Medical Oncologist
Cost of genomic testing
Cost of NGS Testing — vs the Cost of Treating Blindly
NGS genomic testing tells your oncologist which treatments are likely to work before you start them. The test costs money. But one cycle of the wrong treatment usually costs more — in money, time, and side effects.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · MD · DM (Adyar, Chennai) · ECMO · MRCP SCE (UK) · Last reviewed August 2026
- The test price is not the whole cost — Compare what you spend on the test against what you would spend on a treatment that turns out not to match your tumour.
- Schemes can cover part of the cost — PM-JAY, Aarogyasri, and Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva cover some molecular tests. A counsellor can check eligibility before you pay.
- Not every cancer needs the widest panel — The right test depends on your cancer type. A smaller panel can cost a fraction of a comprehensive profile and still give your oncologist what they need.
- NABL accreditation matters — A result from an accredited laboratory is one your oncologist and insurer can act on. Always check before you book.
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NGS genomic testing costs ₹10,000–₹80,000 in India depending on the panel. One cycle of chemotherapy not matched to your tumour's biology can cost more and achieve nothing. ASCO and ESMO guidance supports upfront testing for several cancer types because it changes which treatment is chosen — and that changes what you spend overall.
What does genomic testing cost in India?
| Test type | What it covers | Indicative cost (2025–26) | May be covered by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Companion diagnostic (single gene) | One specific mutation — e.g. EGFR in lung cancer, HER2 in breast cancer | ₹3,000–₹8,000 | PM-JAY, Aarogyasri, Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva |
| Targeted gene panel (10–50 genes) | Common actionable mutations for your cancer type | ₹10,000–₹30,000 | Selected scheme coverage; hospital charity programs |
| Comprehensive genomic profile (100–300+ genes) | All known cancer-driving gene alterations | ₹40,000–₹80,000 | Rarely covered; some patient foundations offer subsidy |
| Whole exome sequencing | Every protein-coding gene in the genome | ₹80,000–₹2,00,000+ | Not routinely covered by government schemes |
Why is a test that costs ₹80,000 sometimes cheaper than not testing?
The question is not what the test costs. The question is what you spend in total if you skip it.
A single cycle of systemic treatment at a private centre can cost as much as a mid-range genomic panel — and that is money spent before knowing whether the treatment matches your tumour. If it does not, you add the cost of switching, re-testing, and managing avoidable side effects.
ASCO, ESMO, and ICMR support biomarker testing upfront for several common cancers — including lung, breast, and colorectal — because knowing the tumour's biology before treatment starts leads to better-matched and often more cost-effective care.
This is not about spending more. It is about not spending money on treatment that will not work for your specific tumour.
What changes when you test upfront vs waiting?
| With NGS testing upfront | Without NGS testing | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment chosen | Matched to your tumour's specific gene alterations | Based on cancer type and stage alone — what works for most, not what fits you |
| Risk of ineffective first treatment | Lower — mismatch identified before you start | Higher — you may complete full cycles before finding the treatment is wrong |
| Cost of a failed first treatment | Avoided — the switch happens before spending begins | Full cost of ineffective cycles, plus re-testing and restarting |
| Avoidable side effects | Those specific to drugs not suited to your biology | Unknown until treatment is underway |
| Time to right treatment | Faster — plan is built on your tumour's biology from day one | Longer if first treatment fails and testing is done after |
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Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
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Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
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Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
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Before you pay for genomic testing, check these things
- Ask your oncologist which panel is right for your cancer type — not all cancers need a 300-gene test, and the appropriate smaller panel costs less.
- Check PM-JAY, Aarogyasri (Telangana), or Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva (Andhra Pradesh) eligibility before booking — a counsellor can do this for you at no charge.
- Ask whether the hospital has a charity or patient assistance program that covers all or part of the test cost.
- Confirm the laboratory is NABL-accredited — this is what makes the result usable by your oncologist and any insurer.
- Ask whether your existing biopsy sample can be used, so you do not need a second procedure.
- Ask for the written report in your name, with the laboratory's stamp and accreditation number — keep it with your medical records.
What can a CION financial counsellor actually do for you?
Before you spend anything, a CION financial counsellor can check which government scheme you are eligible for and whether the specific test your oncologist has ordered is covered under that scheme.
They can also tell you whether a patient assistance or charity waiver is available at your centre, and help you prepare the paperwork if it is.
This is a free conversation. It takes place before any test is ordered, so you know your out-of-pocket cost before you commit to it.
How genomic testing works at a CION centre
Your oncologist recommends testing
They tell you which panel is appropriate for your cancer type and why. This is the right moment to ask about cost and scheme eligibility.
