A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a life-saving medical procedure that offers hope to people with blood cancers, immune deficiencies, and some genetic disorders. Its success rate ranges from 72.1% to 93.3%, depending on patient characteristics, type of transplant, and other factors.
The financial aspect of the procedure is crucial for transplant patients and their families since it can be quite costly. So, if you're wondering, "What is the average cost of a bone marrow transplant?" the price may range from $25,000 to $700,000 depending on the country, type of transplant, and other factors.
Key Takeaways of the initial BMT prices:
The most affordable bone marrow transplant options are:
This article will explore the cost data for a bone marrow transplant in different countries and the factors influencing the price. So, if you've ever pondered, "How much does a bone marrow transplant cost?" we're here to help. Keep reading to find out how to make an informed decision, get the best value for your money, and book a clinic that will take proper care of your health.
Table of contents
- How Much Does Bone Marrow Cost Worldwide?
- TOP Countries for Bone Marrow Transplant
- Best Bone Marrow Transplantation Centers
- What's Involved in the Bone Marrow Price?
- Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation Cost
- Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Cost
- Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant for Thalassemia
- How to Find a BMT Donor
- What Factors Affect BMT Cost?
- Bone Marrow Transplant Cost Without Insurance
- Bone Marrow Transplant Cost With Insurance
- Bone Marrow Transplant: Brief Overview
- FAQ
- Takeaways
How Much Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Cost Worldwide?
The bone marrow transplant cost displays significant differences across the world. Bookimed has ranked the most popular destinations alongside the average treatment costs. We took into account patient's reviews, diagnostic and treatment prices, as well as years of oncologist's expertise.
Below, you can see an outline of estimated costs for BMT in several countries.
Country | Bone marrow price |
|---|---|
Turkey | from $25,000 |
Spain | from $71,700 |
Israel | from $133,000 |
Germany | from $157,700 |
Thailand | from $137,000 |
UK | $184,000 (on average) |
USA | $300,000 (on average) |
The table above presents only approximate costs. Actual costs may significantly vary depending on the transplant type, the patient's condition, transplant-treated cell toleration, and many other factors.
TOP Countries for a Bone Marrow Transplant
According to Bookimed, the following 5 countries are some of the most excellent choices for a bone marrow transplant. Want to know why? Just keep reading.
Turkey
You can consider Turkey for bone marrow transplantation due to the following benefits it offers:
- Value for your money. Turkey is well-known for its advantageous mix of affordable prices and high-quality care. The low-end price for bone marrow transplantation in Turkey is $25,000, the average is $70,000, and the high-end price reaches $125,000. These costs are 4-5 times lower than in the United States and Western Europe. For instance, the average cost of a bone marrow transplant in the US is $300,000.
- Package prices. Turkey is one of the few countries globally that offers bone marrow transplant packages. The package price typically includes hospitalization, medical care, doctor fees, pre-operative tests, medications, and follow-up checkups. It may also include language support, airport pick-up and drop-off, and accompanying person's hospital stay and meals.
- Decades of expertise. Turkish doctors have been performing bone marrow transplantation for 45 years. During this time, they have elevated their transplantation methods to international quality standards.
- Successful clinical outcomes. Turkey counts as one of the leaders in the field of bone marrow transplantation. According to the Memorial Hospital in Istanbul, bone marrow transplantation has a 90% success rate in Turkey, while its cost is approximately 50% lower than in European clinics.
- International appeal. Turkey’s costs of living and goods are generally more affordable than in other European countries, attracting many patients from abroad.
Spain
Spain presents an appealing option for bone marrow transplant due to the following reasons:
- Fair pricing. The prices for bone marrow transplantation in Spain range from $71,700 to $241,800. As you can see, the costs are higher than in Turkey (from $25,000). This price difference can be attributed to Spain's higher living costs and healthcare expenses. Still, this is considerably cheaper than the options presented by other countries, such as the US ($300,000 on average).
- The heart of stem cell research. The European Group for Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), a leading organization in marrow transplant research, is based in Spain. This collective of healthcare experts fosters innovation and develops stem cell therapies to better the lives of patients with blood-related diseases.
