At a glance
Optional PGT extras can add cost and complexity without clear benefit. Use this checklist to ask the right questions and decide what is worth it for you.
PGT add-on services in Thailand are optional tests or techniques offered alongside standard preimplantation genetic testing during IVF. They may include extra genetic screens, embryo viability markers, or laboratory processing upgrades. Because these add-ons often increase cost and may not improve your chance of a healthy baby, it helps to evaluate each one carefully. This checklist explains what to ask, what to compare, and how to decide whether an add-on is worth it for your situation.
At a glance
- Add-ons are optional; they are not required for standard PGT.
- Ask for the evidence behind each add-on and how it changes decision-making.
- Request a full price breakdown, including any extra fees for shipping, storage, or re-testing.
- Confirm whether the add-on is performed in the same laboratory or sent elsewhere.
- Decide based on your own priorities, not pressure or package deals.
What counts as a PGT add-on?
PGT itself usually refers to testing embryos for chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) or for specific inherited conditions (PGT-M). Add-ons are services layered on top of that core test. Examples you may hear about include:
- Additional genetic screens beyond the standard panel
- Mitochondrial DNA assessment or other embryo viability markers
- Time-lapse imaging or specialized embryo culture
- Extra embryo biopsy or re-biopsy
- Expedited processing or courier arrangements
- Storage or re-testing of samples
Availability and naming vary by clinic. Some clinics bundle certain items into a package; others list them separately. Always ask what is included in the base PGT price and what is considered an add-on.
Why add-ons deserve careful scrutiny
Not all add-ons have strong evidence that they improve live birth rates or reduce miscarriage risk. Some are offered because they are technically possible, not because they are proven. Others may be useful only for specific patient groups. The key question is: will this result change what we do next? If the answer is no, the add-on may not be worth the extra cost or complexity.
International patients also face practical considerations: travel schedules, communication across time zones, and payment in a foreign currency. These factors can make add-ons harder to evaluate and more expensive than expected.
Checklist: questions to ask your clinic
Use these questions when comparing clinics or reviewing a proposed treatment plan. Write down the answers so you can compare them side by side.
About the add-on itself
- What exactly does this add-on test or measure?
- Is it performed on the embryo, the sperm, or the egg?
- Does it replace any part of standard PGT, or is it additional?
- What is the published evidence that it improves outcomes for patients like me?
- Are there professional guidelines or statements about this add-on?
- What are the limitations or false-positive/false-negative rates?
About your situation
- Do I have a specific medical reason that makes this add-on relevant?
- How would the result change your recommendation for my treatment?
- What happens if I decline the add-on?
- Could this add-on reduce the number of embryos available for transfer?
About cost and logistics
- What is the total price of the add-on, in the currency I will pay?
- Are there additional fees for shipping, handling, or repeat testing?
- Is the add-on covered by any package, or is it always extra?
- What is your refund policy if the add-on cannot be performed?
- How long does the add-on add to the overall timeline?
- Will I need to stay in Thailand longer, or can it be done remotely?
About the laboratory
- Is the add-on performed in your laboratory or sent to another facility?
- If sent elsewhere, who is responsible for the sample and the results?
- How are results reported to me and my home doctor?
- What quality control or accreditation applies to this specific test?
Comparing add-ons: a simple framework
When you have answers from one or more clinics, compare each add-on using the same criteria. This table can help you organize your notes. Do not fill in numbers you have not confirmed.
| Add-on name | What it claims to do | Evidence quality (ask clinic) | Would it change my decision? | Total extra cost | Extra time or travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: extra genetic screen | Looks for additional variants | Ask for studies or guidelines | Yes / No / Unsure | Confirm in writing | Confirm days |
| Example: time-lapse imaging | Monitors embryo development | Ask for evidence of benefit | Yes / No / Unsure | Confirm in writing | Usually none |
If a clinic cannot or will not answer these questions clearly, that is useful information. You may want to seek a second opinion or ask for a written summary.
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to decide immediately or lose a discount.
- Claims that an add-on guarantees a healthy baby or a successful pregnancy.
- Vague answers about evidence or laboratory arrangements.
- Prices that change without a clear written explanation.
- Bundles that mix necessary and optional services so you cannot tell what you are paying for.
None of these automatically mean a clinic is unsafe, but they are reasons to slow down and ask more questions.
How to decide what is worth it for you
There is no single right answer. Consider:
- Your medical history and the reason you are doing PGT.
- Your budget and how much financial strain an add-on would cause.
- Your timeline and how much flexibility you have for travel.
- Your comfort with uncertainty and with declining an option.
- Whether the add-on would give you information you can act on.
You can always ask for time to think. A reputable clinic will respect that.
Next steps
- Make a list of every add-on mentioned in your consultations.
- Use the questions above to gather written answers from each clinic.
- Compare total costs, not just the headline price.
- Discuss with your home doctor or a trusted advisor if possible.
- Decide which add-ons, if any, align with your goals and budget.
- Get your final plan and costs in writing before you commit.
For more context on PGT in Thailand, see our guide at /pgt-in-thailand. You can also explore general patient resources at /patient-resources or contact us with questions. Our FAQ covers common topics about testing and travel.
Frequently asked questions
Are PGT add-on services in Thailand required for all patients?
No. Add-ons are optional. Standard PGT can be performed without them. Whether an add-on is appropriate depends on your medical situation, your goals, and the evidence behind the specific test. Ask your clinic to explain why they are recommending it for you.
How can I tell if a PGT add-on is worth the extra cost?
Ask what the add-on measures, what evidence supports it, and whether the result would change your treatment plan. If the answer does not change what you or your doctor would do next, the add-on may not be worth the extra cost. Also request a full price breakdown, including any shipping or handling fees.
Will an add-on increase my chance of a successful pregnancy?
Not necessarily. Some add-ons have limited evidence of benefit. No clinic can guarantee a pregnancy or a healthy baby. Discuss the realistic expected benefit with your treating doctor and consider whether the add-on addresses a specific issue in your case.
Can I get PGT add-ons if I am not in Thailand for the whole treatment?
Some add-ons may require additional time in Thailand, while others may be done during your existing stay. Ask your clinic about the timeline and whether any part can be coordinated remotely. Travel and visa rules can change, so confirm current requirements with the clinic and relevant authorities.
What should I do if a clinic pressures me to buy add-ons?
You are entitled to time to consider. Ask for written information and a clear price breakdown. If you feel pressured, you can seek a second opinion or consult your home doctor. A reputable clinic should respect your decision to decline optional services.
Continue your research
Medical information notice: This article is educational and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling or treatment advice from a licensed clinician. Provider services, availability, fees and policies should be verified directly before booking.
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