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Did you know that your family history of cancer might impact your chances of getting certain forms of cancer? If you know family members who might have contracted cancer in the past, you might want to get a genetic cancer test done to see if you may have an increased chance of getting cancer too.
Genetic cancer tests have gotten cheaper in recent years, but a few different factors might influence how expensive it is for you. Let’s examine what contributes to the cost of genetic cancer testing so you can see if it’s right for you.
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Genetic cancer tests screen your genes for mutations that might make you more likely to get certain forms of cancer. Since your genes are passed down from your parents, if you have a family history of certain forms of cancer, you might be more inclined to get a genetic cancer screening done.
Likewise, if you yourself had cancer, you might want to take a genetic cancer screening test to see if it identifies a gene that makes you more likely to get the same type of cancer again. However, just because your results show you might be more likely to get a certain form of cancer, it doesn’t mean that it’s certain.1 However, the test may provide information about your likelihood of getting it, which can help you to make informed decisions about your health.
There are a few different elements that might affect the cost of genetic cancer tests. Some of these factors include:
The cost of genetic cancer testing has decreased dramatically in recent years.3 Even if you don’t have insurance coverage, a basic genetic cancer screening usually costs less than around $250.4Expanded genetic cancer tests, however, may be costly, sometimes thousands of dollars.2
For many people, the cost of a genetic cancer test will come down to the type of insurance plan they have, so you should ask your insurance agent how much the screening you want will cost. Likewise, you may want to see if you qualify for financial assistance. Some organizations and programs may help you pay for your screening if you qualify.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedMost insurance plans will cover basic genetic cancer testing under certain conditions. For example, if you or a family member had cancer, your insurance company may be more likely to cover the costs of your screening.2 However, insurance coverage may depend on how extensive your genetic testing is.2
Some ways you might be able to minimize the cost of genetic cancer testing include:
Whether or not genetic cancer testing is worth it for you may depend on you or your family’s history with cancer. If you know that you have a history of cancer in your family, you may want to plan for the future and see if you are more prone to the cancer that your family member had in the past.
If you are merely curious about your genetic predisposition to getting certain types of cancer, and you think the price is too much right now, then you might elect to wait. It’s always best to consult your doctor before making a medical decision that might affect your finances.
Genetic cancer screening can give you important information about your health profile, but if the costs seem too much right now, you may want to consult your healthcare provider to see what they recommend for you. Getting the right insurance coverage may also be able to help you save on genetic testing in some cases, depending on your policy.
If you’re interested in cancer screening, you may want to plan ahead and explore cancer insurance. Aflac offers cancer insurance policies, and you can speak with an agent today to see what policy might best suit your needs.
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1 American Cancer Society – What Should I Know Before Getting Genetic Testing. Updated January 16, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/genetic-testing-for-cancer-risk/should-i-get-genetic-testing-for-cancer-risk.html Accessed July 10, 2025.
2 Health Central – How Much Does Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Cost. Updated November 21, 2024 https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-genetic-testing-cost. Accessed July 10, 2025.
3 NPR – Testing your genes for cancer risk is way cheaper now — and it could save your life. Updated August 2, 2023.https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/08/02/1191419631/cancer-risk-test-genetic-genes-inexpensive-why-dont-more-people-get-tested. Accessed July 10, 2025.
4University of Utah Health – Can I Afford Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk? Updated August 16, 2023.https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/news/2023/08/can-i-afford-genetic-testing-cancer-risk. Accessed July 16, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID & B70300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK & B70300OK.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA.
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