- National Bone Marrow Plan. The country's government has shown a deep interest in promoting bone marrow transplantation by launching the National Bone Marrow Plan. The program has been successful, quickly reaching its targets thanks to the combined effort of medical experts, healthcare research bodies, patient associations, and donors.
- Vast donor pool. Spain ranks 5th among European countries in terms of its extensive donor pool, with over 400,000 registered bone marrow donors.
- Short waiting times. Due to a vast donor pool, the waiting times for bone marrow transplants in Spain are shorter than in many other countries. In 2021, there were almost two compatible donors per patient, and the average search time for such a donor was only 26 days.
- Experienced medical staff. Because of the rapid development of this treatment option, Spanish hospitals are staffed by experienced and qualified doctors and nurses. Over the last decade, there has been a 50% increase in the number of bone marrow transplants performed in Spain.
Looking for an attractive bone marrow price?
Israel
Israel is one of the recommended options for bone marrow transplant thanks to numerous advantages:
- Cost-effectiveness. The prices for bone marrow transplantation in Israel range from $133,000 to $200,000. The average cost is about $168,000. Although Israel is not the cheapest option for such procedures as BMT, it offers a fair balance between cost and quality as a top provider of healthcare services.
- High rank in medical tourism. According to the latest edition of the Medical Tourism Index (MTI), Israel ranks as the 8th most attractive medical tourism destination based on such factors as safety and quality of care. This country is internationally renowned for its first-rate healthcare system, cutting-edge medical equipment, and highly skilled medical personnel.
- Pioneering research. Notably, Israel stood at the origin of bone marrow research. It has been publishing ground-breaking studies for more than 50 years.
- Continued innovation. Israel is still the world’s leader in stem cell research, producing more papers on the subject than any other country. Many Israeli companies and universities are exploring new ideas in stem cell research, including bone marrow transplantation. Given Israel’s stellar reputation in healthcare, particularly in the BMT field, you should definitely consider this choice.
Germany
The cost of bone marrow transplantation in Germany typically ranges from $157,700 to $263,000. Although the average price of the BMT procedure in Germany is on the pricier spectrum, the sheer level of expertise that awaits you here is not to be undervalued.
- Professional expertise. If experienced and qualified doctors are your goal, look no further: Germany performs the highest number of bone marrow transplants among other EU Member States (around 7,000 procedures annually).
- The biggest pool of donors. It will be significantly easier to find a donor here since Germany is the location of Europe’s largest donor pool. An impressive 10th of its eligible population is part of the German National Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ZKRD). German donors contribute over 40% to the global stem cell transplant success rate.
Thailand
The prices for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Thailand start from $137,000 and may reach up to $170,000. Although this is not the lowest price range on this list, it certainly presents a more affordable choice compared, for instance, to Germany, where prices can vary from $157,700 to $263,000. Likewise, doing a bone marrow transplant in Thailand is much more cost-effective than in the UK or the US, where average prices are $184,000 and $300,000, respectively.
Here are more reasons to consider Thailand for your bone marrow transplant:
- Excellent expertise. With its 37-year history in the field of bone marrow transplantation, this country is a promising destination for medical tourists in need of this procedure.
- World-class hospitals. Thailand boasts a highly skilled medical workforce and internationally accredited hospitals. For instance, Bumrungrad International Hospital, located in Bangkok, is one of the largest private centers in Southeast Asia. Over 1 million patients choose this hospital annually, half of whom are international visitors. Bumrungrad has earned its place among the world’s top-tier healthcare providers, ranking as one of the 10 best hospitals and 30 most technologically advanced clinics globally.
- Advantageous location. Thailand’s allure as a medical tourism destination is reinforced by its well-developed infrastructure, favorable climate, and lower living costs. The tropical climate creates a relaxed recovery environment, making it an attractive choice for people undergoing medical procedures.
Best Bone Marrow Transplantation Centers
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best adult and pediatric bone marrow transplant centers according to the Bookimed data. Such factors as the number of patients and positive reviews, as well as the speed of reply from the clinic, were taken into account while creating this list.
