The Cost of Fertility Treatments & Considerations for Future Planning
The Cost of Fertility Treatments & Considerations for Future Planning
Navigating the landscape of fertility treatments entails understanding not only the substantial costs involved but also the complexities of insurance coverage. Beginning June 2023, 21 states have implemented some fertility insurance coverage laws.1 Although mandated coverage is becoming more common, limitations and exclusions still exist, including age restrictions, caps on the number of cycles covered, or fulfilling explicit medical criteria. Understanding the expenses involved in procedures like IVF and IUI and coverage is important for individuals and couples as they plan their future. Let's delve into the breakdown of costs for these more common treatments.
Understanding IVF costs
IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a procedure in which a retrieved egg is fertilized with sperm in a lab and then transferred to the uterus as an embryo. In the US, the average cost of one IVF cycle is $21,600. However, people often require multiple rounds of IVF, with the average patient undergoing 3-4 cycles of IVF in total. That means a person can spend an average of $65,000 on treatments. Most clinics will provide a base fee for the IVF process, which typically includes monitoring appointments, egg retrieval, laboratory fees for embryo creation, anesthesia, and embryo transfer. On average, this base fee in the US is $9,000–$14,000, which varies widely based on employment, insurance coverage, clinic reputation, and where you live.2,3 According to some data, around 27% of all US patients have this fee fully covered by insurance. Even with the base fee covered, there are numerous other costs associated with IVF.4
Breakdown of IVF Costs
Fertility assessment and work-up: $250-$500
Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval: $9,000–$14,000 (excluding medications $3000-$7000)
Sperm Collection: $1,000-$1,500
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection: $1,000–$2,000
Donor Eggs or Sperm: $35,000–$60,000
Fertilization: $1,000–$2,000
Embryo Transfer: Included in base fee, additional costs for thawing frozen embryos.
Genetic testing: $4500-$5500
Cryopreservation and storage fees: $1,000-$2,000, with additional annual fees (~$600-$1,000).
Understanding IUI costs:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. A typical IUI cycle costs $500 to $4,000, including medication, monitoring & blood work, and insemination procedures5 and can also vary depending on location and insurance coverage. For instance, coverage for IUIs varies among providers, with some insurance plans only covering the procedure based on the drugs used.
Breakdown of IUI Costs:
Medication: $100 - $2,000
Monitoring & Bloodwork: $500 - $1,000
Insemination: $150 - $400
Embarking on fertility treatments is not only a financial commitment but also an emotional journey. It's crucial to understand the costs, insurance nuances, and the potential need for multiple treatment cycles. As you navigate this path, consider all available resources to make informed decisions. Stay updated on evolving insurance policies and consult with specialists to ensure you're leveraging every possible advantage. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Reach out for support, explore your options, and take proactive steps towards building your future family. Your dream of parenthood is worth every step forward.
References
Resolve. Insurance Coverage by State. Accessed March 20, 2024. Available at: https://resolve.org/learn/financial-resources-for-family-building/insurance-coverage/insurance-coverage-by-state/
Forbes. How Much Does IVF Cost? Accessed March 20, 2024. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/health/womens-health/how-much-does-ivf-cost/#:~:text=A%20single%20IVF%20cycle%E2%80%94defined,this%20price%20tag%20is%20daunting.
FertilityIQ. The Cost of IVF. Accessed March 20, 2024. Available at: https://www.fertilityiq.com/fertilityiq/ivf-in-vitro-fertilization/costs-of-ivf#what-is-the-total-cost-of-ivf
FertilityIQ. The Cost of IVF by City. Accessed March 20, 2024. Available at: https://www.fertilityiq.com/fertilityiq/articles/the-cost-of-ivf-by-city
FertilityIQ. The Cost of IUI. Accessed March 20, 2024. Available at: https://www.fertilityiq.com/fertilityiq/iui-or-artificial-insemination/the-cost-of-iui#components-of-iui-cycle-cost