Financial counsellor checks eligibility
Before the sample is sent, a counsellor confirms which schemes apply and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. If a waiver or subsidy is available, they initiate it at this stage.
Your existing biopsy sample is used
In most cases the tissue block from your original biopsy is sufficient. No new procedure is needed. The sample is sent to a partner laboratory.
Results come back in one to two weeks
The timeline depends on the panel and the laboratory. Ask for a specific expected date when the sample is sent so you are not waiting without a timeline.
Your oncologist reviews the findings
Results are discussed with you at your next appointment. Complex cases may be reviewed by the tumour board first.
Your treatment plan is updated
If an actionable mutation is found, your oncologist will explain what it means for your options and what each option costs. You make the decision with full information.
Explore 52 more Cost, Access, Trials & Choosing a Hospital topics
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- NGOs and Crowdfunding for Cancer Treatment in India
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- What Happens If You Have to Stop Treatment Because of Cost?
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- Risks, Consent and Your Right to Withdraw
- What Happens After a Trial Ends?
- What Is a Clinical Trial and Should You Join One?
- Who Pays for Treatment in a Clinical Trial?
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Hospital Choice, Second Opinion & Decision Pages
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- Getting a Second Opinion on Your Targeted Therapy Plan
- How a Molecular Tumour Board Reviews Your Case
- How to Choose a Hospital for Targeted Therapy in India
- Medical Oncologist vs Precision Oncology Specialist: Who Do You Need?
- Online and Teleconsultation Second Opinions: How They Work
- Red Flags: Signs Your Cancer Care May Not Be Up to Standard
- Transferring Your Care to Another Hospital Mid-Treatment
- What a Good Second Opinion Actually Checks: A 10-Point Audit
- What a Precision Oncology Program Should Include: A Checklist
- What to Ask Before Committing to a Cancer Treatment Plan
Work, Travel, Legal & Insurance Rights
- Buying Life or Health Insurance After a Cancer Diagnosis
- Can You Keep Working Full Time on Targeted Therapy?
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- Flying With Cancer: Fitness to Fly and Airline Rules
- Making a Will and Organising Documents During Serious Illness
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- Sick Leave and Employment Rights for Cancer Patients in India
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is genomic testing covered by Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY?
Some molecular tests are covered under PM-JAY, but the specific test must match the scheme's listed procedures and your cancer type must qualify. The coverage list is updated periodically, so the most reliable way to check is to ask a CION financial counsellor before the test is ordered — not after. Telangana's Aarogyasri and Andhra Pradesh's Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva have their own lists, which overlap with but are not identical to PM-JAY. Eligibility under one scheme does not automatically mean eligibility under another.
Is the cheapest panel enough or do I need the full 300-gene test?
It depends on your cancer type. For some cancers, a single-gene companion diagnostic tells your oncologist everything they need and costs a fraction of a comprehensive profile. For cancers where the driving mutation is less predictable — or where immunotherapy eligibility depends on multiple markers — a wider panel adds genuine clinical value. Spending more on a broader panel when a smaller one covers your cancer type wastes money without improving your plan. Ask your oncologist which panel NCCN or ESMO recommends for your specific diagnosis before booking anything.
My oncologist has not mentioned genomic testing — should I ask about it?
Yes, it is a reasonable question to raise. Not every cancer type has an NCCN or ESMO recommendation for routine biomarker testing, and your oncologist may already have ruled it out for a good reason. If you are unsure why testing was not suggested, ask directly: 'Is biomarker testing recommended for my cancer type, and if not, why not?' A confident oncologist will give you a clear answer. If you are not satisfied with the answer, a second opinion is a legitimate next step.
Can genomic testing be done after I have already started chemotherapy?
Yes, testing can be done at any point where you have usable tissue, but earlier is almost always better. Testing after several cycles means you have already committed that cost and time before knowing whether the treatment matched your tumour's biology. If you are mid-treatment and considering testing, ask your oncologist whether the existing sample is still usable and whether the results are likely to change your current plan. If they are not, timing matters less.
How do I know the laboratory result is reliable?
Check that the laboratory is NABL-accredited — the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories sets the quality standard that makes results usable for clinical decisions in India. Ask for the accreditation certificate number if you want to verify it independently. The written report should name the laboratory, list the accreditation number, describe the method used, and give the result clearly. If any of that is missing, flag it to your oncologist before acting on the result.
What happens if the test finds no actionable mutation?
A result showing no actionable mutation is still useful information. It tells your oncologist that targeted therapy based on those markers is unlikely to help, and it guides the plan toward chemotherapy, immunotherapy assessed through other markers, or a clinical trial. It does not mean treatment has run out — it means the options are clearer. Ask your oncologist specifically what the result means for your plan and whether any further testing is worth considering based on your cancer type.