☕️ Turkey
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Anadolu Medical Center is a multidisciplinary medical facility located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA and recognized as one of the top 10 hospitals in the world by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA). Anadolu provides American treatment standards at an affordable cost and offers a wide range of services, including oncology, hematology, urology, neurosurgery, women's health, IVF, and check-ups. Doctor Zafer Gülbaş, Prof. MD, is the founder of Anadolu's Bone Marrow Transplantation Center and is one of the top lymphoma specialists in Turkey, with over 1,500 bone marrow transplants performed to date. The clinic provides a "all inclusive" leukemia treatment program which includes diagnosis, chemotherapy, and the Bone marrow transplantation in Turkey. Anadolu Medical Center offers language assistance, transfer service from the airport to the hotel and back, as well as booking a hotel conveniently located 10-15 minutes away. Patients from the US, UK, Romania, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan have praised Anadolu Medical Center for its professionalism, cleanliness, attention to detail, and skilled and experienced medical staff.
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- Attracting 250,000 patients annually, the hospital is renowned for its expertise in various medical fields including oncology.
- Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like 640 slice CT and 3 Tesla MRI, the facility provides precise imaging crucial for treatment planning.
- Dr. Mustafa Solak brings extensive experience in oncology, having trained at prestigious institutions and specializing in various cancers.
- Patient-centered care is emphasized, with services including language assistance and a dedicated medical coordinator for international patients.
- The hospital's commitment to treatment safety is exemplified by the PYXIS automated medication system, ensuring accurate drug dosages.
💃🏻 Spain
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Quirónsalud Madrid is a top clinic in Spain and Europe known for its specialization in oncology, neurosurgery, heart surgery, plastic surgery, and IVF. Dr. Luis Madero is a pediatric oncologist with 37 years of experience and offers treatment for blood disorders such as bone marrow transplantation and ablation therapy. He is a member of Spanish Association of Paediatric Haematology, Spanish Association of Paediatric Oncology, SIOP, EBMT and Spanish Association of Haematology and Haemotherapy. He offers Bone marrow transplantation in Spain from Dr. Luis Madero at Quironsalud Madrid University Hospital.
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Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona, Spain offers treatment for children from infancy up to 21 years old. It is ranked among the top 5 medical institutions in Europe and is well known for its innovative therapeutic methods. The hospital has received positive reviews from patients who have experienced its high quality medical care. It provides special diagnostics before Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) and BMT itself, all under the supervision of Doctor Isabel Badell Serra, head of the Center of Bone Marrow Transplantation at the hospital. The offer includes recipient evaluation and the transplantation itself, providing a great opportunity for those looking for Bone marrow transplantation in Spain.
✡️ Israel
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- Sourasky Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation unit is considered top national BMT center according to the hospital’s data.
- Autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplants are performed for children and adults.
- Sourasky is in Top 10 list of the most popular hospitals for medical tourism in the world. The ranking is composed by Newsweek magazine, authoritative American edition.
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- Rambam is included in Top 3 hospitals in Israel according to the Ministry of Health.
- 150 stem cell (bone marrow) transplants are performed annually.
- Rambam Bone Marrow Transplant Institute is the only facility of this type in Northern Israel and one of several within the country.
🥨 Germany
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Helios Hospital Berlin Buch is the largest and modern hospital in the capital of Germany. It is one of the top-ranked hospitals in 2018 according to the Focus magazine. It provides treatments of oncology and surgical oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery and obesity. The hospital is highly recommended by 94% of patients.
The clinic offers Bone marrow transplantation in Germany, which is provided by the experienced doctor Bertram Glass. Prof. Glass is an expert in hematology, internal oncology and stem cell transplant, who heads the Hematology Department at Helios Berlin-Buch. He is a lecturer at Asklepios Medical School and professor at the University Medical Center Gottingen.
Patients who have visited the hospital appreciate the staff, the quality of the medical services and the comfortable accommodation which corresponds the level of a 5* hotel. Patients also express their gratitude to Bookimed employees for organizing their trips.
