
There are five main steps Everlywell customers take:
Everlywell’s simple step-by-step instructions are easy to follow. They also include dos and don’ts and provide advice on how to interpret and act on your results. It’s easy to get in touch with customer service, which provides personalized support rather than automated, one-size-fits-all responses.
Once you’ve ordered your test kit, it’s sent from the company warehouse within one business day and delivered to you within 5-10 business days. Everlywell keeps you updated so you always know the status of your test. The company packs its tests within a plain brown cardboard box, with no branding or identifiers beyond “Everlywell” on the return address.
When you receive your box, there are a few critical steps to take before collecting your sample(s). The first thing you should do is register your test kit, which only takes a minute or two using the following steps:
Every test kit has an expiration date printed on the end of the kit’s box. You must complete the tests before that date to ensure accurate results.
All Everlywell tests require submitting one or more of the following samples: a nasal or vaginal swab, urine sample, blood sample, stool sample, or saliva sample. In addition to the detailed instructions inside of the kit itself, Everlywell.com features several videos that fully illustrate how to collect your sample. You’ll find all of the necessary testing equipment in the kit, including a prepaid return shipping package.
Simply write your name, the collection date, and the time (if required) on your specimen’s label and return the package via USPS for analysis. To ensure accurate results, ship your sample within a few days of collection. Your results should be ready to be viewed within five business days from the date that the lab receives your sample — ours took 2-5 business days. Everlywell notifies you via email when your results are ready for viewing on your account. You can also opt-in to get text messages with updates on the status of your test.
The lancets provided in Everlywell’s kits are FDA-approved medical devices from a leading healthcare manufacturer. They are used widely in medical practices and hospitals for patients of all ages. By design, these lancets are user-friendly, sterile, and less painful than other methods. Each kit includes instructions on how to collect your sample safely and effectively. The lancets are one-use only, and the sharp element retreats fully back into the plastic casing, allowing you to dispose of them in your trash after use.
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Everlywell offers a handful of tests that evaluate your nutritional health by measuring vitamin levels, allergic reactions to food, and more.
The Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test [$74 with discount] measures your body’s immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to 96 different foods and helps you identify foods your body may react to. Among all of the food sensitivity test kits we’ve reviewed, Everlywell’s is our top-rated test.
Keep in mind that while food sensitivity tests can help identify foods that might trigger an immune response and cause reactions like gastrointestinal distress and inflammation, they are not diagnostic. They can’t tell you anything about food intolerances or allergies, which can be very serious. Food sensitivity tests also cannot diagnose celiac disease.
This test involves the submission of a small blood sample. Each food tested is rated as normal, mild, moderate, or high reactivity. If you’re concerned about a particular food, keep it in your diet for the four weeks before you collect your blood sample so that the test can measure your response to it.
Many people use their results as a springboard for trying an elimination diet. Elimination diets can take a long time, especially if you’re sensitive to several different foods. If you’re anxious to pinpoint problem foods quickly, we recommend consulting a nutritionist who can test you for intolerances and allergies and give you a more comprehensive plan.
For those who want to be as thorough as possible while testing, Everlywell also offers its Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test [$119 with discount], which measures your IgG reactivity to 204 different foods rather than 96. Comparing this test to the competition and Everlywell’s less expensive option, the Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test is a good value.
But bigger isn’t necessarily better; we recommend that you examine and compare the 204 foods listed in the comprehensive test information to determine whether you routinely eat any of the 108 foods that are included in this test but excluded from the entry-level version. If you do find such foods included in the comprehensive test, it would be wise to make the bigger investment.
In addition to their outstanding food sensitivity tests, Everlywell recently developed a food allergy test. The difference is subtle but important to understand. Food sensitivity tests look for specific sets of immunoglobulin antibodies (often IgG and IgA antibodies) that your body produces when exposed to almost any food. Elevated enough levels may indicate a sensitivity to particular foods but not an allergy. When your body produces IgE antibodies, you have a more 'traditional' allergic reaction to foods like hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis. Food allergy tests screen for these antibodies.
