Clinical trials
Before contacting a study center
Costs, travel, and documents
Every study has different arrangements. This checklist helps families ask specific questions early and avoid unexpected costs.
The essential rule
Do not buy tickets or book accommodation until the study center has confirmed the next step, dates, and covered costs in writing.
What a study may cover
| Item | What often happens | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Investigational treatment | Paid by the sponsor in many studies | Are any medicines or procedures charged to the patient? |
| Protocol tests and visits | Often covered when required specifically for research | Which tests belong to the protocol and which are regular care? |
| Regular medical care | May be paid by the patient or insurer | Who pays for complications, hospital care, and other treatment? |
| Travel and accommodation | Sometimes reimbursed fully or partly, but not always | Are there limits, reimbursement rules, and companion support? |
What to prepare for an initial review
- a short medical summary with the exact diagnosis and stage;
- previous and current treatments with dates;
- recent laboratory results, CT/MRI/PET reports, and pathology;
- age, country of residence, and ability to travel;
- NCT numbers of saved studies, if any.
Do not send passport data or complete medical records through public links. A coordinator will explain a safer transfer method when documents are actually needed.
Questions for the center before travel
- Has the center confirmed preliminary interest, and who is the contact?
- Which criteria still need checking, and can tests be done at home?
- How many visits and days in the country are expected?
- Which costs are covered, and how and when are they reimbursed?
- What happens if screening finds that the patient is not eligible?
- Who should be contacted if the patient's condition worsens after returning home?
ClinicalTrials.gov does not list individual costs or payments. The contact for the specific study is the best source for an exact answer.