Understanding Clinical Trials

Myth: Clinical trials cost a lot and aren’t covered by medical insurance

Clinical trial volunteers rarely pay any of the costs associated with trial. The research sponsors typically cover the costs of a trial.

Any out-of-pocket costs to the study volunteer will be outlined in the informed consent form. Plus in the US, many insurers pay for the costs not covered by the research sponsors, especially the costs for routine care and normal activities that would be done even if you were not in the trial.

Discuss this with your research team ahead of time and be sure to contact your insurance company if you have any questions about what they will cover, if applicable.

Making cents off clinical trials

Sometimes volunteers are paid back for expenses they might have, such as transportation, child care, and parking. And in some trials, volunteers are actually compensated for their participation. The amount of compensation can vary widely from trial to trial, but can range from a hundred dollars to one or two thousand dollars.