Everlywell’s Food Allergy Test [$112 with discount] looks for IgE antibodies that appear in response to nine common allergens, including:
Everlywell has also recently added dedicated celiac disease screening to their testing collection. This test screens specifically for total IgA antibodies and two antibodies associated with celiac disease: tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin (tTG-IgA) and deamidated gliadin peptide immunoglobulin G (DGP-IgG).
You’ll want to test for celiac disease if consuming glutenous products leaves you with any of the following symptoms:
There are several slightly less common symptoms of celiac disease, and these might not be enough to cause concern on their own. Still, if you encounter several of them, especially in concert with the symptoms described above, you should get tested. These symptoms include:
There is also an increasing body of evidence connecting digestive health — particularly celiac — with migraine. So frequent, intense headaches accompanied by disturbances in vision, sensitivity to sound and light, and linguistic issues like aphasia can all point toward celiac disease.
There is a major hangup in celiac testing, however, and it’s essential to understand for those who’ve already cut gluten out of their diets. If you’ve gone six months to a year or more avoiding gluten at all costs, then there likely won’t be sufficient antibodies in your system to test positive for celiac disease, even if you have it.
If this describes your recent diet, you’ll want to talk to a doctor who can guide you through a gluten reintegration period during which you’ll steadily consume consistent amounts of gluten to raise any potential antibodies in your blood. Recommendations vary, but you might have to consume gluten for anywhere from two weeks to several months in order to see reliable results. This may be an impossible task for those whose symptoms cause too much pain and disrupt their daily lives. It’s vital that you have proper medical supervision if you intend to reintegrate gluten for the purpose of a test.
There’s also the question of tissue sampling to confirm a celiac diagnosis. But few doctors will perform this procedure without first seeing evidence of celiac disease on a test like Everlywell’s Celiac Disease Screening Test [$89 with discount]. If you test positive, the next step would be to have a physical tissue sample from your intestines examined by a gastroenterologist.
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Everlywell’s Heavy Metals Test [$149 with discount] measures the levels of certain environmental toxins (heavy metals) in your body. A couple of these elements are required in trace amounts for normal healthy body functions but can be irritating and highly detrimental in higher quantities.
The substances assessed by this test include arsenic, mercury, cadmium, bromine, selenium, and iodine, with urinary creatinine used to normalize the test results. If you want to learn more about these substances and their significance, we provide all of that information in our comprehensive guide about heavy metal testing kits. (In it, we also explain why Everlywell’s test, though very good, is not our top choice – that distinction goes to myLAB Box’s heavy metals test.)
This test is particularly relevant for those potentially exposed to heavy metals at work or those with relevant preexisting medical conditions, such as thyroid problems. At-risk work environments include battery plant work, welding, dentistry, and the manufacturing of pesticides, cars, glass, or pottery.
It’s also wise to test children for heavy metals, but Everlywell’s tests are designed for adults. Consult your doctor before administering this or any home health test on minors.
This test involves submitting two urine samples -- one first thing in the morning, the other before you go to sleep at night. Your results tell you if your levels of each element are low, normal, or high. If you receive any atypical results, discuss them with your physician.
Everlywell offers its Indoor and Outdoor Allergy Test [$111 with discount] for those experiencing or hoping to prevent symptoms of allergies, like a runny nose, irritated eyes, sneezing, congestion, headache, cough, and itchy throat. You will collect a small blood sample, and your results detect possible sensitivities to 40 common allergens, including:
Everlywell analyzes your blood sample for immunoglobulin E (IgE) immune responses to each of these allergens, with results ranging from “very low” to “very high.” So, while this test cannot confirm allergies, it can pinpoint things your immune system reacts to.
Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common among Americans and can contribute to several health issues, including an overall predisposition to inflammatory responses. These issues can, in turn, increase your likelihood of developing more severe diseases.
Everlywell offers two vitamin D-related tests:
The CRP is assumed to indicate elevated inflammation in the body. CRP levels can also temporarily rise due to a recent infection or trauma, so keep this in mind if your results show an abnormally high CRP.
Suppose your results indicate that you are suffering from vitamin D deficiency. In that case, the remedy is often as simple as increasing your time in the sun, eating more vitamin D-rich foods, or taking a supplement.
