Each year, more than 85,000 U.S. women undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to start or expand their families. This intricate process takes guidance from a trusted reproductive endocrinologist, specialty medications, several procedures and more—plus a hefty checkbook.
How much does IVF cost? The average cost of IVF is $12,000 for one cycle. And that doesn’t include the cost of medications, monitoring or other expenses. One study found that the average couple spends just under $20,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, with nearly $7,000 more for each additional cycle.
Many factors impact the cost of IVF, which gives couples some control over this expensive—yet worthwhile—treatment.
Insurance Coverage
Your first step to understanding how much IVF costs starts with dissecting your insurance policy. If you’re lucky enough to have insurance coverage, be prepared to ask specific questions to understand how much of the average cost of IVF will fall on you, like:
- Are initial consultations covered and is there a maximum number?
- Are medications covered and do they need to come from a clinical pharmacy?
- Do you first have to try treatments, like artificial insemination, before IVF?
- Will they cover both the artificial insemination cost and the cost of IVF?
- Is there a maximum dollar amount, cycle amount or lifetime limit on your coverage?
Don’t forget to check other plans that may be available to you, like what’s offered through your partner’s employer.
The Clinic You Choose
The cost of artificial insemination and cost of IVF can largely depend on your fertility clinic. Shop around and analyze both the quality of the clinic and the price tag. Make sure to get a full quote before you start comparing the cost of IVF. Ask if the price includes services like a mock embryo transfer, ultrasound monitoring and storage fees for frozen embryos.
See how close the estimate is to the average cost of IVF or artificial insemination cost and be sure to also compare success rates. A more cost-effective clinic that has lower success rates won’t be worth it financially in the long run if you need multiple cycles.
Your Treatment Goals
How much artificial insemination costs and how much IVF costs also varies based on your treatment goals. Most couples will need more than one round of treatment. The cost of IVF quickly goes up with each cycle, so talk to your partner and doctor about your treatment goals and financial commitments.
When thinking about the average cost of IVF, establish how many artificial inseminations (IUIs) you’re willing to try first. Then think through the number of potential IVF cycles knowing the cost of IVF. Talk about fresh versus frozen transfers, and set a budget for other reproductive technologies you may need in the process, like:
- ICSI treatment: $1,000-$2,500
- Genetic testing of embryos: $3,000 or more
- Yearly storage for frozen embryos: $200 to $800
- Egg donor: $25,000 to $30,000 per cycle
- Sperm donor: $13,000 to $17,000 per cycle
How much artificial insemination costs and how much IVF costs may not always be feasible. Consider taking breaks to save money or using grants or social media campaigns to raise extra funds.
Mandell’s is Here to Support You
Mandell’s Clinical Pharmacy works exclusively with fertility patients to help them understand how medications fit into the overall cost of IVF and personal budget. Contact us to learn how we can support you on your fertility journey.