Costs and Compensation

What are the potential costs?

Participating in a clinical trial may involve costs related to time, travel, and medical procedures. Some studies require multiple visits over an extended period, which can impact work and daily responsibilities. Travel expenses, like gas, airfare, or lodging, may also be necessary if the trial site is far from home. While many medical procedures are covered by the study sponsor or insurance, some additional tests or treatments may not be. It’s important to ask the study coordinator for a clear breakdown of what is covered and what potential out-of-pocket costs you may face before joining a trial.

How can travel and lodging costs be covered?

Many trial sponsors cover travel-related costs, including flights, hotel stays, and local transportation. If you need to travel more than 200 miles, sponsors may provide airfare. To support participants during their stay away from home, some clinical trials offer hotel reimbursement as a form of financial assistance. Some studies offer prepaid gas cards or ride services to help with commuting expenses. If you cannot afford to pay for these costs upfront, ask if the sponsor can provide direct payments instead of requiring reimbursement. 

Will I be compensated for participating?

Some clinical trials offer compensation for your time and effort, which varies depending on the study. Compensation may help offset lost wages, childcare, or other personal expenses. Details about compensation will be provided during the informed consent process before you enroll in the trial.

Will my health insurance cover clinical trial costs?

You do not need health insurance to participate in a clinical trial. If you have insurance, it generally covers routine medical care, such as standard blood work and check-ups, but may not cover experimental treatments or additional procedures required for the trial. Insurance companies typically cover care for IRB-approved trials, and they cannot deny or limit your benefits just because you are participating in a study.

Can I continue seeing my primary care provider (PCP) or existing care team?

​​Yes. Your primary care provider (PCP) and existing healthcare team can stay involved in your care during the trial. The research team can coordinate with your PCP by sharing test results and treatment updates. You should continue scheduling regular check-ups to monitor your overall health, and if the trial involves new medications, your PCP and pharmacist can help ensure they do not interact with your current prescriptions. Some trials allow you to schedule study visits on the same day as your regular appointments to minimize disruption. If travel is required, telehealth or virtual check-ins with your PCP can help maintain continuity of care. Carrying an information card with trial details and emergency contacts can also be useful in case urgent medical care is needed.

What questions should I ask before enrolling in a trial?

If you're considering joining a clinical trial, discussing these details with your doctor and the research team will help you make an informed decision. Our downloadable guide includes a list of questions you may want to ask the research team before deciding to enroll in a trial.