In general, we recommend you save money by opting for the less expensive, regular version of the Vitamin D Test and then seeing your doctor if any abnormal results show up.
For anyone trying to manage cholesterol levels and assess overall heart health, Everlywell offers an ideal Cholesterol and Lipids Test [$37 with discount]. The health conditions linked to high levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides are numerous: heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis, high blood pressure (hypertension), type II diabetes, and more.
This test requires a small blood sample in order to analyze total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the most beneficial home health cholesterol tests analyze all of these rather than measuring only total cholesterol.
Your results include guidance on making modifications to your diet or exercise regime to help bring your cholesterol and lipid levels back into the healthy range (if necessary). Everlywell’s Heart Health bundle kit also tests cholesterol and lipid levels.
Everlywell’s HbA1c Test [$37 with discount] measures the amount of HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1C) in the blood. It evaluates whether your average blood sugar level over the past 90 days has been within a healthy range.
The test requires submitting a blood sample and is particularly useful for people concerned about either developing or controlling diabetes. Everlywell’s Heart Health bundle also evaluates HbA1c levels.
The Heart Health Test [$74 with discount] provides insight into the overall health of your heart. After a small blood sample, results include analysis of the biomarkers mentioned in the Cholesterol and Lipids and HbA1c tests described above, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), which is associated with inflammation. Each of these biomarkers has implications for developing heart disease, and there is more information about each of them on the Everlywell website. This test is particularly relevant to people with a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes; individuals who are overweight, smoke, or do not exercise; and those who take cholesterol medication.
Tick-borne diseases in the U.S. are on the rise and subsequently a growing concern. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by several different bacteria, though the likeliest culprit is Borrelia burgdorferi.
Many people believe that they’ll show the classic bullseye bite mark after a tick bite, which signals that they need medical guidance. But the bullseye doesn’t always happen. Up to 30% of people with Lyme disease don’t experience that rash. If you might have been exposed to ticks and are feeling unwell — with body temperature changes, body aches, headache, or exhaustion — then testing to rule out Lyme disease is a good idea.
Everlywell’s Lyme Disease Test [$82 with discount] is a blood finger-prick test that checks for IgG and IgM antibodies to three types of bacteria that are causes of Lyme disease globally:
The CDC recommends a two-step testing process for Lyme disease, and Everlywell conveniently bundles both steps into one test kit. A western blot is the first component of this test. It’s a standard first step in the process of diagnosing Lyme disease because a positive result is a strong signal that an infection took place.
The second testing component in this kit, IgG with IgM measurement, matters because a positive IgM result potentially indicates a recent and active infection. Positive IgG likely means that the infection has been present for some time. If you have a positive result for IgG but a negative result for IgM, you may have had an infection, but your body produced sufficient antibodies to overcome the infection. Share all results with your doctor.
If you’re over 45, the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) Colon Cancer Screening Test [$37 with discount] is a handy and convenient tool at your disposal for testing your colon health. This stool sample test checks for small amounts of blood in your stool.
Studies indicate that Everlywell’s test is quite sensitive and compares favorably to similar tests. Although the presence of a small amount of blood in your stool doesn’t mean you have colon cancer or precancerous polyps, it does require medical attention to determine the cause.
Early detection of any issue related to your gut health is crucial for avoiding more dangerous health situations later. We recommend this kit for that very reason, mainly because it’s such an affordable and convenient way to be proactive about your colon’s health. If you’ve been having digestive symptoms like constipation and diarrhea, unexplainable weight loss, or discomfort in your abdomen, studies conclude that this test can provide helpful information for you and your doctor.
Everlywell was one of the first companies to provide an at-home COVID-19 test [$109, though your insurance plan may reimburse the cost of the test]. The FDA authorized it under its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and it’s available nationwide. The test ships in 2-8 business days — or sooner with expedited shipping — and you’ll get your results back within 48 hours of your sample arriving at the lab.
This test can detect an active SARS-CoV-2 infection (RNA from the virus) regardless of whether you’re symptomatic or not. It does not detect antibodies or past exposure.
