One-off registration fee 35 plus

Since January 2019, everyone aged between 36 and 55 who wants to register as a stem cell donor, is asked to pay a (compulsory) one-off registration fee. Having to pay while doing something for someone else, we understand that this may raise questions. On this page we’ll explain why we opted for this one-off registration fee.

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Each new stem cell donor registering, costs Matchis more than € 35,-. These are the costs that are made for the registration kit and the HLA-typing in the laboratory. This typing is necessary to make a match between a donor and a patient. Without the HLA-typing, a donor can’t be included in the database. 

The chance of a match between a donor and a patient, is really small. Which is why we need a lot of donors on the database. From all the donors registering with us, only a very small percentage will donate stem cells. A lot of the costs Matchis makes, is in the preliminary phase. 

Patient recovery

The chances of a patient recovering are higher if the donor is younger. So when searching for a donor, hospitals prefer donors between 18 and 35 years old.  In the end, a patients best chance at  recovering is what it’s all about!

Matchis’s budget isn’t infinite. To ensure growth of our donor database, the decision was made to spend the budget we have on the group of donors which are mostly called upon; the donors aged between 18 and 35 years. 

People between 18 and 35 (inclusive) who meet the medical requirements can register as a stem cell donor at no cost. Rejuvenating an perpetuating our database is an additional advantage to this way of recruitment. A 20 year old donor signing up has many years on the database until he reaches 55 years. 

Above 35 years

This doesn’t mean donors above 35 years can’t register! All donors stay registered up to and including 55 years.  Donors above 35 years are still called upon as there isn’t always a choice of multiple donors. 
Donors between 36 and 55 years years old, will  be asked for a (compulsory) one-off registration fee of 35 euro towards their own registration costs. If (in time) they are a match with a patient, we will refund the registration fee to the donor. 

If you have any questions, please contact us! 

Matchis Foundation

Matchis is a non-profit organization. Our income is obtained by reimbursements from the health insurance of patients in search of a stem cell donor, government subsidies and donations from sponsors.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it mainly people between 18 and 35 who get asked to donate stem cells?

Stem cells donated by a younger donor are preferred as scientific research has shown that this increases the patient’s chances of recovery.

Why does a patient have a bigger chance of being cured if the stem cells come from a younger donor?

This is evident from several international studies. The exact reason is not yet known. It is probably due to the fact that young people have been exposed less to diseases, unhealthy lifestyles etc than older donors and that their stem cells are better suited to patients than those of older donors.

Aren’t there other ways of financing? Why doesn’t the government or health insurance pay?

Matchis receives a subsidy form the ministry of health, welfare and sport. There are no possibilities to finance registrations through the health insurance law. 

I am above 35 and would like to register as a stem cell donor. When do I have to pay the registration fee?

You can register as a stem cell donor via the registration form on our website.  When completing the form, you will be redirected to your bank to pay the registration costs via Ideal. 

I am already registered as a stem cell donor and above 35. Do I have to pay for my registration?

No, the registration costs are only for people above 35 registering after 01-01-2019.

I am younger than 35. Do I have to pay for my registration once I turn 36?

No, the registration costs are only if you are above 35 when registering.

Is it a one off fee or do I have to pay for every year that I am registered?

It is a one off fee. 

In which situations will I get the registration fee back?

There are a couple of situations in which you will receive a refund for the € 35,-

  • if you are rejected during your registration and you have already paid, we will refund the amount paid to the account number from which you have paid. If you have doubts about your medication and want to know in advance whether you can register, please contact us via our contact form.
  • If you are already registered as a donor, and have completed the registration form a second time
  • If you have paid for your registration and you end up donating stem cells.

In which situation won’t I receive a refund for the registration fee?

  • If you have paid for and completed your registration and you want to or need to deregister as a stem cell donor (for example due to medical reasons or emigration) you wont receive a refund. The costs you pay are the costs for the registration set and the typing. If you have to deregister (later), the costs have already been incurred.
I am above 36. Is it still useful to register as a stem cell donor?

Yes, even if you are 36 or older, it is still usefull to sign up. Although a donation by a younger donor is much more common, donors aged 36 and older are still being asked for donation. Matchis must set the age limit to 35 in order to keep growth manageable and affordable.