Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), now referred to as preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M), utilizes in vitro fertilization, embryo biopsy, and genetic testing to mitigate the risk to have a child with a genetic disease. As most couples know, undergoing fertility treatment is a significant investment – and with preimplantation genetic diagnosis cost is an important consideration. However, for couples at risk to have a child with an inherited disease PGD is the only way to significantly reduce the risk of conceiving a child affected by that genetic condition. In this article, we discuss the costs associated with PGD and whether your insurance plan can cover them.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: Cost and Considerations
All good fertility providers will provide you with an estimate of your preimplantation genetic diagnosis cost. Some might include PGD as part of a package, so make sure to compare breakdowns when choosing your healthcare provider. Moreover, there are lots of variables depending on your individual case. Although all couples seeking PGD will need to undergo IVF, there are other factors that will impact the cost. These include:
- The number of IVF cycles you need. Your fertility specialist will be able to provide an estimate of the price of each IVF cycle. If your doctor recommends more than one cycle, of course, the cost will be more expensive. Before choosing your provider, take a look at their success statistics.
- Embryo biopsy. Another preimplantation genetic diagnosis cost is the biopsy. Some PGD laboratories will charge per embryo, which may increase costs. However, the more viable embryos you have, the higher your chances of having a healthy pregnancy in the first cycle.
- Inheritance patterns. Some genetic conditions are autosomal dominant with a 50% chance that each child of an affected individual will inherit the disease while other conditions are autosomal recessive with a 25% chance that each child will be affected.
- Technology. Each PGD test (probe) is custom-designed for the couple or individual based on their genetic makeup. The cost of the test may depend on the disease doctors are screening for.
With Igenomix, the cost of an IVF cycle including PGD includes pre-cycle screening fees, fertility medication, the IVF procedure, and the PGD fee. In total, this will cost between $20,000 and $40,000.
Will my Insurance Cover PGD?
Within the USA, it is unusual for health insurance to cover PGD. However, some people that work for large corporations may have the procedure included in their plan. Outside of the US, some couples may be able to obtain PGD through their nationalized health care service or insurance. For example, in the UK, the Human Fertilization & Embryology Authority licenses certain conditions as eligible for PGD. Meanwhile, health insurance providers in Europe have specific restrictions and rules. For more information, contact your employer or insurance provider.
The Cost Benefits of PGD
Although PGD is a significant financial commitment, the benefits can outweigh the investment. For many individuals at risk for children with a genetic disease, IVF with PGD is viewed as a technology that can significantly reduce the risk of having a child affected with the disease. To fully explore your options, arrange a consultation with a fertility specialist.