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- Top-rated by the Medical Travel Quality Alliance, this clinic excels in serving international patients for procedures like Bone marrow transplantation.
- As part of Germany's largest hospital network, it assures a multidisciplinary approach in oncohematology and advanced cancer care.
- Every year, 80,000 patients choose this facility, reflecting its vast experience and trustworthiness in providing healthcare services.
- The Oncology and Oncohematology Department is certified by the German Cancer Society, ensuring high standards of care.
- Patients receive care from esteemed specialists, such as Dr. Norbert Schmitz, with over 15 years of experience in hematology and oncology.
🌴 Thailand
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- Recognized in TOP-10 best hospitals globally, highlighting its exceptional healthcare quality.
- Hosts over 1 million patients yearly, with half being international, from over 190 countries.
- Renowned for comprehensive cancer care, including innovative haploidentical bone marrow transplantation.
- First Asian hospital to meet United States NFPA standards, ensuring high-quality infrastructure.
- Offers no waiting lists and a large team of nearly 7,000 staff members to cater to patients promptly.
What's Involved in the Bone Marrow Price?
A bone marrow transplant can be costly, partly because it involves a long and complex process that can be divided into 5 main stages:
➤ Pre-op Medical Evaluation;
➤ Stem Cell Collection;
➤ Chemo- and/or Radiotherapy Cycles;
➤ Transplantation Process;
➤ Post-op Recovery.
Let’s consider these stages in greater detail.
Pre-op medical evaluation
Before the BMT procedure, a patient undergoes medical tests to evaluate their general health condition and some specific indicators. The price for bone marrow transplants usually includes expenses for pre-op BMT preparation.
Stem cell collection
The next important step is to collect stem cells for infusion. The complexity of this step depends on the type of bone marrow transplant. There are 3 main ones:
- autologous – a person receives healthy stem cells taken from their own blood. This type of transplant is used mainly in patients with lymphoma, myeloma, and plasma cell disorders. The transplant aims to revive the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells after chemo- or radiotherapy;
- allogeneic from a related donor – doctors use the bone marrow obtained from the patient’s relative;
- allogeneic from an unrelated donor – a patient receives bone marrow from the matched donor through the blood bank. A special blood test can accurately determine the compatibility of the donor’s and recipient’s blood cells.
In the case of autologous bone marrow transplantation, you will receive specific medications to stimulate your stem cell production for further collection. If you require an allogeneic transplantation and a donor is available, doctors will gather donor cells.
☝ There are three main ways to harvest stem cells:
- from blood;
- from bone marrow (through a needle inserted in the hip bone);
- from cord blood (sometimes stem cells can be taken from the donated placenta and umbilical cord of a baby).
Chemo- and/or radiotherapy cycles
Before the bone marrow transplant, a patient undergoes high-dose therapy (sometimes with total body irradiation) to prepare the body for the better adoption of new cells.
This is also called a conditioning treatment and is done to:
- destroy malignant cells in the case of cancer diagnosis;
- destroy existing bone marrow cells to free space for new healthy ones;
- suppress the immune system so that it doesn’t reject the transplant.
Transplantation process
The transplant typically happens several days after the conditioning treatment is complete. The BMT procedure is painless and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Healthy stem cells will be gradually infused into the vein through a catheter. During the procedure, the patient remains awake, and no anesthetic solution is needed.
Post-op recovery
Once new bone marrow cells enter your body, they travel through the bloodstream, reach the bone marrow, and start multiplying. In several weeks, the number of healthy stem cells will reach a required level.
Throughout the first 100 days after the transplant, you should anticipate frequent clinic appointments to monitor the state of your health. They will include various tests and physical examinations. During this time, the following procedures might also be required:
- administration of fluids through your mouth or a nasogastric tube to avoid malnutrition;
- blood and platelet transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells and platelets in the body.
