Here’s What We Know: A Guide to Clinical Trial Costs

March 26, 2026

Participating in a clinical trial can offer access to cutting-edge treatments and new medical approaches. While the opportunity to access innovative care is appealing, many people wonder about the costs and insurance coverage. Are clinical trials free? Does insurance cover clinical trial expenses?

The answer is complex. While some clinical trials are free or even pay study participants, others may involve out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about the financial aspects of clinical trials and what you can expect to pay.

Who Pays for What in a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trial costs generally fall into two categories: research costs and routine patient care costs. Understanding this distinction can help clarify your potential financial responsibilities.

Research costs: These are expenses directly related to the research study and are not part of standard care. The trial’s sponsor (the group or company funding the research) typically covers these costs. Your insurance is not required to cover research expenses. Examples include the experimental drug or device, extra lab tests or imaging done for data collection, and any additional doctor visits that wouldn’t be part of standard care. Often, sponsors provide the new treatment at no cost.
Routine patient care costs: These are the medical expenses you would have regardless of whether you were in a trial. These care costs include standard doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, X-rays, and other imaging and treatments for side effects. Your health insurance most likely covers these costs.

Does Insurance Cover Clinical Trials?

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance plans are required to cover routine patient care costs for people in an approved clinical trial. This means your insurance should pay for services that are part of your standard care, such as hospital stays, operations to implant a device being tested and treatment for any side effects or complications from the study.

The ACA prevents private insurers from:

Blocking your access to a clinical trial
Denying or limiting your routine insurance coverage because you are in a trial
Raising your insurance costs due to your participation in a trial

This rule applies to all phases of federally approved trials, with some exceptions for health plans that existed before the ACA became law in 2010.

Government-funded insurance programs also cover certain costs in clinical trials.

Medicare: Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) covers routine costs for qualifying clinical trials, though you may still need to pay deductibles and copayments.
Medicaid: As of 2022, state Medicaid plans are legally required to cover routine patient care costs for people in qualifying clinical trials.

Will I Have Any Out-of-Pocket Costs?

Even with insurance, you may still have some out-of-pocket expenses, just as you would for standard care. You will likely be responsible for paying your plan’s:

Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance

If you haven’t met your annual deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, you should expect to pay for those as you typically would. Other potential costs not covered by insurance may include travel, lodging or childcare. However, some trial sponsors may offer financial assistance or reimbursement for these expenses.

If I Don’t Have Insurance, Can I Still Participate?

Yes. Many trials offer options for uninsured or underinsured people, and some may provide participant injury insurance to cover any harm sustained during the study. Discuss your financial situation and concerns with the research team to explore all available resources.

Do I Get Paid for Participating in a Clinical Trial?

It depends on the trial. Some clinical trials offer compensation, while others do not. It’s important to understand the difference between being paid for your participation and receiving reimbursement for expenses, such as travel time and mileage. Ask the research team if there are any payments or reimbursements involved.

The Bottom Line

Before you decide to participate in a clinical trial, talk with your doctor, family and the research team. Carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of participation. To avoid any financial surprises:

Contact your insurance provider to confirm what your plan will cover and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.
Review the informed consent form, which should detail all potential costs.

By asking the right questions, you can make a confident and informed decision about your care.

For additional information on clinical trials and to find a trial that may be right for you, visit the Joint Clinical Trials Office at Weill Cornell Medicine.

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