Cord Blood Banking Costs and Storage Fees

Cord Blood Banking Costs and Storage Fees

Understanding the costs associated with privately (family) banking of your baby’s cord blood is essential to making an informed decision for your family.

As with most items we purchase, comparing pricing for cord blood banking isn’t as easy as comparing apples to apples. This is because banks often structure their fees differently, and the advertised price may not include necessary upfront services.

If you are researching a private bank, ask for the total costs for the first year and then compare annual or prepaid storage fees. First-year costs include enrollment fees, processing, shipping, and one year of storage.

---

Private Cord Blood Banking Costs Typically Include:

1. First-Year Costs

First-year costs typically encompass all charges required to initiate banking, including enrollment, collection, shipping, and processing fees for your baby’s cord blood plus the first year of storage.

Payment Timing:

• Payment timing differs from bank to bank. Many banks charge upfront for fees, often at the time of enrollment.
• However, some banks do not charge the full fee until the cord blood has been successfully received and accepted by the lab.

2. Annual Storage Fees

For most banks, storage fees are charged every year that cord blood is kept in cryopreservation.

• Payment Structure: Annual fees may be subject to increase, so you will want to ask if there is a way to lock-in the fee for the duration of the contract.
• Prepaid Plans: Some banks offer discounted prepaid storage plans for a set number of years, typically 18, 20, or a lifetime term. When considering long-term prepaid plans, it is especially important to research the bank’s stability and longevity, as you are relying on its continued operation.

3. Retrieval Fees

Banks charge retrieval fees when customers need to use their cord blood for transplantation or research.

The fee is typically associated with the specialized transportation of the specimen, including the dewar (nitrogen-filled cryogenic shipper) and the medical courier service. The family generally owns the collected cells and is not charged a fee to access them, only for the safe transport to the transplant location.

---

Deciphering the Big Costs: Questions to Ask

Comparing Total Costs Over Time

Key Cost Area	Questions to Ask
Total Cost	Ask for the price for a fixed, long-term period, such as 18 or 20 years of storage.
Annual Storage Fees	Ask if the rate is subject to increase and by how much over time.
Financing Options	Inquire about available payment plans (e.g., 12- and 24-month installment options).

Avoiding Hidden Fees

Parents need to be aware of what is included and any potential charges that may apply:

• Shipping and Courier Fees: Some banks charge separately for shipping the kit back to them, which can result in fees from $50 to as high as $150. Be sure to ask ahead of time.
• Provider Collection Fees: Ask if the bank compensates your healthcare provider for the collection services or if you will be billed separately.
• Courier Service Type: Inquire if the bank uses commercial shipping companies (like DHL) or specialized medical couriers for safe, expedited delivery.

---

Retail Pricing of Top 3 Cord Blood Banks*

Be sure to check the company’s website for updated prices and sales.

	Cryo-Cell	Cord Blood Registry	ViaCord
First-Year Costs	$1,685 – cord blood $2,840 – cord blood and tissue	$1,710 – cord blood $3,215 – cord blood and tissue	$895 – cord blood $1,695 – cord blood and tissue
Yearly Storage Fees	$199 – cord blood $398 – cord blood and tissue	$210 – cord blood $420 – cord blood and tissue	$185 – cord blood $370 – cord blood and tissue
Total Cost for 18 or 20 years	$5,068 – cord blood only (18 yrs)	$8,785 cord blood only (18 yrs)	$3,300 cord blood only (20 yrs)

---