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Even though 12% of women of childbearing age have undergone infertility treatments, many insurance companies don’t cover the majority of costs. In fact, one study found that fertility treatment cost is the most significant concern for women undergoing treatments, with 84% of respondents concerned about it. But, how much does fertility treatment cost, and is it really out of your budget?
Unfortunately, that number depends. For some, the answer may only be a few hundred dollars. For others, that number may be in the thousands. Don’t assume that fertility treatments are out of your budget. The final cost depends on multiple factors that could make it possible for you to afford treatment and achieve your final goal—to have a healthy baby. Here’s what you should consider.
Type of fertility treatment
One of the most important factors comes down to what type of fertility treatment you need to conceive.
For women, one of the most common options are medications, like Clomid or Femara, that induce ovulation. Depending on your insurance plan, these may only be $5 to $20 a month. Other costs including monitoring and consultations.
Other types of fertility treatments have variable costs that are influenced by factors we discuss in more detail below. These may include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI), in which sperm is deposited directly into the uterus
- In vitro fertilization (IVD), in which eggs are fertilized by sperm in a lab and transferred back into the uterus
- Surgery to deal with structural issues, like PCOS or endometriosis
Whether or not you use donor sperm or eggs can also influence your final cost. Surrogates, in addition, can be cost-prohibitive. Make sure to talk to your fertility doctor about all of your options to decide on the most cost-effective options for you.
How long your fertility treatment takes
Fertility treatments like IUI and IVD are cycle-based. The Fertility Institute offers treatment packages that include costs for multiple attempts, based on the previous experience.
You can also improve your chances by following some of our tips for IVF success.
And, while IVF has a live birth success rate of 47% for those up to 35 and a 34% success rate for those ages 35-37, fertility treatments don’t always work. Working with an experienced fertility clinic can help, so ask about their live birth rates before settling on your clinic. Some also offer refund guarantees if a live birth does not occur.
Your insurance coverage
Your next stop is looking at your insurance coverage. Some states require insurance companies to offer fertility treatment coverage. However, employers are not obligated to offer them.
If you’re interested in fertility treatment in the next few months or year, talk to your Human Resources department to see what’s already covered under your plan and the other options they offer.
For example, you may be able to use money from a health savings plan (HAS) to cover costs. Your company may also have more comprehensive insurance plans that you can sign up during the next enrollment period.
Where you live
Put simply, the cost of living in your area and other factors will influence your fertility treatment cost.
Traveling to another city or state with more affordable options will mean incurring costs for travel (though it may be worth it for some).
Grants, scholarships, and other payment programs
If you’ve come to the final price for your fertility treatment cost and it’s out of your budget, know that you do have options. Talk openly to your fertility doctor about your budget concerns to see if your clinic offers financing options. They may also know of local grants, scholarships, or clinical trials that you could qualify for.
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association also maintains a list of fertility financing options. Organizations like Fertility For Colored Girls or the Samfund Grant offer scholarships.
Undergoing fertility treatment is a major choice to make, for you and your future family. It’s not a decision to take lightly, and cost concerns are not trivial. Many people struggle with these decisions. You can hear some of their stories on Self. However, by knowing the factors that can influence your fertility treatment cost, you can make an informed decision about your parenting journey.
Click to learn more about our IVF costs at The Fertility Institute. If you’re in Louisiana, contact The Fertility Institute today to talk to one of our fertility doctors about your options.