Your immune system might need over a year after the transplantation to get strong again, so you’ll be at risk of infections during this time. In the case of allogeneic transplantation, doctors often prescribe immunosuppressants. These drugs weaken the immune system, preventing it from fighting transplanted cells. The weakened immune system makes the patient susceptible to infectious complications, which may prolong the hospital stay and expand inpatient costs.
Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation Cost
In an autologous transplant, the patient's bone marrow stem cells are collected, stored, and then re-infused after the patient's existing bone marrow is destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Autologous transplants are typically twice as cheap as allogeneic transplants because they don’t require a donor search. The prices start from $30,000 and can go higher, depending on the country where the procedure is performed.
Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Cost
An allogeneic transplant involves receiving bone marrow stem cells from a compatible donor. This can be a family member, a matched unrelated donor, or a cord blood donor.
Allogeneic transplants are more than twice as expensive as autologous transplants due to several factors:
- Donor search and matching. Finding a compatible donor can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) happens when the donor's immune system attacks the recipient's body. There's a higher risk of chronic GVHD (37-53% of all cases) in allogeneic transplants, which can require additional treatments and increase costs.
- Immunosuppression. Patients receiving allogeneic transplants often need long-term immunosuppression therapy to prevent rejection of the donor cells, which can be costly.
The table below provides the cost comparison for these 2 types of BMT procedures.
Country | Autologous stem cell transplant cost | Allogeneic stem cell transplant cost |
|---|---|---|
Turkey | From $33,000 | From $75,000 |
Spain | ||
Israel | Upon request | From $150,000 |
Thailand | From $137,000 | Upon request |
The costs may vary depending on the center’s policy and exchange rate. To receive a personal treatment plan with a total cost, contact the Bookimed coordinator.
Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant for Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the reduced production of hemoglobin, a protein essential for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. This reduction leads to anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
There are two main types of thalassemia:
- Alpha-thalassemia;
- Beta-thalassemia.
Individuals with thalassemia require regular blood transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. A bone marrow transplant is an option for more advanced cases.
While it's difficult to provide precise figures, here are some general estimates based on research and real-world experiences:
- Turkey is another popular destination for medical tourism, offering competitive prices for bone marrow transplants. Costs can range from $20,000 to $35,000.
- The USA. People with severe beta thalassemia have high healthcare costs, about $125,000 per year on average. This is mainly because they need regular blood transfusions and treatment for iron overload. The costs of bone marrow transplants vary from $80,000 to up to $400,000 before health insurance.
- United Kingdom. The average cost of BMT for a thalassemia patient is $184,000. People with severe inherited blood disorders can get stem cell transplants through the National Health Service (NHS). This could cure their condition and help them avoid needing blood transfusions for the rest of their lives.
- Western Countries. In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, bone marrow transplants for thalassemia can be expensive, often exceeding $100,000. However, insurance coverage and government assistance programs may help offset these costs.
How to Find a BMT Donor
Finding a donor is a critical step to a successful procedure. Sometimes, even the family members may not be eligible to donate because of their medical history.
Here’s the list of specific conditions that prevent the person from becoming a donor:
- AIDS/HIV;
- Asthma requiring regular/daily use of oral (pill) steroids;
- Autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, or fibromyalgia;
- Cancer that required chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy;
- Heart disease/stroke history;
- Hepatitis B/C;
- Pregnancy at any trimester.
Here’s an overview of finding a suitable BMT donor:
- Transplant Center. Patients should approach the transplant center specializing in bone marrow transplants. They will assess your medical condition and determine if you are a candidate for a transplant.
- Tissue typing involves identifying specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA) that match potential donors.
- Donor searching. The transplant center will initiate a search for a matching donor using the international registries.
- Establishing a contact. The person who meets the selected criteria will receive an invitation to become a donor.
If you’re trying to figure out where to get tested for bone marrow match, contact Bookimed. Our coordinators will advise the candidates and the best center for bone marrow transplantation.
What Factors Affect BMT Cost?
