Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a laboratory procedure performed on embryos during an IVF cycle to screen for chromosomal abnormalities or specific inherited conditions before embryo transfer. Whether it is recommended for your situation depends on your clinical history, age, and family circumstances — and the costs involved can vary significantly between clinics and test types, so speaking with a fertility specialist is essential before proceeding.

Genetic testing (PGT) during IVF: costs and when it's recommended — 2026 AU guide

If you are exploring IVF in Australia and wondering whether genetic testing of embryos is right for you, you are not alone. Preimplantation genetic testing has become an increasingly discussed option at fertility clinics across the country, and understanding what it involves, when specialists recommend it, and how costs are structured can help you ask better questions at your next consultation.

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What is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?

Preimplantation genetic testing is a group of techniques used to analyse the genetic material of an embryo before it is transferred to the uterus during an IVF cycle. It is performed on a small number of cells biopsied from the embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage (around day five or six of development).

There are three main categories:

- PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies): Screens embryos for abnormal numbers of chromosomes, such as trisomies. It was previously known as PGS (preimplantation genetic screening). - PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic or single-gene disorders): Tests for a specific inherited condition known to run in the family, such as cystic fibrosis, BRCA-related gene variants, or Huntington's disease. - PGT-SR (preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements): Used when one or both partners carries a chromosomal structural abnormality such as a translocation.

Each type involves different laboratory workflows, and pricing reflects that complexity. Your fertility specialist will recommend the appropriate test type based on your individual history.

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When do specialists typically recommend PGT?

PGT is not routine for every IVF patient. Fertility specialists in Australia generally discuss it in specific clinical contexts. While outcomes vary for every individual and you should not rely on this article as medical advice, the situations in which PGT is most commonly recommended include:

- Advanced maternal age: The likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos is understood to increase with age, making PGT-A a topic specialists often raise with older patients. - Recurrent miscarriage: Patients who have experienced multiple pregnancy losses may be referred for PGT-A to identify chromosomally normal embryos for transfer. - Recurrent failed IVF transfers: Where multiple embryo transfers have not resulted in pregnancy, genetic testing may help identify whether chromosomal factors are involved. - Known inherited genetic conditions: Couples where one or both partners carries or is affected by a heritable condition are typically referred for PGT-M, developed in collaboration with a clinical geneticist. - Chromosomal structural rearrangements: Where a partner has a confirmed structural chromosomal change, PGT-SR can identify embryos with a balanced or normal chromosomal complement.

The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand publishes clinical guidance and professional standards for fertility practitioners, and your specialist should be following current evidence-based practice when discussing whether PGT is appropriate for you.

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How the testing process works within an IVF cycle

PGT does not replace a standard IVF cycle, it is an additional step performed within one. The general sequence looks like this:

1. Ovarian stimulation and egg collection proceed as in a standard cycle. 2. Fertilisation and embryo culture occur in the laboratory, with embryos typically grown to the blastocyst stage. 3. Embryo biopsy involves removing a small number of cells (usually from the trophectoderm, the cells that would form the placenta). 4. Embryos are vitrified (frozen) while the biopsied cells are sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis. 5. Results are returned to your fertility clinic, usually within one to two weeks depending on the test type. 6. A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is then planned using embryos identified as suitable for transfer.

Because embryos must be frozen while results are processed, PGT always adds at least one additional cycle step before transfer. This is worth factoring into your overall timeline expectations.

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Understanding the costs of PGT in Australia

PGT adds laboratory and testing costs on top of a standard IVF cycle. Costs vary depending on the clinic, the genetics laboratory used, and the type of PGT required. PGT-M in particular is individually designed for each family, which makes it more resource-intensive and generally more expensive than PGT-A.

Some PGT costs may attract a Medicare rebate through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, depending on your clinical indication and how your specialist lists the procedure. It is important to obtain an itemised quote from your clinic and confirm which items, if any, attract a rebate for your specific situation. Gap fees can vary considerably.

Key cost components to ask your clinic about include:

- Embryo biopsy fee (usually charged per embryo or per cycle) - Genetics laboratory analysis fee (often charged per embryo or as a batch fee) - Embryo vitrification and storage (if not already included in your cycle cost) - PGT-M design fee (applicable only if testing for a specific inherited condition, as a unique probe or panel must be created)

Because specific prices change across clinics and over time, we recommend requesting a written itemised cost breakdown directly from your clinic before consenting to treatment. Compare quotes from multiple providers where possible. For a broader overview of what IVF costs in Australia, see our cost guide.

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Medicare and the Australian healthcare system

Medicare does fund certain components of IVF in Australia. The MBS Online database is the authoritative source for checking which item numbers apply to IVF and related procedures, and whether PGT components in your situation may attract a rebate.

Eligibility for Medicare-funded IVF in Australia generally requires a clinical indication and referral through the standard specialist pathway. Private health insurance may cover some hospital components of treatment but typically does not cover the laboratory or genetics costs associated with PGT. Always confirm your entitlements directly with Medicare and your insurer before proceeding.

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Choosing a clinic that offers PGT

Not all IVF clinics perform PGT in-house. Some send biopsy samples to external genetics laboratories, which can affect turnaround times and costs. When evaluating clinics, consider asking:

- Does the clinic perform embryo biopsy in-house or outsource it? - Which genetics laboratory is used, and what is the typical turnaround time for results? - How many PGT cycles does the embryologist team perform annually? - What counselling is provided if all embryos are identified as chromosomally abnormal? - Is genetic counselling included, or is there an additional referral required?

You can verify that any fertility specialist you consult is registered with AHPRA via the AHPRA practitioner register. Registered practitioners must meet ongoing professional standards.

For location-specific options, browse our best IVF clinics in Sydney directory, and review our methodology to understand how we assess and list clinics.

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Questions to ask your fertility specialist

Before agreeing to PGT, consider raising these questions at your consultation:

- Is PGT clinically indicated for my specific situation, and why? - What type of PGT is being recommended, and what does it test for? - What happens if no chromosomally normal embryos are identified? - What are the limitations of the testing, and is there any risk to the embryo from biopsy? - What is the full itemised cost, and which components attract a Medicare rebate?

The Your IVF Success estimator, developed with support from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, can help provide context around IVF outcomes in Australia based on your individual characteristics, though it should be used alongside, not instead of, personalised clinical advice.

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FAQ

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Sources

- Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand - MBS Online - Medicare Benefits Schedule - AHPRA Practitioner Register - Your IVF Success estimator - AIHW - Australia's mothers and babies

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Information in this article is general only and not medical advice. Verify the details with the linked sources or an appropriately qualified Australian professional before relying on them.

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