Costs of Clinical Trial Participation

Through our work, we’ve seen the financial burden that participants incur when being a part of a clinical trial. We’ve heard firsthand about the financial hardships the families undergo and the impact it has on their life and those around them. To better understand the barriers to clinical trial participation, particularly the financial challenges in participating, Mural Health conducted a national survey of over 100 individuals (both patients and caregivers) across 17 therapeutic areas. 

The results reveal a troubling truth: many participants are spending thousands of dollars out of pocket just to access care that could save their lives. These financial burdens are some of the most significant barriers to clinical trial participation, and they’re disproportionately impacting those from lower-income backgrounds.

Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation - Key Stats:

• 74% of respondents enrolled in a clinical trial to save or improve their quality of life, while only 2% participated for financial reasons.
• The average out-of-pocket cost per visit ranges between $100 and $1,000, with some patients spending over $25,000 across their participation.
• 58% of respondents were not reimbursed for their trial-related expenses at all.
• One-third of those who did receive financial support were taxed on their stipends—further worsening the financial strain.

Why it matters:

These financial obstacles are creating serious barriers to clinical trial participation, particularly for lower-income individuals. When people can’t afford to participate, trials become less reflective of the actual patient population, and as a result, and ultimately, trials become less effective. Tackling these barriers is essential to improving access, representation, and outcomes in clinical research.

For more insights and detailed statistics, download the full 2025 Costs of Clinical Trial Participation Survey Report.