Aside from the multilayered processes behind the bone marrow transplantation itself, other important variables also impact the final price of the procedure. So, let’s puzzle out why overall costs for BMT range so drastically and what factors are primary influencers:
1. Country
Thinking about where to get bone marrow transplant and weighing options is a critical factor influencing the total price. However, it’s important to remember that a low cost does not mean poor efficacy and a high one does not guarantee an excellent result. Higher charges in the USA are caused mainly by high doctors’ salaries and pharmacy costs, as well as expensive hospital services. There, doctors’ earnings and pharmaceutical costs are twice as high as in other countries, such as Germany. Consequently, bone marrow transplant prices are also almost two times higher – $300,000 in the US vs. $157,700 in Germany.
2. BMT type
Another criterion affecting bone marrow transplant cost is whether it is autologous or allogeneic. For patients needing the allogeneic BMT, doctors will search for a donor and invest time and expenses into matching tests. Plus, donor stem cell collection, transportation, and storage require additional effort and financial resources.
As a result, the allogeneic transplant can be twice as expensive as the autologous one. For example, in Spain, the minimum costs for autologous and allogeneic BMT are $71,700 and $179,000, respectively.
3. Patient’s condition
The cost of a bone marrow transplant greatly depends on the patient’s specific diagnosis. Each medical condition requires a distinct treatment approach.
☝ The bone marrow transplant is used to treat people suffering from a range of diseases, in particular:
- leukemia;
- immune deficiency disorders;
- myeloma;
- lymphoma;
- thalassemia;
- aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure).
The severity of the patient’s condition determines how long they will have to stay in the hospital and how many medications and additional therapies they will need. Therefore, researchers report higher treatment costs in patients with advanced disease, with an average increase of $20,228. Due to these factors, only your doctor can determine a complete list of medical services needed based on patient characteristics, with further cost estimation.
4. Pre-op tests and therapy
Depending on the patient’s specific medical condition, preliminary tests and therapy can vary significantly from case to case. Patients usually require a variety of diagnostic procedures. Moreover, patients with advanced illnesses or co-occurring diseases may need additional evaluations and therapy.
Whether these tests are included in the total cost of transplantation or considered separately differs from clinic to clinic. Therefore, before your medical trip, you should check what is included in your chosen package of services.
Some typical tests required before the procedure are:
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram – simple tests to examine your heart;
- an X-ray to assess the condition of other organs;
- blood tests to measure blood cell levels and evaluate liver and kidney function;
- a coronavirus test;
- biopsy – if the patient has cancer, a small sample of malignant cells can be taken to determine the state of the disease.
All in all, the extent of testing may drive up the expenses associated with the BMT process.
5. Patient’s age and hospital stay
The patient's age is another significant cost driver. Transplants are usually more expensive for pediatric patients (not older than 20). According to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), the median duration of hospitalization is 43 days for pediatric patients and 30 days for adults. Due to an extended hospital stay, pediatric patients face 1.6 times higher total costs than adults.
The hospital stay after the bone marrow transplantation generally lasts between 30 and 90 days. However, in case of post-transplant complications, the discharge will be postponed, increasing hospital costs and the total price of the stem cell transplantation.
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Bone Marrow Transplant Cost Without Insurance
The patients without financial coverage should consider the higher total cost of bone marrow transplant due to the following expenses:
- Hospitalization fees, including room and board, surgical fees, and other hospital services.
- Medical procedures, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Medications used during and after the transplant can be expensive, especially immunosuppressant drugs.
- Travel and lodging fees.
- Donor-related costs. In the case of allogeneic transplants, there may be costs associated with finding and preparing a donor.
What are the financial options you may explore?
- Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation provides financial support for various expenses related to bone marrow transplants.
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers financial assistance to patients undergoing bone marrow transplants for blood disorders.
- Crowdfunding. Websites like GoFundMe allow you to raise funds from friends, family, and the community.
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). Many pharmaceutical companies offer PAPs to help patients afford their medications.
- Government assistance. Some governments provide financial assistance programs for medical treatments.
Bone Marrow Transplant Cost With Insurance
Most health insurance plans cover the total price entirely or partly. Third-party payer costs usually include preliminary testing, the collection and delivery of stem cells, the procedure itself, and post-operative recovery. The prices can vary depending on the region and hospital.
