Health Resources and Services Administration approves covered HPV self-test

Women ages 30 to 65 who are at average risk for cervical cancer now have the option to choose a self-administered human papillomavirus (HPV) test, according to new guidelines from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The update is intended to expand screening access and reduce barriers that often prevent women from receiving timely preventive care.

Under the new guideline, most private insurance plans will be required to cover both HPV screening and follow-up testing without cost-sharing. Insurance companies must comply with the requirement by January 1, 2027.

Cervical cancer screening guidelines vary by age. The HRSA continues to recommend Pap smears every three years for women ages 21 to 29. For women ages 30 to 65, the agency recommends HPV testing every five years, which can now be completed either in a clinical setting or through an approved self-administered test. The guidelines apply to women considered at average risk, meaning those without a history of cervical cancer, compromised immune systems or previous abnormal screening results.

Self-administered HPV testing serves as an alternative to the traditional Pap smear. During a Pap smear, a clinician collects cells directly from the cervix during a pelvic exam. Self-tests, by contrast, involve using a small plastic swab or tube that is inserted into the vagina to collect a sample, which is then analyzed for high-risk strains of HPV. Health officials say the method offers increased privacy and comfort while maintaining strong accuracy in detecting HPV infections.

The FDA has approved two self-swab HPV testing methods for use in doctor’s offices, as well as one at-home testing device known as the Teal Wand. While some insurance providers already cover the Teal Wand, the out-of-pocket cost for patients without coverage can reach $250, a price that has made access difficult for many women. The HRSA’s new insurance coverage requirement is expected to reduce these financial barriers.

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and nearly all cases are linked to persistent HPV infections. When detected early, cervical cancer has a five-year survival rate of more than 90%. Despite this, the disease continues to claim more than 4,000 lives each year in the United States. Recent data also show rising diagnosis rates among women in their 30s and early 40s, a trend that health experts say may be linked to delayed or skipped screenings.

“These updates represent a significant step forward in cervical cancer screening and will improve screening rates and save lives,” HRSA Administrator Tom Engels said in a news release. “By expanding screening options and removing cost barriers, we’re helping more women take an active role in protecting their health and their future.”

In addition to screening, HPV vaccination remains a critical tool in cervical cancer prevention. More than 90% of cervical cancer cases can be prevented through vaccination, according to public health experts. The vaccine is typically administered during childhood or adolescence and is designed to provide protection well before exposure to the virus.

The American Cancer Society also released updated cervical cancer screening guidelines in December 2025, aligning with HRSA’s recommendations and formally endorsing self-administered HPV testing as a screening option. Together, the updates reflect a growing consensus among health organizations that expanding screening choices can help reduce cervical cancer rates and save lives.