When you register your test, you’ll complete an intake questionnaire to account for any symptoms you’re experiencing. If severe, Everlywell’s medical team will advise you to seek immediate medical attention instead of proceeding with the test. If you’re asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms, you can proceed with sample collection. This test uses a lower nasal swab. Should your results come back positive, you can do a free online consultation to decide a course of action.
The beauty of this kind of COVID-19 testing is that you can test without the risk of exposing yourself to infection outside of your home or exposing others to illness if you’re currently infected. However, if your symptoms are severe (such as difficulty breathing), seek emergency medical help immediately.
Everlywell offers six health tests aimed at women. If you’re interested in two or more of the individual tests described below, it is usually a better deal to buy the more comprehensive Women’s Health Test.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common asymptomatic viral infection. There are more than 150 different types of HPV, some of which can cause cervical cancer (HPV16 and HPV18), genital warts (HPV6 and HPV11), and other types of cancer. HPV strains are “high-risk” if they cause lesions and cancers or “low-risk” if they cause warts.
The Everlywell HPV Test [$37 with discount] checks for 14 high-risk HPV genotypes and gives you insight into your risk of developing cervical cancer. This information can be extremely useful as it allows you to create an appropriate cervical screening plan with your physician. If you test positive for a high-risk HPV strain, an associate from Everlywell’s physician network will contact you to discuss your results and give you advice. This test is particularly relevant to women over the age of 30.
The Ovarian Reserve Test [$37 with discount] measures a woman’s follicle-stimulating hormone FSH) levels. It estimates how many more times she is likely to ovulate compared to the average for her age (also referred to as her ovarian reserve). However, keep in mind that this doesn’t tell you the likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy from one of these eggs.
Since hormonal birth control and other hormone-based therapies may interfere with the results of this test, Everlywell recommends being hormone-supplement-free for at least six weeks before taking the test. However, you shouldn’t discontinue any hormonal therapies without first consulting your physician. The test involves the collection of a blood sample on the third day of your menstrual cycle. In general, we feel that this test is not that useful because home tests like these cannot predict your fertility.
The Everlywell Postmenopausal Test [$74 with discount] evaluates levels of the hormones estradiol and progesterone. If you suspect that your hormone levels have changed, if you are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or if you’re already on HRT and want to check that you are not overcompensating, this test is for you.
Hormonal imbalances can lead to a variety of troublesome symptoms. Everlywell’s Women’s Fertility Test [$112 with discount] is for women concerned about their fertility or who have experienced signs that may indicate a hormonal problem, such as changes to their menstrual cycles or unexplained weight changes. The hormones analyzed in this test include estradiol, LH, FSH, total testosterone, and TSH. Small blood samples must be collected on a few specific days of your menstrual cycle, as stated in the kit’s instructions.
Aimed at women in all stages of life, the Women's Health Test [$149 with discount] is Everlywell's most comprehensive hormone test bundle. Along with several hormones related to thyroid function and stress response, it evaluates all the biomarkers covered by the Women's Fertility Test, Postmenopause Test, Perimenopause Test, and Ovarian Reserve Test.
The test requires both a blood and a saliva sample, each collected at different times during your menstrual cycle according to the instructions included in the kit. If you're looking for a home testing service to help you answer a specific question — such as "Are these symptoms the result of my menopause?" or "Are my hormones affecting my fertility?" — you may not need a hormone test as comprehensive as this. In that case, opt for one of the more specific hormone tests described above to save a little money. However, if you want to get the most detailed picture of your reproductive health (and don't mind paying the higher price), the Women's Health Test is very insightful.
Low levels of testosterone are associated with low sex drive, mental fatigue, weight gain, and depression. The Testosterone Test [$37 with discount] is straightforward; requiring only a saliva sample, it reports your testosterone levels.
Everlywell's Men’s Health Test [$149 with discount] examines four hormones that are associated with sex drive, muscle mass, weight balance, and energy levels:
An independent, board-certified physician in your state reviews all results from this test before Everlywell shares them with you.
The CDC estimates that there are almost 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) each year. STD infections can persist for an extended period of time, and most people are not aware they’re infected until late-stage symptoms appear. According to a recent CDC study, “STD screening is critical” in effectively stemming their spread. When caught early, most STDs can be cured or at least managed with proper treatment.
