Highest paid clinical trials in the UK (2025 update)

Earn money through clinical trials. Here’s how

If you’ve ever searched for quick ways to earn some extra cash, you’ve probably come across adverts promising hundreds or even thousands of pounds to take part in “paid medical trials”.

Sounds tempting, right? A few nights in a clinic, a bit of testing, and a nice payout at the end. But before you roll up your sleeve, it’s worth knowing what these studies really involve and which ones are genuine.

Done properly, clinical trials can be a decent way to earn money while helping medical research. Done badly, they can be risky, stressful, or simply not worth the effort.

Here’s how they work, what you can expect to earn, and the safest, highest-paying options available in the UK right now.

What are paid clinical trials?

Clinical trials are medical studies that test how safe or effective new treatments are. Some look at everyday medicines, while others test vaccines, sleep patterns, or new ways to treat health conditions.

These trials often need volunteers, and in return, they pay you for your time. Some ask for healthy people, while others need volunteers with certain medical conditions.

If you’re thinking about taking part, it’s important to know exactly what’s involved before signing up.

Gone off the idea of clinical trials? Try these ways to make money online instead.

How much can you earn from clinical trials?

Payments vary depending on the type of study, how long it lasts, and what’s required of you.

In 2025, most UK clinical trials pay between £500 and £5,000. Shorter studies, such as overnight sleep tests or diet research, tend to pay less. Longer ones, especially those that involve hospital stays or taking medication, can pay more.

Some volunteers also get travel costs and food included.

Are clinical trials safe?

All proper trials in the UK are reviewed and approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means they’re carefully checked for safety and ethical standards.

That said, no trial is completely risk-free. You might get mild side effects like headaches or tiredness, or you may be asked to stay overnight so your health can be monitored. Always read the information sheet before agreeing to take part.

Where to find legitimate UK clinical trials

If you’re keen to see what’s available, here are a few trusted organisations:

1. FluCamp
FluCamp runs studies that help researchers understand how the body fights viruses like the flu and colds. Some trials pay up to £4,200, depending on how long you stay and what’s involved.

2. Hammersmith Medicines Research (London Trials)
One of the biggest names in medical research, HMR runs hundreds of trials every year. Payouts are often £2,000–£5,000, especially for multi-day studies.

3. Trials4Us
Trials4Us runs everything from blood pressure medication tests to healthy volunteer trials. Most studies pay between £1,700 and £3,800.

4. Quotient Sciences
Based in Nottingham, Quotient runs day and overnight studies on medicines in development. You can expect to earn £1,000–£2,500, plus travel costs.

5. NHS Be Part of Research
If you prefer to stick with NHS-approved studies, this official site lists thousands of ongoing UK clinical trials. You can filter by location and medical condition.

Things to check before you sign up

• Make sure the trial is MHRA-approved
• Read every word of the consent form
• Ask questions about possible side effects or what happens if you leave early
• Check reviews of the research centre online
• Don’t sign up for more than one trial at once

Is it worth it?

Taking part in paid medical research can be a genuine way to make extra money, especially if you’re between jobs or saving for something big. But it’s not for everyone.

If you’re uncomfortable with needles, medical testing, or the idea of side effects, there are safer ways to make money, like paid market research, online surveys, or getting paid to watch TV.