Clinical Trial Myths: Day 2
Clinical trials cost too much and insurance won’t cover the costs.
Many people do not want to participate in clinical trials because of fear that their health insurance will not cover the costs, and patients will have to pay for the trial out of their own pocket.
However, health insurance often does pay for most clinical trial costs, especially routine tests like blood tests or scans, as well as treatments. The study itself typically pays for the study drugs. If insurance does not cover a patient’s additional costs, typically the study itself will pay them.
Before participating, make sure to contact your insurance to find out exactly what they will cover. Additionally, the cost section of the informed consent will usually lay out what is standard of care vs. research, and what will be billed to the patient and what will not.