While Everlywell provides great STD tests, they are not our overall top choice; based on our experience, myLAB Box is an even better option for most people looking for convenient STD testing.
Everlywell offers individual STD tests for hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea (which comes in a bundle). Unless you have reason to test for a single STD, we recommend starting with a multi-STD test: the STD Test - Female or the STD Test - Male.
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Below you can see what’s included in these bundled test kits (note that you can get the promo prices if you use our INNERBODY15 promo code when purchasing).
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S., and infection can have serious health consequences if not diagnosed and treated early. The good news is that both are easily curable in most cases, and early detection and intervention is the best way to prevent long-term consequences. Many people infected with either don’t have any symptoms, so testing is a good idea if you think you may have been exposed.
Everlywell's Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test [$37 with discount] involves submitting a urine sample. This test cannot tell you the specific area of your body that is infected (vaginal, anal, or oral infection). If your test comes back positive, a board-certified Everlywell-affiliated physician in your state will contact you free of charge to discuss your case and prescribe medication as necessary (subject to your consent).
Hepatitis C is a severe viral infection of the liver. If left untreated, it can cause permanent and potentially life-threatening damage to your liver, but luckily it is now possible to treat or cure hepatitis C in most cases.
The infection is often asymptomatic for many years, with affected persons only realizing they have hepatitis C when the liver has already become damaged. The virus is spread via blood-to-blood contact or through unprotected sex, though the latter is uncommon. The CDC recommends hepatitis C testing to all adults born between 1945 and 1965 and for people with specific medical conditions and those who are part of particularly high-risk groups (such as current or former intravenous drug users).
Everlywell's Hepatitis C Test [$37 with discount] involves the submission of a blood sample. If your test comes back positive, an associate from Everlywell’s physician network will contact you, provide you with any information you need, and discuss your options moving forward. Everlywell recommends that you wait a minimum of 8-9 weeks after a potential exposure before taking a Hepatitis C test. If this test comes back positive, you should get re-tested three months after your first test to confirm the positive result.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Though alarming, an HIV diagnosis is far from the devastating death sentence it once was. Treatments have come a long way over the past two decades, turning HIV into a manageable condition. Patients now have a life expectancy that's very close to that of the rest of the population.
The CDC recommends routine HIV screening for everyone aged 13-64. Testing is crucial for those who engage in unprotected sex, IV drug users, those who have come into contact with blood products, or persons born to HIV-positive mothers.
The Everlywell HIV Test [$37 with discount] involves the collection of a blood sample. If your test results are abnormal, an associate from Everlywell’s physician network will reach out to provide you with any information you need to discuss your options moving forward. Everlywell recommends that you wait a minimum of 1-3 months after a potential exposure before taking an HIV test.
Syphilis is an STD caused by a species of bacteria. Often initially asymptomatic, syphilis may cause serious and even life-threatening medical issues if left untreated. Luckily, it’s often cured with a short course of antibiotics. You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex with someone who may be infected, had contact with an infected sore, or are an IV drug user.
Everlywell’s Syphilis Test [$37 with discount] involves the collection of a blood sample. If your test result is positive, an associate from Everlywell’s physician network will contact you to provide more information and discuss your options moving forward. Everlywell recommends that you wait a minimum of 3-6 weeks after a potential exposure before taking a syphilis test. If this test comes back positive, get re-tested three months after concluding your treatment to ensure the infection is gone.
Caused by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas, trichomoniasis (“trich”) is another of the most common curable STDs in the U.S. Over 70% of affected people never develop any symptoms, and infection is more common in women than men.
Everlywell’s Trichomoniasis Test [$37 with discount] involves submitting a urine sample and is very accurate for women but slightly less accurate for men, who are more likely to receive false-positive or false-negative results. If you test positive for trich using an Everlywell test, a board-certified physician in your state will contact you for a consultation. It may be possible for them to send you a prescription right away, depending upon your symptoms and state of residence.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital herpes. Active viruses result in genital sores, but most people have very mild or no visible symptoms. Everlywell once discontinued its tests for herpes, but in June 2021, they resumed testing for HSV-2 in the STD Test - Female kit (not yet available in the male kit). Find out which at-home herpes test is best for you in our comprehensive guide.
