The first and third generations of test tubes are not "upgrade models", but their core value lies in "excellent selection"
Many families have misunderstandings about test tube technology, believing that the third generation test tube is an "upgraded version" of the first and second generations. They instinctively feel that "the upgraded model is more powerful", but they are not clear about its core role. In fact, the third-generation test tube and the first and second generation test tube are not iterative, but differentiated solutions to different fertility problems. Its core advantage lies in "pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos" to achieve the goal of eugenics optimization.
The third generation test tube (PGT) culture embryos formed by in vitro fertilization to the blastocyst stage of 5-6 days based on the first and second generation test tubes. The embryos are screened for genes or chromosomes before transfer to screen out healthy ones. Embryo transfer avoids risks such as chromosomal abnormalities and monogenic inherited diseases from the sourceWhile third-generation in vitro fertilization (PGT) involves cultivating embryos created through in vitro fertilization until they reach the blastocyst stage, which lasts for 5-6 days. Before transplantation, genetic or chromosomal screenings are performed on the embryos to select those that are healthy. This approach helps to eliminate risks associated with chromosomal abnormalities and single-gene disorders from the very beginning.
It should be noted that fourth-generation in vitro fertilization involves the replacement of oocytes with follicular fluid. This method is not currently used as a standard clinical procedure anywhere in the world. In China, this technique is even strictly prohibited. Families who wish to use this method should be cautious and avoid any potential risks.
IVF is not suitable for everyone. It is mainly targeted at four specific groups of people.Couples with chromosomal abnormalities (such as balanced translocations, Robertsonian translocations, etc.) can prevent the transmission of abnormal chromosomes to their offspring. Carriers of single-gene genetic disorders (such as thalassemia, hemophilia, albinism, etc.) can also prevent the transmission of pathogenic genes. Older women (usually those aged 35 or above) can reduce the risk of embryonic chromosomal aneuploidies and lower the rate of miscarriages. Families with repeated spontaneous abortions or multiple transplant failures can identify and address the core cause of embryo chromosomal abnormalities.
38,2,,3,."Although I spent 30,000 more screening fees, it was worth it compared to the pain of miscarriages again and again!" Sister Lin's experience also tells the original intention of many families to choose third-generation test tubes-the child's health is more important than the cost. The "expensive" of the third generation test tube lies in the core link of PGT testing.
PGT-P screens for common chronic diseases related to multiple genes and is used to assess long-term health risks such as diabetes and heart diseasePGT-P is a test that identifies common chronic diseases related to multiple genes. It is used to assess long-term health risks such as diabetes and heart disease.
According to public information from the National Health Commission and the Medical Insurance Administration, the average total cost of the three generations of test tubes nationwide in 2025 will be between 80,000 and 150,000 yuan. The specific cost depends on factors such as regions, hospitals, individual physical conditions, and treatment options. There are obvious differences.
,2025815,,,,.The following is the main cost composition of a complete three-generation tube cycle without taking into account medical insurance reimbursement (for reference only)
1. Pre-operative examination fee: approximately 5,000 - 10,000 yuan
Both couples need to complete basic physical examination and reproductive special examinations to ensure that they meet the conditions for IVF treatment. Women need to be tested for six sex hormones, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), salpingography, chromosome karyotype analysis, etc.; men need to be tested for semen routine, sperm DNA fragmentation rate, Y chromosome microdeletion, etc. The cost varies slightly depending on the integrity of the inspection items and the level of the hospital. This is a necessary expenditure before treatment.
2. Cost of ovulation promotion drugs: about 15,000 - 25,000 yuan
This is one of the most volatile parts of fees. Doctors will formulate a personalized plan to promote ovulation based on women's ovarian function. Drugs to promote ovulation are divided into imported drugs and domestic drugs. The cost of imported drugs (such as Pulicac) is about 10,000 - 20,000 yuan per cycle, while domestic drugs (such as urinary FSH) only need 5,000 - 10,000 yuan. In addition, 4-6 B-ultrasounds are required to monitor follicular development and blood samples to check hormone levels during the promotion period, and this part of the cost also needs to be taken into account.
3. Cost of egg retrieval and laboratory culture: about 20,000 - 30,000 yuan
It mainly includes surgery fees for oocyte retrieval under general anesthesia, single sperm displayMicroinjection (ICSI) fees, embryo culture fees, embryo cryopreservation fees, etc. Oocyte retrieval operations need to be performed under general anesthesia, and laboratory culture requires extremely high environment, equipment and technology. This part of the cost is relatively fixed, and private hospitals will be slightly higher than public hospitals.
4. Core fee: Embryo PGT testing fee: approximately 20,000 - 40,000 yuan
This is the core of the cost gap between the third generation test tube and the first and second generation test tube. It is also a project that most regions across the country still need to pay their own expenses. The cost depends on the number of embryos tested and the testing technology. The testing cost for a single embryo is about 3,000 - 5,000 yuan. If the number of blastocysts formed is large, the testing cost will increase accordingly.
5. Embryo transfer and postoperative corpus luteal support fee: approximately 5,000 - 10,000 yuan
Covers the cost of embryo thawing and resuscitation, transfer surgery and postoperative luteal support drugs. Luteal support drugs are used to help embryo implantation and need to be used continuously for a period of time. The cost varies depending on the type of drug (oral, injection).
