We know most people in the US are confused about what’s legal & what isn’t in the US when it comes to Stem Cell Therapy & how much it actually costs in the USA.

That’s where we step in. Our team is here to help you understand what treatments you can actually get in states like Florida and Utah, compare how US costs stack up against other options & which clinics globally you can trust.

How much does Stem Cell Therapy cost in USA?

Costs will vary from state to state. For example we’ve got more details on costs in Utah & Florida specifically below. We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! 

There are facilities that do treatments for non approved treatments like Diabetes, auto immune conditions etc and those costs will vary wildly.

Also, very few clinics have prices on their website in the US, we know it’s frustrating!

Stem Cell Therapy costs in the USA Vs Mexico & Colombia

From our experience, we have seen the quality & safety of treatments better in Colombia than Mexico.

Here’s more information to help you compare treatment costs for specific conditions

Does Medicare in the US cover Stem Cell treatments?

You can read more on the official website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Unfortunately, other types of stem cell procedures are not covered. You have to pay all costs yourself!

Is Stem Cell Therapy FDA Approved?

These treatments have gone through clinical trials and received a Biologics License Application (BLA) from the FDA, making them legal and available in clinical practice.

This PDF goes into the FDA’a official stance on stem cell treatments. We know there’s a lot going around now in terms of what’s legal and what’s not, we’re breaking it down for you below.

That doesn’t mean all treatments are necessarily illegal. Both Utah & Florida have different state laws which you can read about below.

Want to know if Stem Cells can actually help your condition?

Our Treatment guides break down the latest research & success rates for each condition. Along with verified clinics who specialise in treating each condition.

All Treatment Articles

Stem Cells for Back Pain

Stem Cells for Knee Osteoarthritis

Stem Cells for COPD

Stem Cells for Multiple Sclerosis

What Stem Cell Treatments are Illegal in the USA

Basically treatments that separate stem cells and grow them are not allowed.

Offering these treatments without FDA review is illegal. The FDA has enforced this position with warning letters, injunctions, and court rulings. But there are exceptions for certain states, as you’ll find out below.

Can Clinics in the US offer Stem Cell Treatments?

But if the cells are changed, stored, or used for something different than their original purpose, the treatment needs full FDA approval. Below is the more formal wording:

According to 21 CFR 1271.15(b), stem cell treatments do not require FDA review if:

• The patient’s own tissue (or cells) is removed and re-implanted in the same patient,
  
• The procedure occurs within the same surgical session,
  
• The tissue is only minimally manipulated (no isolation or expansion), and
  
• The use is homologous, meaning the tissue’s intended role is the same in the recipient .
  

The FDA has stated that this exception applies only when tissue is used “in its original form, with minimal processing”.

So if your treatment includes taking the stem cells from your own body & re-injecting them straight away, it’s OK.

In Summary:

• Legal: FDA‑approved hematopoietic stem cell treatments for certain cancers and immune conditions.
  
• Potentially Legal: Autologous, minimally manipulated, homologous tissue administered in the same surgical procedure (21 CFR 1271.15(b)).
  
• Illegal Without IND/BLA: All other stem cell treatments that do not qualify for the “same surgical procedure” exception.

Best Stem Cell Therapy clinics in Central & South America

We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.

We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.

We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.

Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.

Why Use Alt Treatment?

We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.

Compare with Confidence: Get clinic matches based on your condition, location, and budget.

Ask the Right Questions: Know what to ask before committing

Save on Treatment: Unlock exclusive discounts on vetted clinics and follow-up care.

We’re With You After Treatment: We check in post-treatment and help resolve any issues.

Travel & Visa Help: Need to travel for care? We can help with logistics, documents, and local tips.

Found a Clinic Elsewhere? We’ll check their licensing and track record for you, free of charge.

No Strings Attached: Even if you choose a clinic we don’t partner with, we’re still here to help you make the best decision.

Are Stem Cell Treatments legal in Florida now (July 2025)

(Source: Florida CS/CS/SB 1768 Final Enrolled Text).

What Stem Cell Treatments are allowed in Florida

Stem Cell Treatment Costs in Florida

We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it!

Stem Cell Therapy in Nevada

In Nevada, Senate Bill 128 (2025) introduced a new requirement for doctors treating certain patients. According to the official text of the law:

“Sections 9-11 of this bill require a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or an osteopathic physician to: (1) discuss with a patient, upon diagnosing the patient with arthritis, osteoarthritis or any other condition that is regularly treated using stem cell therapy, the potential use of stem cell therapy to treat the condition; and (2) when acting as a provider of primary care during the first encounter with a new patient, inform the patient of options that may be available to the patient for donating, banking or storing stem cells for future use by the patient or a donee.” (SB128 Final Enrolled Text, Section 9, lines 15–21)

Right now, Nevada’s focus is on education and patient awareness. Making sure doctors talk to patients about stem cell therapy where it applies. 

The actual laws about providing treatments haven’t changed. Stem cell treatments in Nevada still have to follow federal FDA rules, just like everywhere else in the US (same‑day, minimally manipulated procedures only).

