What Are the Conditions for NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) Abroad?
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a relatively recent test that has become widely adopted in some countries as a routine screening.
Let's take a closer look at the situation of NIPT overseas and also review the situation in Japan.
Table of Contents
In Japan
In Japan, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) has only recently begun to be performed. It is not yet widely known or considered a routine test, and it is not uncommon for acquaintances to be surprised if you mention having undergone NIPT. There are also a significant number of women in Japan who may choose to terminate a pregnancy based on NIPT results, which often sparks controversial discussions due to the complexities involved.
Is Insurance Covered?
In Japan, unfortunately, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is not covered by insurance. It is entirely out-of-pocket expense.
What are the Costs?
In Japan, the cost of undergoing NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is approximately 150,000 to 200,000 yen. Since it is not covered by insurance, it can be considered quite expensive.
When Can the Test Be Conducted?
In Japan, you can undergo NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) starting from around the 10th week of pregnancy.
Can Gender be Determined?
In Japan's NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), you can find out the sex of your child. Conversely, if you prefer not to know the sex, you should inform the doctor accordingly.
How Long Until Results?
In Japan, the results of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) typically take about 2 weeks to be available. Generally, you will receive an explanation of the results directly from the doctor at the hospital.
In the United States
In the United States, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a very common procedure. Unless specifically declined, it is considered routine and typically chosen by many women.
Is Insurance Covered?
In the United States, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is covered by insurance if you choose to undergo it. The development of MaterniT21 by Sequenom in 2011 has made it possible to diagnose fetal chromosomal abnormalities, advancing the approach to NIPT in the United States.
Can Gender be Determined?
In the United States, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) allows you to find out the sex of your baby. During the explanation of the test results, it is common for the doctor to ask if you want to know the gender of the baby. You can respond according to your preference.
How Long Until Results?
If you undergo NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) in the United States, the turnaround time for results can vary depending on the healthcare facility. Some places can provide results in as little as one day. The ability to check results online is also a convenient feature. For detailed explanations, it's advisable to visit the hospital or clinic where you underwent the test and receive explanations directly from the doctor.
In France
In France, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is very expensive, and as a result, there are still relatively few women choosing to undergo this test. Similar to Japan, it is not yet a widely popular procedure.
Is Insurance Covered?
In France, if you undergo NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), it falls under private healthcare and is not covered by insurance. The cost is entirely self-funded.
What are the Costs?
In France, the cost of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) varies by healthcare facility but is generally around 500 euros. This translates to approximately 59,860 Japanese yen. There are different types of tests available, including those that involve blood sampling, with the most expensive test costing around 900 euros (approximately 107,748 Japanese yen). The high cost is a significant drawback as it is not covered by insurance. However, because it is outside the scope of insurance coverage and does not require an insurance card, foreigners can also undergo the test in France.
When Can the Test Be Conducted?
In France, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) can be performed between weeks 10 and 18 of pregnancy.
Can Gender be Determined?
In France, it is not permitted to find out the sex of the fetus through NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing).
How Long Until Results?
In France, the results of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) are typically mailed out and arrive in approximately 2 weeks.
In Germany
In Germany, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is available as an option during regular prenatal check-ups for pregnant women. If desired, it can be chosen as part of the check-up, and women can discuss this option with their attending physician without difficulty.
What are the Costs?
In Germany, the cost of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) varies by healthcare facility but typically ranges from 300 to 400 euros. Converted to Japanese yen, this is approximately 35,000 to 48,000 yen.
Apart from NIPT, there are more detailed genetic tests available that can detect around 500 different diseases. The cost for these tests is 2,500 euros, which is approximately 300,000 yen in Japanese currency.
When Can the Test Be Conducted?
In Germany and Japan, the way weeks of pregnancy are counted differs. In Japan, the early stages of pregnancy are considered up to 15 weeks (approximately 4 months in terms of months). In contrast, in Germany, the early stages of pregnancy are considered up to 12 weeks.
If undergoing NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) in Germany, it is possible for interested individuals to have the test between weeks 12 and 20 of pregnancy.
Can Gender be Determined?
In Germany, it is possible to learn the sex of the fetus through NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing).
How Long Until Results?
In Germany, it typically takes about 2 weeks to receive the results of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), and the results are explained in detail by the physician.
In Australia
In Australia, there are no specific conditions required to undergo NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). Even if the prenatal check-ups show no abnormalities, physicians may recommend NIPT. NIPT is recognized as a common test in Australia.
Is Insurance Covered?
In Australia, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is not covered by insurance and is entirely self-funded.
What are the Costs?
In Australia, the cost of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) typically ranges from approximately 455 to 500 Australian dollars. In Japanese yen, this is approximately 54,000 to 59,000 yen.
When Can the Test Be Conducted?
In Australia, like in Japan, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) can generally be performed starting from around 10 weeks of pregnancy. Some places may offer it as early as 9 weeks of pregnancy depending on their specific protocols.
Can Gender be Determined?
In Australia, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) allows you to find out the baby's sex. However, if you prefer not to know, you can inform your doctor accordingly.
How Long Until Results?
If you undergo NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) in Australia, you can expect to receive the test results in approximately 5 to 7 days. Around the time the results are ready, you'll visit the hospital to receive and discuss them.
In the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) has been permitted since 2014. Initially, this permission was limited to cases where ultrasound or blood tests indicated a possibility of Down syndrome in the fetus. However, a few years later, from April 1, 2017, all pregnant women became eligible to undergo NIPT, regardless of their specific risk factors for genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
Is Insurance Covered?
In the Netherlands, if you undergo NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), it is covered by insurance. In 2014, pregnant women aged 35 and older were covered for a combination test, which included both blood tests and ultrasound examinations. This was part of a national initiative, conducted as a clinical study over a two-year period starting in April 2014. Subsequently, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), as a more detailed examination, became covered as an insured test.
What are the Costs?
In the Netherlands, the cost of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is approximately 175 euros, which is about 21,095 Japanese yen. The Dutch government provides subsidies, making it relatively affordable compared to other options.
For reference, the combination test involving blood tests and ultrasound costs 168 euros, approximately 19,900 Japanese yen.
When Can the Test Be Conducted?
In the Netherlands, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) can be performed starting from the 10th week of pregnancy.
Can Gender be Determined?
In the Netherlands, with NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), it is not possible to find out the gender of the fetus.
How Long Until Results?
In the Netherlands, results from NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) typically come out in approximately 2 weeks. It's common for the results to be sent attached to an email.
In the United Kingdom
Since 2004, various countries have established national programs to diagnose conditions like Down syndrome, recommending that all pregnant women undergo prenatal screening tests, which preceded NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). These screenings have been widely used for diagnostic purposes, providing women with opportunities for informed choices regarding their pregnancies.
Is Insurance Covered?
In the United Kingdom, if you undergo NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing), it is not covered by insurance and is entirely self-funded.
What are the Costs?
In the United Kingdom, undergoing NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) costs approximately 400 to 900 euros. Converting this to Japanese yen, it amounts to approximately 47,000 to 106,000 yen.
When Can the Test Be Conducted?
In the United Kingdom, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) can be performed starting from the 10th week of pregnancy.
Can Gender be Determined?
In the United Kingdom, NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) does provide the option to find out the gender of the fetus. This can be particularly appreciated by those who wish to know their baby's gender early in pregnancy.
How Long Until Results?
In the United Kingdom, it typically takes about 2 weeks to receive the results of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). Results are usually delivered by mail, so if you require detailed explanations or discussions about the results, it's advisable to visit the hospital or healthcare provider where you underwent the test.