In addition to the above-mentioned core costs, there are several types of additional costs that may arise. The cost of private hospitals is 10%-20% higher than that of tertiary A public hospitals. There are differences in the cost of different expulsion promotion plans. The cost of the long plan is 3000- 5,000 yuan more than that of the antagonist plan; Elderly women with poor ovarian function may need to increase the drug or adopt a microstimulation plan, and the cost will be 20%-30% higher than that of young women; During PGT testing, each additional embryo screening will cost about 3000 yuan.
In addition to the above core costs, there are several other types of additional expenses that may be incurred.The cost of private hospitals is 10% to 20% higher than that of public hospitals at the third level.,3000-5000;,,20%-30%;PGT,13000.In addition, according to the latest regulations of the National Health Commission, some hospitals have added pre-implantation endometrial receptivity testing (ERA) at a cost of about 6,000 - 8,000 yuan; mitochondrial function supplementation technology for elderly patients costs about 5,000 - 10,000 yuan.
As of the beginning of 2025, 28 provinces across the country have included some assisted reproductive technologies in the scope of medical insurance payments, but there are significant regional differences in the reimbursement of the third generation test tubes.
By the beginning of 2025, 28 provinces across the country have included certain assisted reproductive technologies in the scope of medical insurance coverage. However, there are significant regional differences in the reimbursement policies for third-generation IVF procedures.
Starting from January 1, 2026, Beijing will include third-generation in vitro fertilization treatments within the scope of medical insurance. Couples who meet certain conditions (such as being women under 35 years old, married, and having the ability to conceive) can enjoy an 80% reimbursement rate for these treatments.
Since November 1, 2025, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has begun covering assisted reproductive technologies such as third-generation in vitro fertilization within the medical insurance system. The reimbursement rates for employee medical insurance and urban and rural residents' medical insurance are respectively 70% and 50%.
Since October 15, 2025, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has begun covering certain medical services related to therapeutic assisted reproduction under health insurance programs. For third-generation IVF treatments, reimbursement amounts range from 6,000 to 8,000 yuan per cycle.
It should be noted that the costs associated with PGT gene screening and embryo preservation are typically borne by the individual in most regions. The approximate cost ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 yuan.
Shanghai case: A 38-year-old woman does a third-generation test tube and pays about 45,000 - 50,000 yuan after medicalinsurance
Ms. Wang, 38, needs to use three-generation test tube (PGT-SR) technology to help pregnancy after doctor evaluation due to balanced chromosome translocation in both her husband and wife.
38,,(PGT-SR).She chose a public top-three designated hospital with assisted reproduction qualifications in Shanghai, and the entire process was advanced in accordance with the standard treatment cycle. Some imported drugs were used in the promotion stage, and 8 blastocysts were finally cultivated and all were submitted for inspection.
(Some routine examination items can be included in the scope of medical insurance reimbursement); the cost of surgeries and laboratory operations such as egg retrieval, in vitro fertilization, and blastocyst culture is about 25,000 yuan; embryonic genetic testing (PGT) is a core self-funded item, and is calculated according to 8 blastocyst screening standards. The cost is about 30,000 yuan; the cost of embryo transfer surgery and postoperative luteal support drugs is about 8,000 yuanSome of the routine examination items are covered by medical insurance. Procedures such as egg retrieval, in vitro fertilization, and blastocyst culture typically cost around 25,000 yuan. Embryo genetic testing (PGT), which is considered a core self-payment service, costs approximately 30,000 yuan per blastocyst screening session. The cost of embryo transfer surgery and postoperative hormone support medications is around 8,000 yuan. Based on these calculations, the total cost for a complete treatment cycle is approximately 78,000 yuan.
(Including surgery, laboratory operations, and transplant-related expenses) can be included in reimbursement; while the 30,000 yuan fee for embryonic genetic testing (PGT) and the cost of some imported anti-expulsion drugs are fully self-funded items and cannot enjoy medical insurance reimbursementCosts related to surgeries and laboratory procedures, as well as expenses associated with transplantation, can be covered by insurance. However, the $30,000 cost of embryo genetic testing (PGT), along with some imported medications used for ovulation induction, are considered fully self-funded expenses, and therefore cannot be covered by medical insurance.
The specific medical insurance reimbursement accounting process is: the total amount of medical expenses that can be included in medical insurance reimbursement is 45,000 yuan (the total cost is 78,000 yuan minus 30,000 yuan PGT self-paid expenses and some imported drugs self-paid amounts); according to the requirement of individuals to bear 10% of the first category of Class B medical items, the amount ultimately included in the reimbursement base is 45,000 yuan × (1-10%)= 40,500 yuan. Since Ms. Wang pays Shanghai employee medical insurance, and the reimbursement rate is 80%, the actual amount paid for medical insurance is 40,500 yuan ×80%= 32,400 yuan. Based on this calculation, Ms. Wang's personal expenses will ultimately be 78,000 yuan-32,400 yuan = 45,600 yuan. That is to say, after receiving medical insurance reimbursement, she personally only needs to pay about 45,000 to 50,000 yuan, and the medical insurance has saved her a total of about 32,000 yuan in expenses.
It is crucial to consult local medical insurance policies in advance.
.There are differences in the reimbursement scope and proportion among provinces, cities and even hospitals. It is recommended to ask the local medical insurance department or hospital medical insurance office for detailed information before treatment.
,.At the same time, some hospitals provide installment payment or loan support to reduce the pressure of one-time payments.
,,.In addition, paying attention to whether hospitals provide package services or preferential policies is also a feasible way to reduce costs.
,.Although the core PGT testing fee still has to be self-funded, local medical insurance policies have been able to reduce some of the financial burden on patients.
,,.It is believed that with the further improvement of medical insurance policies, the third generation of IVF technology will benefit more families in need.