Don’t be surprised if laws around regenerative medicine change in upcoming months in Nevada!

Stem Cell treatments in Utah

In Utah, House Bill 376 (2024) introduced new rules for certain stem cell treatments. According to the official text of the law:

“A health care provider whose scope of practice includes the use of stem cell therapy may perform a stem cell therapy that is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, if the health care provider provides the patient with the following written notice before performing the therapy:”THIS NOTICE MUST BE PROVIDED TO YOU UNDER UTAH LAW. This health care practitioner performs one or more stem cell therapies that have not yet been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. You are encouraged to consult with your  primary care provider before undergoing a stem cell therapy.” (HB376 Final Text, lines  32–39)

Basically, if you’re seeing a doctor in Utah who uses placental tissue treatments (such as those derived from the placenta or umbilical cord), they can offer these treatments even if the FDA hasn’t approved them. As long as they clearly tell you this in writing and post the notice where patients can see it.

Now nothing in the bill is restricting these stem cell treatments to any condition. So again, as long as they state it’s experimental & tell you, it looks like clinics here are allowed to offer treatments outside of joint pain & wound care. This does seem like a bit of a grey area.

BUT, doctors can only use placental or umbilical cord stem cells if they get them from an FDA‑registered, accredited lab. They can’t just grow or culture the cells themselves.

Stem Cell Therapy Costs in Utah

Where can I legally get Umbilical Cord Derived Stem Cell Treatment in America?

State	Umbilical Cord Cells Allowed?	High Cell Dosages?
Utah	Yes	Yes (if sourced from an FDA-accredited lab)
Florida	Yes	Yes: to an extent
Nevada	No	No

Read these before booking any consultations

Top Questions to Ask Clinics

Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects

How We Vet Clinics

Can Stem Cells Cause Tumors

Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis Cost

Globally, outside of the US, Stem Cell treatment for Arthritis costs between $3,500 – $15,000. The most common delivery method is localized stem cell injections into the area.

To see a full breakdown of how much Arthritis costs in each country specifically, check out our article on Stem Cells treating Arthritis.

Stem Cell Back Treatment Cost

In Colombia, Stem Cell back treatments cost c.$15,000 and in Thailand they cost around $8,000. For more costs related to Stem Cell therapy treating back & spinal issues, our guide on Stem Cell Therapy for back pain might be useful

Knee Stem Cell Cost

Stem Cells for knee issues cost between $3,500 to $15,000 per knee. To see how much it costs exactly in each country, feel free to read our page covering Stem Cell Treatments for Knee Issues.

What Do US Clinics Mean When They Say “Off‑Label Use is Legal”?

Off-label only applies to FDA-approved drugs used for new purposes, not to unapproved stem cell products, which still need full FDA approval before use.

We break it down here.

“Off‑label” applies only when a doctor prescribes an FDA‑approved therapy for an indication that is not in its labeling. According to the FDA:

“From the FDA perspective, once the FDA approves a drug, healthcare providers generally may prescribe the drug for an unapproved use when they judge that it is medically appropriate for their patient.” (FDA.gov: Understanding Unapproved Use of Approved Products)

However, when it comes to stem cell treatments, the FDA clearly states:

“Currently, the only stem cell products that are FDA-approved for use in the United States consist of blood-forming stem cells (also known as hematopoietic progenitor cells) that are derived from umbilical cord blood. These products are approved for use in patients with disorders that affect the production of blood (i.e., the “hematopoietic” system) but they are not approved for other uses.”  (FDA.gov:Important Patient and Consumer Information About Regenerative Medicine Therapies )

In simple terms, Off‑label means a doctor can use a therapy that the FDA has already approved for one condition to treat a different condition. This is common in medicine. For example, using an approved drug for another illness.

But with stem cell treatments, most aren’t FDA‑approved at all. So when a clinic talks about “off‑label” use for umbilical cord derived stem cells, that doesn’t apply. These treatments aren’t “off‑label”, they’re unapproved and must go through the FDA’s IND or BLA process.

What other countries offer Stem Cell Treatments outside of the US?

Mexico is definitely the cheapest, but has the shadiest reputation.

Japan & South Korea are quite a bit further away but Stem Cell treatments in these countries are much more regulated & considered safer. They’re also not that much more expensive either.

South East Asia is also leading the way with research in this area, by a long shot. We’ve put together articles covering Colombia, Japan & South Korea. We’ve also broken down key differences in this table

Is America a good destination for Stem Cell treatments, quality & cost wise?

The US stem cell scene can be a bit of a Wild West. Most clinics operate under “same‑day” rules with no cell isolation, so it’s nearly impossible to know how many viable MSCs you’re actually getting, or how high‑quality the product is. 

Some even use “off‑the‑shelf” terms to confuse patients or bend the rules altogether, making it a gamble.

So if you’re dealing with a joint or orthopedic issue, Florida or Utah are great choices. But for other conditions, you’re often better off looking beyond the US. 

Whether you’re looking for treatments in the US or globally, our team’s here to help you work out the best route for you & which clinics you can actually trust.

To compare treatment options globally, take a look at our guide for Best Countries to get Stem Cell Treatment.