IVF Genetic Testing (PGT) in Thailand

PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR: which applies to you

PGT is a group of tests performed on embryos at blastocyst stage before transfer. Each type addresses a distinct clinical need.

PGT-A (aneuploidy testing) screens every embryo for extra or missing chromosomes, the leading cause of failed implantation and early miscarriage. A chromosomally normal embryo is confirmed before transfer, reducing the risk of a failed cycle or pregnancy loss.

PGT-M (monogenic testing) is used when one or both partners carry a known single-gene disorder. The test is customized to the specific gene variant involved, whether cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy, Huntington's disease, or another condition, so only unaffected embryos are transferred. PGT-M requires laboratory preparation that takes 4 to 8 weeks and must be completed before your IVF cycle can begin.

PGT-SR (structural rearrangements) is for patients who carry a balanced chromosomal translocation or inversion. These patients often have no symptoms themselves but produce a high proportion of embryos with unbalanced chromosomal arrangements, leading to recurrent implantation failure or pregnancy loss.

When PGT-A is recommended

PGT-A is not a routine add-on for every IVF cycle. It is recommended where the risk of chromosomal error is elevated:

1. Women 35 and over, as aneuploidy rates in embryos increase substantially with age
2. Two or more failed embryo transfers with no structural explanation
3. Recurrent miscarriage, generally defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses
4. A confirmed chromosomal abnormality in either partner

If none of these apply, ask your specialist to explain the clinical rationale before proceeding. PGT-A improves the chance of success per transfer but does not increase egg numbers, and not all embryos survive biopsy.

The legal framework for PGT in Thailand

PGT in Thailand operates under the same assisted reproductive technology framework that governs all fertility treatment in the country. Access is limited to legally married heterosexual couples who provide a valid marriage certificate. The same eligibility criteria that apply to IVF apply here.

PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR are all available at licensed clinics. Clinics must operate or partner with a certified genetic laboratory. Ask specifically about their testing platform and whether genetic analysis is performed in-house or outsourced.

Single patients and same-sex couples cannot access PGT or IVF under current Thai law.

How gender selection works through PGT-A

PGT-A reports the full chromosomal profile of each embryo, which includes sex chromosome composition. Thai clinics can disclose the sex of each tested embryo to married couples, and you can specify which embryo to transfer based on that result.

This is the mechanism through which family balancing works in Thailand. The test is run for chromosomal health purposes, and sex is disclosed as part of that report. Australians travel for this specifically because elective gender selection is prohibited at home under NHMRC guidelines. The legal basis in Thailand is chromosomal screening, not standalone sex selection. When discussing the procedure with your clinic, lead with PGT-A for chromosomal reasons and confirm how they handle sex disclosure within their protocol.

A marriage certificate is required, and both partners must be engaged in the consent process.

PGT-M: allow extra time before your cycle

Unlike PGT-A, which uses established testing platforms, PGT-M requires a customized probe designed for your specific genetic variant. The laboratory builds and validates this probe before any embryos can be tested. This preparation takes 4 to 8 weeks.

What this means for planning:

1. Share your genetic diagnosis, the specific gene variant, and all relevant genetic reports with the clinic at least two months before your planned travel date
2. Do not book flights until probe design is confirmed complete
3. Your stimulation cycle cannot start until probe validation is finished

PGT-M costs are typically higher than PGT-A and are usually charged separately from the IVF package. Confirm the fee structure with your clinic before committing.

Trip planning for PGT patients

A PGT cycle adds a genetic analysis period between retrieval and transfer. Embryos are biopsied at blastocyst stage (day 5 to 6), vitrified, and held while testing is completed. PGT-A results typically return in 7 to 14 days. PGT-M and PGT-SR results take longer.

Fresh transfer is not possible with PGT. All PGT cycles use frozen embryo transfer (FET), which means the retrieval visit and the transfer visit are separate trips. Many patients have stimulation monitoring done at a local clinic and travel to Thailand only for retrieval, then return for transfer once results are confirmed. Patients with a flexible schedule sometimes stay in Thailand through both phases.

Some Thai clinics accept monitoring scans and bloodwork performed locally during the stimulation phase. Confirm this arrangement before choosing a clinic, as protocols differ.

The export restriction and what it means for PGT embryos

Thailand does not permit frozen embryos to leave the country. This applies to embryos created through IVF in Thailand whether or not they have undergone PGT. Tested embryos cannot be transferred to a clinic abroad for transfer.

Before starting, confirm with your clinic:

1. Annual cryostorage fees
2. Maximum storage duration for frozen embryos
3. Their policy for international patients who do not return within a set timeframe

This restriction is why most PGT patients plan both retrieval and transfer in Thailand from the outset, rather than treating the two as independent decisions made later.

PGT in Thailand: common questions

What is the difference between PGT-A and PGD?

PGD is an older term still used by some Thai clinics. PGD for chromosomal screening is now called PGT-A, and PGD for single-gene disorders is now called PGT-M. They refer to the same tests.

Does PGT-A guarantee a healthy baby?

No. PGT-A significantly reduces the risk of transferring a chromosomally abnormal embryo, but it does not screen for all genetic conditions. A normal result does not guarantee implantation or live birth.

Can PGT-M detect any genetic condition?

No. PGT-M is built around a specific gene variant identified in advance. If the genetic cause of a condition in your family has not been identified at the molecular level, PGT-M cannot be performed for it.

Does Australian Medicare cover PGT performed in Thailand?

No. Medicare does not cover IVF or PGT performed overseas. Some private health funds offer partial rebates on fertility treatment abroad. Confirm directly with your insurer before assuming coverage applies.

Do I need to bring genetic reports to my first consultation?

Yes, particularly for PGT-M or PGT-SR. Bring copies of carrier screening results, chromosomal analysis reports, any prior genetic diagnoses, and your full fertility history. Providing this information upfront allows the clinic to confirm which test is appropriate and give you a realistic timeline.

What additional costs are sometimes not included in a PGT package?

1. PGT-M or PGT-SR probe design and testing: sometimes not included, confirm with your clinic
2. Stimulation medications: sometimes not included, confirm with your clinic
3. Embryo cryostorage beyond the first year: sometimes not included, confirm with your clinic
4. Additional frozen embryo transfers beyond the first: sometimes not included, confirm with your clinic