In Vitro Fertilization is a great process for many couples who have trouble conceiving a child. However, it doesn’t come cheap and will take a lot before the process itself. According to webmd report, the typical IVF cost in the United States is more than $12,000. That’s why it’s important to learn about the cost of IVF so you’re able to prepare for it in case you consider going through the process.
However, how much should you save up and prepare for, anyway? There’s no exact amount, but it depends on a few factors to get the total cost. So if you want to know about how much IVF will cost altogether, read on to learn all about it!
How Much Will IVF Cost Altogether?
IVF isn’t just a one-time thing, there are multiple payments and procedures to undergo, as well as other options you can choose from. Check out these four things to consider when saving up for IVF:
1. Getting Quotes From Clinics
Again, there’s no one price for IVF, and the prices will depend on your doctor or clinic. The average cost would be around $10,000 to $12,000 (without using insurance). Some clinics would give you a quote between this price range, sometimes higher or lower.
That’s why it’s crucial that you get quotations from different reputable clinics, comparing prices. Make sure that you take account the clinic’s reputation, facilities, and staff experts as well.
Avoid getting the cheapest IVF procedure you see, as some may not even include the FULL quote yet. So before choosing a clinic with the lowest price, ensure that you get full quotations and an estimated price for everything included.
The prices should include the following:
- Any fertility testing and consultations before the IVF procedure
- Mock embryo transfers
- Ultrasounds and blood tests
- Pregnancy tests
- Fertility drugs
- Cryopreservative of extra embryos and there storage fees
- Other additional tests and technologies required
- Travel fees and costs from missing work (if selecting a clinic far from you)
2. Mini or Full IVF?
There are actually two types of IVF procedures to choose from.
Full IVF is the traditional type of procedure, which would obviously cost more compared to mini (or micro) IVF. However, the results are more accurate and best for most couples, compared to mini-IVF.
Mini-IVF costs less than the conventional type, being priced at about $5,000 on average. This procedure uses lower doses of fertility drugs, also having less monitoring of your growing embryos before transferring them. This is best for couples who want to try the IUI treatment, lessening the chance of a multiple pregnancy compared with IUI. However, this procedure isn’t for everyone and you may want to consult with your doctor to see your chances between mini or full IVF.
Mini-IVF procedures’ success rates aren’t clear yet, so while it seems better than using IUI treatment, you might want to stick with full-IVF if you really think it’s best for you.
3. Other Additional Costs
Besides the typical IVF procedure cost of $10,000 to $12,000, there are other additional expenses to look out for, which I mentioned above. These may increase the cost of IVF, with prices depending on the clinic and type of extra technologies or tests you need. For instance:
- ICSI treatment (single sperm injected directly to your egg) can cost between $1,000 to $2,500.
- The genetic testing of your embryos can cost more than $3,000 on average.
- Freezing your embryos can cost a few hundred dollars, with storage fees costing you yup to $800 every year.
- Frozen embryo transferring can cost between $3,000 to $5,000.
- Egg donors cost a lot, about $25,000 to $30,000 for just ONE cycle. Sperm donors are less expensive, costing between $200 to $3,000, or even as much as $13,000 to $17,000 for every IVF cycle. Embryo donors are the least expensive of donor options, costing about $5,000 to $7,000.
- Surrogacy is the highest priced compared to all types of IVF options. From the legal and agency fees, surrogate payment, and the IVF costs out together, it can cost up to $100,000!
So consider all these options before selecting how you want your procedure to be done.
4. How to Pay For IVF
Are you on a tight budget and can’t pay all the fees upfront? Consider the ways you’re able to pay for the procedures as well, as clinics offer payment programs which make it easier to pay for the treatment, making it more affordable for you. Look into refund programs, which has the clinic refund a part of your money in case of treatment failure (though this depends on the clinic and your qualifications as a couple).
Consider these payment options for IVF, which can have you save:
- Using your insurance
- Having a health savings plan or flexible-spending account
- Borrow from retirement savings (though you may have to pay more taxes or penalties)
- Use a credit card (interest fees)
- Apply for grants or crowd funding
- Borrow funds from family or loved ones
Wrapping It Up
While IVF may not be an inexpensive option for conception, it’s a great way for infertile couples to start families. As long as you’re well aware of the costs and procedures, it’s possible for you to reach your dreams in starting a family. It all begins with research and goals to save for the process.
Hopefully, this article answered your question, “how much will IVF cost altogether?” Now that you’re familiar with the costs and expenses, start learning more about the procedure and what to expect now.
If you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences with IVF and its costs, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.