When Eryn Schultz was pregnant, her doctor recommended non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), blood test that can look for genetic irregularities and also discover baby sex. It would be covered by insurance, it was told and cost about $ 120 from your pocket. But when the account has arrived a few weeks later, in total it was a lot – $ 1,200 to be correct.

Insurance insurance Nipte area are confused, says Schultz, a certified financial planner that leads Her personal financesFinancial blog for women. The test can cost up to $ 1,700 in some Anecdotal casesAnd many patients report to get conflicting pricing information before the final account appears.

“The cost of a test can ultimately be a limiting factor in preventing all pregnant women to have NIP early in pregnancy,” says Sherry Ross, MDOB-GYN in Santa Monica, California.

Here is the disintegration of the cost of NIPT and how you can save. (Spoiler: Schultz did not have to pay the whole account.)

What is NPT?

NIPT is a blood test that can detect chromosomal irregularities for 10 weeks of gestation, explains Dr. Ross.

Using a mother’s blood sample, the test requires fetal chromosomal irregularities, including those who cause conditions like Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 13), says. The test can also determine baby sex.

Although the NIPT does not need a part of prenatal care (you have the ability to be tested), the American Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends all pregnant women to offer NIPT, regardless of your home age or risk of chromosomes or chromosomal carnivores.

How much does NIPT cost?

Anecdotal, the cost of Testing NIPT is spreading. Moms in the Bebecenter Community that came in July 2025. Years report That their costs from pockets range from 50 to $ 1,700. The average cost without insurance is about $ 795, according to the words National Institutes for Health.

How much will you pay depend on the test you receive (different brands of tests charge for different prices), how many tests of your insurance exams and what is your deduction.

How does he start paying during pregnancy?

Nipt is done through private genetic test companies. The three most commonly used companies in the US are attacked by (panoramic test), LabCorp (The Maternit 21 Plus test and others), but there are many options available. Most supplier’s office has one test company with whom they work, so you can ask which doctor uses before you get it.

Most test costs are dedicated to these private testing companies, although you can also see a label for the laboratory or office where you have the blood drawn.

Does the insurance cover offer?

Nipt is at least partially covered about 80% of persons with insurance, according to survey from Acoga. For patients of high risk, the test was at least partially covered in all cases. Many insurers require you to get Previous approval first for the test.

Insurance is most likely covered by a test for high-risk patients, including those 35 or older, and anyone who has a family history of genetic irregularities, says Dr. Ross. Expected moms that don’t fit into those buckets may need to pay a pocket test. Even if insurance covers the test, you may still face a trademark, especially if you haven’t met your deductible yet.

“Work is still needed to ensure 100% coverage (for NIPT), regardless of the insurance status or the risk of chromosomal abnormality, and is free of administrative burdens and delays,” says Acog.

The cost of the test can ultimately be a limiting factor in preventing all pregnant women to have NIP early in pregnancy.

– Sherry Ross, MD, OB-GYN

Is there anything you can do to lower your expenses?

Seeing such a series of costs can be intimidating, but there are ways to avoid a surprise account and save money on NIPT.

Take advantage of Schultz’s experience: When she saw an account for $ 1,200, she called her NIP and said, “The medical office told me that it would be $ 120 – can you help me understand what’s going on?” After watching through his account, the company dropped its account at $ 120, which was the price she originally quoted, no questions.

Here’s how you can save money on your NIPT:

• Get estimates before time. When Mom two Megan song did his testing, “the nurse gave me a reference / order to use to call insurance to find out the exact cost of the test,” she says. Some companies also offer online cost estimates, such as This one from LabCorp.

• Think about paying out of your pocket. Many NIPT providers offer cash pay prices, which can be cheaper than passing through insurance. You can call the company that your provider uses to compare your payment options.

• Obtain previous approval. Many insurers require prior approval for NIPT coverage. Your service provider’s billing department can usually help make it easy to know before the time your insurance will actually cover.

• Pay with the Transfer Account: Because these are the medical costs, you can use your FSA or HSA to pay for costs, whether you have used insurance or not.

• Ask for financial assistance. Many NIPT companies offer financial assistance. For example, the attack offers a test for Only $ 149 For those who qualify, something that is based on the size and income of the household.

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• Challenge your account. If you are surprised by the charge, say, says Schultz. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. “Everything is largely in agreement,” she added. “It never hurts to ask.”

• Use payment plans. Call your NIPT company and ask if you can establish a payment plan to an interest rate so that your payments spread over several months or a year.

Remember, these tests offer valuable insights into your pregnancy and baby health, and there are ways to save money on NIPT. “Having a baby is definitely expensive, so a good muscle is building asking questions, advocating and asking for a discount,” says Schultz.