Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
The Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test is not cheap. At just over $1,000 out of pocket, it’s a serious investment - and it’s not always covered by insurance.
If that number makes you pause, I understand completely. You may be thinking:
What if it doesn’t find anything?
What if it causes more questions than answers?
How do I justify the cost, especially when I’m on a fixed income or saving for other health needs?
These are all valid, important questions. I’ve had them myself. So let’s unpack this together, not from a place of hype but from an informed, grounded perspective.
Why It Costs So Much - and What You’re Really Paying For
The Galleri test is part of a new class of high-precision diagnostics. It uses next-generation sequencing and advanced bioinformatics to scan blood for cell-free DNA patterns that may signal cancer, even before symptoms appear.
In short, it’s not just a blood test. It’s a window into 50+ types of cancer, including many we’ve never been able to screen for before.
This technology is cutting-edge, and yes, it comes with a premium price tag. But what you’re paying for isn’t just a test - it’s a chance to catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable and survival rates are highest.
And that’s not just about living longer. It’s about living better - protecting your independence, quality of life, and time with loved ones.
But What If the Test Comes Back Negative? Was It Still Worth It?
This is one of the most common questions I hear.
If your test result shows no cancer signal, you might feel like you just paid nearly $1,000 for "nothing."
But in reality, what you bought was peace of mind. You now know, with greater confidence than any routine checkup can provide, that no detectable cancer signal is hiding in the background. That alone can lift a weight off your shoulders.
Think of it this way: When we pay for insurance, we often pay not to use it. We invest in prevention. This test works the same way. You’re investing in not having a future filled with expensive, exhausting, and frightening surprises.
And If It Does Find Something? The Value Multiplies
When cancer is detected early, it’s not just your survival odds that improve—it’s everything:
- Less invasive treatment
- Lower long-term medical costs
- Shorter recovery time
- Greater chance of complete remission
I’ve seen patients whose lives were dramatically altered, not by a diagnosis itself, but by how early they caught it. That window of time is priceless, and Galleri gives us a better shot at finding it.
Why Insurance Doesn’t Cover It (Yet)
Currently, Galleri is available through a CLIA-certified lab, which means it meets high standards of clinical validity but is still undergoing long-term studies before receiving full FDA approval.
Insurance companies tend to lag behind in innovation. They want 10+ years of data before approving coverage, even when the science is clear and promising.
In the meantime, many of us will have to pay out of pocket. It’s frustrating, I know. However, early adopters often play an essential role in shifting the system forward and usually benefit the most from that early access.
For Those on a Fixed Income: A Personal Decision
This test may feel out of reach if you’re on Social Security or managing a tight monthly budget. That’s okay. I never want patients to feel ashamed or pressured into spending money they don’t have.
This test isn’t about fear or urgency. It’s about agency. If and when the time is right - financially or emotionally - I’ll be here to help guide you.
That said, some of my patients do find creative ways to prioritize this test:
- Using HSA/FSA funds
- Choosing it as a birthday or retirement gift for themselves
- Splitting the cost with adult children who want peace of mind for their parents’ health
- Budgeting for it like they would a trip, dental work, or a major appliance
If it matters to you, we can discuss your options without pressure.
What You Deserve to Know
You deserve access to the best tools science offers - not just when you're sick but also when you're trying to stay well.
The Galleri test won’t be right for everyone. But for those who choose it, it offers something scarce in modern medicine: a clearer view of what’s happening inside your body before problems begin.
To me, that’s not a luxury. That’s power. And if I can help you claim that power, in a way that honors your values and resources, I will.
Curious but unsure? Let’s talk.
I offer no-pressure consultations in which we explore whether the Galleri test makes sense for you right now. It's your body, your budget, your choice. I'm just here to help you make it with confidence.