Additional Costs
While your insurance company may approve the payment for the bone marrow transplant itself, it may not cover some procedures associated with BMT. For patients covered by health insurance, the out-of-pocket costs for a bone marrow transplant typically consist of lab and prescription drug copays, as well as coinsurance of 10-50% for the procedure.
Additionally, insurance does not always cover the following services and procedures:
- medical testing;
- finding a suitable donor;
- follow-up medical appointments;
- drug therapy;
- food, travel, and lodging expenses.
It's crucial to thoroughly understand the specifics of your insurance policy and explore potential sources of support for the additional costs.
Bone Marrow Transplant: Brief Overview
Are you interested in having a bone marrow transplant and want to know more? Here is our short summary of the main aspects of this complex procedure.
Despite a somewhat confusing name, a bone marrow transplant does not actually involve a surgical replacement of bone marrow. Instead, this procedure resembles a blood transfusion. It infuses healthy stem cells into a patient’s bloodstream to replace damaged bone marrow. This is why it’s also referred to as a stem cell transplant or hematopoietic stem cell transplant. BMT is typically indicated when a patient’s bone marrow cannot produce the required amount of healthy blood cells.
A bone marrow transplant can be used to:
- replace nonfunctioning bone marrow with blood-forming stem cells (for conditions like acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, or aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure));
- rejuvenate the immune system to fight cancer cells left after the radio- or chemotherapy;
- restore bone marrow damaged by high doses of radiation or chemotherapy;
- to minimize the effect of a genetic disorder by infusing genetically healthy bone marrow cells (for example, in the case of the Hurler syndrome).
FAQ
What is the success rate for bone marrow transplants?
The result depends on the patient's age and condition, the medical team's professionalism, and donor-recipient matching. The proximity of the donor’s profile to the recipient’s needs directly influences the success of the clinical outcome.
The average survival rate 1 year after the allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is 72.1%. In the case of autologous transplant, the 1-year survival rate is 93.3%. This type of transplant is also well tolerated by elderly patients.
Are bone marrow transplants painful for the patient or donor?
The procedure is not painful for the recipient, doesn’t require the use of anesthetics, and takes only a couple of hours.
As for the donation, bone marrow stem cells are harvested under a general (or sometimes local) anesthetic. Therefore, the donor will not be awake during the procedure and won’t feel any pain. After the collection of stem cells, it is normal to experience pain in the area where the needle was inserted. However, these feelings of discomfort are temporary and will pass after a couple of days or weeks.
What are the side effects and possible complications after a bone marrow transplant?
During the conditioning period, the patient might experience temporary nausea, tiredness, and hair loss. After the transplant, the common side effects are fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea.
Your doctor will personally discuss the potential risks you might face. Complications that sometimes arise after a bone marrow transplant include:
- graft-versus-host disease – might occur after an allogeneic transplant if donated cells (graft) start viewing the recipient’s cells (host) as a threat and attacking them;
- graft failure – patient’s own immune cells attack foreign donor cells or donor cells fail to develop properly;
- organ dysfunction;
- infections.
Your medical team will continuously monitor your health and promptly address any issues if they ever arise.
Who can be a donor for a bone marrow transplant?
Almost any healthy person between the ages of 17 and 44 can become a donor for a bone marrow transplant. If you want to donate blood cells to your relative, you will have to take a blood test and see if you are a suitable donor. Siblings have the biggest chance to match (25%). If you are a half-match, it might still be possible to donate. The transplant taken from a half-matching donor is called a haploidentical transplant.
If you want to donate bone marrow for an unrelated person, it’s necessary to contact the nearest donor register and find out the details. Each bank has its criteria and procedure for donating. Once you register, your blood samples will be compared with samples from potential recipients. If you match, you'll be asked for a donation.
How does a bone marrow transplant work for the donor?
There are 2 types of donations you can make: marrow stem cells or peripheral blood cells (PBSCs). The patient’s treating doctor decides which one will be more suitable.