The STD Test - Male [$111 with discount] includes tests for six different infections as described above: chlamydia, hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, and trichomoniasis. If you test positive for any of these, a board-certified physician will contact you to discuss your case and prescribe medication if appropriate. The test requires both a urine and blood spot sample.
The STD Test - Female [$111 with discount] tests for the same six infections as the male panel, plus herpes simplex virus type 2 (described in more detail above). The other main difference between the two tests is that the female version requires both a blood spot sample and a vaginal swab. If you test positive for any one of the conditions covered, a board-certified physician in your state will contact you to discuss your case and to prescribe medication if appropriate.
Everlywell’s popular Thyroid Test [$74 with discount] evaluates thyroid function via analysis of four hormones: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), TPO, T3, and T4. Symptoms associated with a malfunctioning thyroid include sluggishness, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, unexpected or unusual weight gain (or loss), depression, and more. If your test results show any abnormalities, we recommend that you visit your healthcare provider. We created a comprehensive guide where you can learn more about your thyroid testing options.
The Sleep and Stress Test [$149 with discount] measures your cortisol, cortisone, melatonin, and creatinine levels at four points in the day (morning, afternoon, evening, and night). Cortisol, cortisone, and melatonin hormone levels have implications for sleep quality and stress management, while creatinine is a biomarker used to normalize your data. Testing involves the submission of a small urine sample.
The results of this test may provide you with an explanation for sleep issues and increased stress. Still, most of the time, the recommendations are common sense: less exposure to light and environmental triggers of stress, especially before bedtime. If you are experiencing chronic sleep disturbances, you might consider getting tested by your doctor for obstructive sleep apnea — a severe condition that this test can’t detect.
Everlywell’s Metabolism Test [$37 with discount] evaluates the levels of three hormones in your blood that contribute to the regulation of metabolism: cortisol, free testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Suppose you’ve experienced symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or gain, decreased energy, or a change in body composition. In that case, a metabolism test may help you pinpoint the cause of these symptoms so that you can take appropriate action (seeing your healthcare provider).
The Sleep and Stress Test [$149 with discount] measures your cortisol, cortisone, melatonin, and creatinine levels at four points in the day (morning, afternoon, evening, and night). Cortisol, cortisone, and melatonin hormone levels have implications for sleep quality and stress management, while creatinine is a biomarker used to normalize your data. Testing involves the submission of a small urine sample.
The results of this test may provide you with an explanation for sleep issues and increased stress. Still, most of the time, the recommendations are common sense: less exposure to light and environmental triggers of stress, especially before bedtime. If you are experiencing chronic sleep disturbances, you might consider getting tested by your doctor for obstructive sleep apnea – a severe condition that this test can’t detect.
Everlywell offers two different tests focused on optimal B vitamins, an essential part of nutritional awareness. These essential vitamins help your body create DNA, form red blood cells, maintain good energy levels and mood, boost skin health, and much more. Without sufficient B vitamins, our immune systems suffer, and we’re vulnerable to anemia, in addition to other health problems. While B vitamins are available in everyday foods, it isn’t uncommon to have deficiencies due to aging and dietary choices.
The less expensive of the two tests, the Folate Test [$37 with discount], focuses exclusively on your level of vitamin B9, also known as folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate). The more extensive B Vitamins Test [$67 with discount] checks your levels of B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). While it’s a better value, the latter test is often out of stock.
Home health testing has become increasingly common and reliable, and we have evaluated many other companies offering comparable tests and services to Everlywell. Below is a summary of alternatives you might want to consider. We consider Everlywell a general standout, but there are situations when one of its competitors may be more deserving of your business.
While myLab Box initially only offered sexual health tests, it has expanded into general wellness, fertility, nutrition, and drug testing. We recommend myLAB Box, namely for its individual STD tests, rapid result tests (which Everlywell does not offer), and bundle kits.
