Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a specialized laboratory technique that examines the genetic material of embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before transfer. PGT is not a standalone medical procedure but an elective add-on integrated into a full IVF cycle. The cost of PGT is only a fraction of the total financial commitment, which is significantly impacted by the mandatory medical procedures required to create the embryos. The complexity of the testing and clinical infrastructure contribute to a final price that is substantial and variable.
Cost of the Genetic Testing Service
The expense for genetic analysis is charged by a specialized genetics laboratory, separate from the fertility clinic’s fees. For the most common test, PGT for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), the laboratory fee typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per cycle or batch of embryos. This fee usually covers the analysis of a set number of embryos, often up to eight, at a flat rate.
Beyond the initial batch, a fee ranging from $250 to $600 is charged for each additional embryo tested. Separate charges for handling and shipping the biopsy samples are often included in the total laboratory expense.
The laboratory analysis fee covers complex molecular biology work, including DNA amplification and chromosomal sequencing. The final cost quote should itemize the lab’s analysis fee separately from the clinic’s fee for the biopsy procedure. Patients may incur an additional fee for expedited results, which shortens the typical seven to ten-day waiting period.
Required Medical Procedures and Medication
The cost of PGT analysis is added to the expense of the required IVF cycle, which produces the embryos for testing. An IVF cycle typically costs between $20,000 and $25,000, excluding PGT fees. This price includes consultations, monitoring appointments, the egg retrieval procedure, fertilization, and embryo culture.
Injectable hormone medications for ovarian stimulation can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 per cycle. Because PGT analysis requires time, embryos must be frozen, necessitating a subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). The FET procedure, including pre-transfer medications, typically adds $4,000 to $5,000 to the total cost.
The clinic charges a specific fee for the embryo biopsy, performed by an embryologist to remove trophectoderm cells from the blastocyst. This microsurgical procedure is distinct from the main IVF laboratory fees and is often billed by the clinic for $1,500 to $2,000.
Factors Influencing the Final Price
The final price depends on the specific type of genetic testing requested, as PGT is divided into several categories. PGT for Monogenic disorders (PGT-M) or PGT for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR) are more expensive than the common PGT-A screening.
PGT-M and PGT-SR Costs
PGT-M tests for specific inherited conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. This requires an initial setup process to create a unique genetic “probe” tailored to the family’s mutation. This probe development and pre-test workup can cost an additional $5,000 to $10,000. The total cost for PGT-M often ranges from $7,000 to $12,000 per cycle due to the complexity of the custom analysis.
Geographic and Storage Fees
The geographic location and reputation of the fertility clinic cause substantial price fluctuations for the entire IVF and PGT package. Clinics in major metropolitan areas generally charge more for services than those in other regions. Patients must also account for recurring cryopreservation storage fees for unused embryos, which typically range from $500 to $1,000 per year.
Navigating Insurance and Payment Options
PGT and the associated IVF cycle are usually considered elective procedures, resulting in a lack of insurance coverage. Standard health insurance plans rarely cover genetic testing unless specific medical criteria are met. Therefore, most costs, including laboratory analysis and biopsy fees, are paid out-of-pocket.
Exceptions exist, especially in states with fertility insurance mandates. Coverage for PGT-M or PGT-SR may be approved if a specific genetic disease has been diagnosed in the family, qualifying the testing as medically necessary. Patients can utilize tax-advantaged accounts, such as a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Patients should explore financial strategies offered by clinics, including multi-cycle packages or financing options through third-party medical lenders. Non-profit organizations also offer grants specifically for fertility treatments and PGT. Reviewing one’s insurance policy for specific fertility riders or genetic testing benefits is a necessary first step.