Table of Contents
What Is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of treatment for infertility. It helps women who have been unable to get pregnant after trying for one year or more (about 12 months).
IVF can also be used to treat couples who’ve had unsuccessful IVF cycles in the past.
In vitro fertilization is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Other types include:
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI is an ART procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. It’s usually done when sperm count is low or the shape of the sperm is abnormal.
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). GIFT is an ART procedure in which eggs are removed from your ovaries, mixed with your partner’s sperm and then placed back into one of your fallopian tubes.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). ZIFT is similar to GIFT except that both eggs and sperm are transferred at the same time.
How Much Does IVF Cost?
The average cost of IVF is about $12,000 per cycle.
IVF is a very expensive procedure. If you have insurance, your copay and deductible may be a lot lower than the total price we list here. But even with insurance — especially if you have a high deductible — IVF can be an expensive procedure. Average out-of-pocket expenses for IVF range from $8,000-$12,000 per cycle.
When it comes to fertility treatments like IVF, it’s important to know what your insurance will cover and how much you’ll end up paying out of pocket. To help you get a clearer picture of what IVF costs, we’ve put together this guide that breaks down the different factors involved:
The average cost of IVF is about $12,000 per cycle. This number varies depending on where you live and whether or not you have coverage through your employer or health plan.
IVF costs vary from clinic to clinic and region to region because there are many layers of costs involved in an IVF cycle — from medication fees to lab work charges to anesthesia fees. Some clinics may charge less for their services than others do; some offer discounts for patients who pay upfront.
The average cost of IVF in the United States ranges from $12,000 to $15,000 for one cycle, according to data from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). But how does that compare with other countries around the world? Here’s a look at how much IVF costs around the world:
United States: $12,500 to $15,000 per cycle
Canada: $7,500 to $9,000 per cycle
United Kingdom: £5,000 to £8,000 per cycle
Australia: A$10,000 to A$15,000 per cycle
Costs of Using Donor Eggs
The cost of using donor eggs depends on a number of factors, including the donor’s age, medical history and type of donation (such as an egg donor or embryo donor). The average cost for an egg donor is $5,000 to $7,000.
The following are average costs for using donated eggs:
Donor fees: Donors typically receive between $5,000 and $7,000. This includes compensation for time off work and travel expenses. Donors may also receive compensation for lost wages if they’re employed by someone else while they donate their eggs.
Reimbursement for medication: Medication costs can vary depending on the treatment protocol used. Some medications require monthly shots while others require daily pills or injections. Depending on your insurance policy and the number of medications you take, insurance may not cover all costs associated with medication. You’ll need to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
Implantation fee: A fee ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 is typically required when an egg is implanted in your uterus. This fee covers the cost of ultrasound scans performed during the process as well as any additional testing that may be necessary once implantation occurs.
Costs of Using a Gestational Carrier or Surrogate
The cost of using a gestational carrier or surrogate is typically determined by the agency you choose and the living arrangements you want.
There are two types of agencies: traditional and non-traditional. Traditional agencies generally charge a fee of between $10,000 and $35,000, depending on the agency and whether they provide medical insurance or not. Non-traditional agencies charge between $15,000 and $50,000 for their services.
The cost of using a gestational carrier or surrogate can also include:
Gestational Carrier Fees: These fees cover the expenses associated with the legal contract that binds the carrier to you during pregnancy and after birth. The fee usually covers all prenatal care, hospital costs and postpartum care as well as travel expenses if necessary. It also includes any child support obligations that may exist after birth if there are no other legal agreements in place.
Surrogate Compensation: This is what will be paid to your surrogate in order to compensate her for her time and effort during pregnancy. This compensation can vary widely depending on whether she has a prior history with surrogacy or if she’s doing this for the first time; if it’s her first time acting as a surrogate she’ll likely receive less than someone who already has experience with it.
Does Insurance Cover IVF?
Insurance companies don’t cover all infertility treatments, but they do cover some of the more common ones. Read on to learn whether you’ll have to pay for IVF out-of-pocket, get help with a co-pay or get it for free with your health insurance.
Only about half of private health plans and about one-third of Medicaid plans offer coverage for infertility treatment, according to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.
If you’re hoping your insurance will cover fertility treatment, check with your insurer before scheduling any appointments or procedures. It’s important to know what your plan covers before you start spending money on medical care.
How to Save Money on IVF?
There are ways to save money on IVF if you’re willing to do some research and get creative. Here are some tips:
Ask your doctor about cost. Before you start looking for other options, it’s important to ask your doctor how much they charge for IVF treatment. It’s possible that they can offer discounts if your insurance doesn’t cover the procedure or if you pay out-of-pocket.
Check with local hospitals and clinics. Hospitals often offer reduced rates for uninsured patients or those with lower incomes. If you don’t qualify for reduced pricing through your doctor’s office, contact other local hospitals and clinics to see if they offer better deals on IVF treatments.
Consider international providers. In some countries, such as India and Thailand, fertility treatments are cheaper than in the U.S., Canada and Europe because of lower labor costs and government subsidies for fertility treatments for foreigners who live abroad but wish to have children in their home country when they return home from travels abroad (such as vacation).