Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), formerly known as PGD, is a sophisticated procedure used with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to analyze embryos for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. This technology allows prospective parents to select embryos free from inherited diseases or those with a normal number of chromosomes, aiming to improve pregnancy success rates. Understanding the financial commitment is crucial, as PGT is an expensive add-on to an already costly fertility treatment cycle. The final price is a complex combination of charges that vary significantly based on the type of testing, the specific laboratory used, and necessary medical procedures.
The Direct Cost of PGT Testing
The core expense of PGT is the fee charged by the specialized genetics laboratory for the analysis of the embryo’s cells. This cost is divided based on the type of genetic screening performed. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), which screens embryos for an incorrect number of chromosomes, generally costs between $2,000 and $5,000 per IVF cycle for the lab analysis portion. PGT-A is designed to identify embryos with conditions such as Down syndrome.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Disorders (PGT-M) screens for specific inherited diseases like Cystic Fibrosis or Huntington’s Disease. The lab fee for PGT-M is substantially more expensive, typically ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 per IVF cycle, reflecting the highly customized nature of this testing.
Both PGT-A and PGT-M require the embryologist at the fertility clinic to perform a biopsy, which is the removal of a few cells from the embryo. The biopsy procedure is billed separately from the genetic analysis fee charged by the external lab.
Many labs also charge a fee per embryo analyzed, often ranging from $350 to $500 per sample, in addition to the initial cycle fee. The total direct cost combines the clinic’s biopsy fee and the genetics lab’s initial fee, plus the variable per-embryo analysis charge. Some laboratories offer bundled pricing that covers the analysis of a set number of embryos, with a per-embryo charge applied only after that threshold is met. Patients must obtain an itemized quote that clearly distinguishes between the clinic’s charges and the external laboratory’s fees.
Factors That Increase PGT Expenses
The complexity of the genetic condition is a primary driver of increased PGT costs, particularly for PGT-M. When testing for a single-gene disorder, the genetics lab must first develop a custom genetic probe tailored to the specific mutation carried by the parents. This preparatory work can cost $2,600 to $5,000 and often requires several weeks to complete.
This initial probe creation fee is generally non-refundable and must be paid upfront, regardless of whether the subsequent IVF cycle produces any embryos for testing. The total expense also rises if the number of embryos available for testing exceeds the set limit covered by a flat rate.
If an embryo’s test result is inconclusive, a re-biopsy and re-analysis may be necessary, incurring additional fees for both the clinic’s procedure and the lab’s work. Furthermore, once embryos are biopsied, they must be cryopreserved while awaiting the genetic results. The cost of this cryopreservation and the associated storage fees before a healthy embryo is selected for transfer adds to the total expense.
Necessary Related Expenses of the IVF Cycle
PGT is an add-on to a full IVF cycle, meaning the patient must cover the cost of IVF regardless of the PGT fee. The base cost of a single IVF cycle, which includes egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo culture, typically ranges from $14,000 to $20,000 in the United States. This base fee covers the laboratory work and procedures up to the point of embryo creation.
The mandatory inclusion of fertility medications significantly increases the financial scope. The hormonal stimulation drugs required for egg retrieval often add an estimated $3,000 to $6,000 to the total expense per cycle. These medications are essential for producing the multiple eggs needed for PGT screening.
The IVF cycle also requires frequent monitoring, including multiple blood tests and ultrasounds, necessary to track follicular development and time the egg retrieval precisely. Monitoring and physician fees are often bundled into the base IVF cycle cost, but patients should confirm this detail.
Finally, the selected, tested embryo must be transferred in a separate procedure called a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). The FET is a distinct medical event with its own cost, typically ranging from $4,600 to over $6,000, which must be paid to the clinic to complete the process.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
Navigating insurance coverage for PGT and the necessary IVF cycle is complex. Insurance coverage for IVF itself is highly variable, with only a few states mandating comprehensive coverage. Even when a patient has fertility coverage, PGT-A is frequently classified as an elective procedure, leading to exclusion from coverage.
The exception is PGT-M, which may be covered if deemed medically necessary. If testing is required to prevent the inheritance of a severe genetic disease, some private insurance plans may cover the PGT-M portion under medical benefits, though coverage for the underlying IVF cycle may still be denied. Patients should consult plan documents and speak with the clinic’s financial coordinator early to obtain pre-authorization.
For patients without insurance coverage, several payment options exist to manage the substantial costs. Many fertility clinics and genetic testing laboratories partner with third-party financing companies specializing in medical loans. Non-profit organizations and private foundations also offer grants or financial assistance programs aimed at helping patients afford PGT and IVF.
Financial planning requires a detailed consultation with the clinic’s financial team and the genetics lab’s billing department. Requesting an itemized, personalized quote for the entire process provides the most accurate picture of the total financial commitment.