Like Everlywell, its tests are analyzed in certified labs, giving them a high degree of accuracy. Sample collection is easy to do at home using the same methods: finger-prick blood sample, urine sample, swabs, etc. You can expect similar timeframes for shipping and getting your results back, too. Tests come in discreet packaging so as not to reveal anything about what you ordered. If you test positive for certain STDs or rapid result tests, you receive a free doctor consultation just like Everlywell offers for some of its tests. myLAB Box’s privacy standards satisfy the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensuring your protection in the same way as Everlywell.
One drawback to myLAB Box is slightly higher base pricing and marginally fewer discounts than Everlywell. However, if you want very comprehensive kits that test for several different things, you may find that myLAB Box’s “box” kits are a convenient value. It’s also worth noting that, like Everlywell, some tests are periodically out of stock.
We also highly recommend LetsGetChecked. It offers a wide variety of health screenings in the following areas: general wellness, cancer screening, sexual health, and fertility and hormone testing. You’ll find many of the same services as Everlywell and myLAB Box provide:
Like Everlywell, your privacy and security are of utmost importance, and all of the HIPAA compliance standards are in place.
We wish LetsGetChecked offered more individual STD tests, as many only come in combination bundles. Everlywell’s pricing is more competitive, so while we highly recommend LetsGetChecked for all the other evaluating factors, you’ll probably save money buying tests from Everlywell. However, by using our INNERBODY25 coupon code, you’ll save 25% at LetsGetChecked.
STDcheck is a standout testing company that makes it easier and more confidential to monitor your sexual health. One significant difference (besides only screening for STDs) is that, unlike Everlywell’s self-administered at-home sample collection method, STDcheck requires you to visit one of its affiliated labs to get tested. Many find the in-lab experience more reassuring, and the ability to remain anonymous ensures your privacy. Another significant benefit is that you’ll get your results much faster — often in one business day.
We highly recommend STDcheck if you want to test for specific STDs, especially individual tests companies like Everlywell don’t offer at all or only as part of a bundle. While you do have to leave home for testing, most people have a lab located nearby. And although you won’t see as many promotions, STDcheck’s base prices are very close to Everlywell’s, making testing with them very affordable. If you test positive, you will receive a free consultation with a doctor. STDcheck’s customer service also receives high praise.
There’s no denying that an in-person experience with a trusted doctor is superior and still preferred by many patients who want a one-on-one experience from the initial appointment to discussing and treating any atypical test results. However, visiting a doctor in person takes time, travel, and often time off work to adhere to the doctor’s hours. It can also be expensive without a good insurance plan. With home testing becoming more advanced, reliable, and affordable for routine or voluntary health screenings, home testing methods like the above are a very favorable option for many.
Everlywell’s tests are already competitively priced, but there is almost always a way to receive an extra discount:
To get reimbursed through HSA/FSA benefits, contact Everlywell via its Contact Us form and request an itemized receipt, which their team will provide to you within 24 hours. If you plan to pay using this method before your purchase, we recommend checking with your HSA/FSA benefits coordinator about any specific requirements and regulations regarding reimbursement.
Everlywell offers a unique and outstanding value for those who want to try new tests every month with its membership programs, Current and Control. Each membership lets you buy one test per month for only $24.99 — that’s 50% off or more off list prices — with the freedom to cancel at any time. The Current membership is limited to sexual health tests, while the Control membership helps you monitor your overall health.
Once a month, you choose one of the included tests, which normally cost $49-$99 each. If you want to skip a month, your credit will roll over to the following month. Unused credits expire after 12 months and are not eligible for reimbursement. You can also purchase additional tests each month at 20% off.
If you no longer wish to continue with your membership, you can cancel easily at any time by contacting Everlywell’s customer care team via email (contact@everlywell.com).
Note: You cannot purchase any of these Control tests for anyone but you to take — everyone needs their own membership or must buy tests on their own.
Below are the tests included in Current membership:
And here are tests included in the Current membership (broken into categories).
Sexual health tests (all normally priced at $49):
Energy and weight tests (normally priced at $50-$100):
Heart health and cancer screening tests (normally priced at $50-$90):
Find the best STD test for you — one that is private, safe, and reliable. We tried testing kits from all major companies.
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Are the tests from STDCheck.com legit? Our experts review everything you need to know about STDcheck, including privacy, costs, accuracy, and more.