- PBSC donation: 90% of donors need to attend only 1 session lasting up to 8 hours; the remaining 10% will need 2 sessions, each lasting 4-6 hours. During the procedure, the donor is connected to a blood cell separator device via tubes in both arms. After blood-forming cells are collected from one arm, the remaining blood returns to your body via a needle in the other arm.
- Marrow donation: it's a surgical procedure conducted under general anesthesia. The graft is taken directly from the bone marrow since it is a rich stem cell source. A doctor collects cells from both sides of the donor’s pelvic bone via small incisions. Most donors return home the same or next day after the donation.
What is the recovery like after donating for a bone marrow transplant?
Although the recovery period varies on a case-to-case basis, donors can typically resume their everyday activities within 1 to 7 days after the procedure. In a few weeks, your stem cells will return to normal levels.
What is recovery like for the recipient after a bone marrow transplant?
Recovery from a bone marrow transplant is gradual and involves managing several aspects of your daily life: nutrition, medications, physical activity, hygiene, and contact with others. Key priorities include maintaining adequate food and fluid intake and taking prescribed medication.
After the bone marrow transplantation, patients’ energy is often lacking, and they may experience rapid weight gain. Following doctors’ recommendations and leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent this. It is best to gradually increase your activity level, starting from daily walks and simple exercises. The most important thing is to set realistic goals and consult with your healthcare team when in doubt.
Why is it hard to find a matching donor?
The likelihood of having a matched related donor transplantation is approximately 30%, while the chances of finding an unrelated donor range from 29% to 79%, depending on your ethnic profile. This is because it’s essential to match a donor’s and a patient’s HLA gene markers for a successful transplantation. Race and ethnicity have a direct influence on these markers. Some marker combinations may be more common within certain ethnic groups. For example, African Americans exhibit greater diversity in their HLA markers, which complicates the search for a matching donor.
HLA genes are also the reason why siblings are often preferred as donors: since we inherit HLA genes from both our patients, brothers and sisters are more likely to share the same markers.
Can a bone marrow transplant change your blood type or DNA?
Yes, after the allogeneic transplant, the recipient’s blood type changes into the donor's. This happens because bone marrow produces most of the body’s blood cells. When the patient undergoes BMT, donated blood cells replace the damaged cells and begin to produce new ones. So, if your donor has a different blood type, your own blood will eventually convert to it.
To some extent, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can also change your DNA. If a person receives an allogeneic transplant, the new stem cells will have the donor’s DNA. This phenomenon is known as chimerism. In Greek mythology, the creature Chimera was partly a lion, partly a goat, and partly a snake. On the other hand, a person with chimerism will have the donor’s DNA in their blood and their original DNA in most other cells. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that donor DNA may migrate to other body parts.
Takeaways
➤ Turkish hospitals present the most affordable offers of bone marrow transplantation, with prices ranging between $25,000 and $125,000. The average cost of bone marrow transplantation in Turkey is about $70,000.
➤ In Europe, Spanish hospitals provide the best cost-effectiveness. The typical range of prices for BMT in this country is between $71,700 and $241,800.
➤ Israel and Thailand present the optimal balance of price and quality. BMT can cost from $133,000 up to $200,000 in Israel and from $137,000 up to $170,000 in Thailand.
➤ Compared to other countries on our list, Germany offers the highest prices (from $157,700 to $263,000) but boasts excellent expertise and the biggest donor pool in Europe.
➤ The BMT cost typically includes pre-op medical evaluation, stem cell collection, chemo- and/or radiotherapy cycles, transplantation, and post-op treatment. The complete list of services included in the price should be checked with the specific clinic you are interested in.
➤ The total cost for bone marrow transplantation depends on a range of significant factors, including bone marrow transplant type, the patient’s age and condition, the length of hospital stay, and pricing policy in the country.
🤔 Don’t know where to start?
Submit a request on the Bookimed website, and our medical coordinator will contact you to provide detailed info on clinics and prices. We will do our best to take care of your medical travel.
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