Pregnancy is a wild mix of excitement and anxiety. One minute you’re picking out tiny socks, and the next, you’re up at 2 AM Googling medical terms you didn’t know existed a week ago.
If you are reading this, you’ve probably heard of the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) screening. Maybe your doctor recommended it, or maybe you just want that extra layer of reassurance about your baby’s genetic health. But then comes the practical question that everyone asks but few clear up immediately: How much is this going to cost?
In India, the price isn’t a single flat rate—it varies wildly depending on where you go and what exactly you’re looking for.
This guide cuts through the medical jargon to give you a clear, honest look at what you can expect to pay for an NIPT Test Costt in India right now, and why the price tag looks the way it does.
The Short Answer: What Are the Numbers?
Let’s rip the bandage off. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the cost of an NIPT test in India generally falls between ₹10,000 and ₹30,000 ($120 – $360 USD).
I know, that’s a big range. Here is how it usually breaks down:
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Basic NIPT Panel: ₹10,000 – ₹17,000. This is the standard option. It typically screens for the three most common chromosomal conditions: Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).
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Comprehensive/Advanced Panel: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000+. This includes everything in the basic panel but adds screening for “microdeletions” (missing small pieces of chromosomes) and sex chromosome abnormalities.
Note: If you are expecting twins, many labs charge a premium, often pushing the cost toward the higher end of that spectrum.
Price Estimates by Major City
While prices are surprisingly consistent across top-tier labs, geography still plays a role. Here is a rough average you might see in major metros:
| City | Estimated Price Range (INR) |
| Delhi / NCR | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹15,000 – ₹28,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹12,000 – ₹22,000 |
| Chennai | ₹13,000 – ₹24,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹11,000 – ₹22,000 |
Why Does the Price Vary So Much?
You might wonder why Lab A charges ₹12,000 while Lab B down the street wants ₹24,000 for what sounds like the same test. It usually comes down to three main factors.
1. The Scope of the Test (The “Panel”)
Think of this like ordering a pizza. A basic cheese pizza (Basic NIPT) costs less than a supreme pizza with all the toppings (Advanced NIPT).
A basic panel looks for the “big three” trisomies. It’s highly effective and what most doctors recommend for standard screening. The advanced panels look deeper into the DNA for rarer genetic conditions. More data to analyze means a higher cost.
2. Technology and Lab Accreditation
Not all labs are created equal. Premium pricing often comes from labs that use specific, high-end sequencing technology (like Next-Generation Sequencing or NGS) and have international accreditations (like CAP or NABL).
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, paying a bit more for a reputable lab with a low failure rate is often worth the peace of mind. You don’t want to get a call saying, “The sample failed, we need to do it again.”
3. Logistics
If you live in a smaller town, the sample often needs to be flown to a central lab in Mumbai, Delhi, or Hyderabad. Special temperature-controlled shipping costs money, and that logistics fee is sometimes passed on to you.
Is NIPT Covered by Insurance in India?
This is the tricky part. In the U.S., insurance often covers NIPT for women over 35. In India, the landscape is different.
Generally, standard health insurance policies in India do not cover NIPT because it is categorized as a “preventive” or “screening” test rather than a diagnostic procedure for an active illness.
However, there is a silver lining. Some premium maternity-specific insurance plans or corporate group policies might offer partial reimbursement. It is rare, but it happens.
Pro Tip: Don’t just assume it’s a “no.” Call your insurance provider and ask specifically if “prenatal genetic screening” is included in your maternity sub-limit.
Is the Cost Worth It?
For many parents, ₹15,000 is a significant amount of money. Is it really necessary?
That is a personal decision, but here is the value proposition: Accuracy.
Traditional screening methods (like the Double Marker or Quad Screen blood tests) are cheaper—usually ₹2,000 to ₹4,000—but they have higher false-positive rates. This means they might tell you there is a risk when the baby is actually fine, leading to unnecessary stress and invasive tests like amniocentesis.
NIPT is over 99% accurate for Down syndrome. For many expecting parents, avoiding that “false alarm” anxiety is worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I pay in installments for the NIPT test?
Most large diagnostic chains (like Lal PathLabs, Metropolis, or jagged-edge startups) don’t offer official installment plans, but many accept credit cards which can help you manage the cash flow. Some newer health-tech platforms are starting to offer “BNPL” (Buy Now, Pay Later) for medical tests, so it’s worth asking.
2. How long does it take to get results?
Patience is key here. Because the DNA analysis is complex, results typically take 7 to 14 days. If a lab promises results in 24 hours, be very skeptical.
3. Do I need a doctor’s prescription?
Yes. In India, you strictly cannot walk in and order an NIPT test off a menu. Due to PCPNDT laws (which prevent gender selection), strict documentation and a doctor’s prescription are mandatory. The test report will also never reveal the gender of the baby, as this is illegal in India.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to spend money on an NIPT test is less about the transaction and more about buying reassurance. While the cost in India varies, sticking to a reputable lab in the ₹15,000–₹20,000 range is usually the “sweet spot” for quality and value.
If you are currently on the fence, talk to your OB-GYN about your specific risk factors. If you decide to go ahead, the peace of mind knowing you have the most accurate information about your baby’s health is often priceless.
Would you like me to help you find a list of accredited labs in a specific Indian city that offer NIPT?