Updated: Nov 21, 2024

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a lifeline for couples struggling to conceive, but the high costs can make this dream seem out of reach for many. Discover ways to cut down the costs of IVF and check out some budget-friendly alternatives that can help you on your fertility journey.

What is IVF?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a fertility treatment that involves retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. Once the eggs are fertilized and develop into embryos, one or more embryos are then transferred to the uterus with the goal of establishing a pregnancy.

IVF is one of the most effective treatments for infertility and is often recommended for couples who have tried other methods without success. It can help people with a variety of fertility challenges, including:

• Blocked fallopian tubes or severe endometriosis.
• Low sperm count or motility.
• Unexplained infertility.
• Couples using donor eggs, sperm, or surrogates.

While IVF offers hope for many, the high costs can be a major barrier. A single IVF cycle in the U.S. typically costs between $12,000 and $15,000, and it’s not uncommon for patients to undergo multiple cycles. These prices often don’t include medications, genetic testing, or additional services, which can add thousands more to the overall cost.

How to Make IVF More Affordable

Although the cost of IVF can be overwhelming, there are several ways to reduce expenses. From insurance coverage to grants and shared-risk programs, here are some options to make IVF more budget-friendly.

1. Check for Insurance Coverage

One of the first things you should do is check whether your health insurance covers any fertility treatments. While most insurance plans don’t fully cover IVF, some states have mandates that require insurers to provide some level of coverage for fertility treatments. Currently, 19 states in the U.S. have laws that require insurance companies to cover infertility treatments, though the specifics vary by state.

If your insurance does cover IVF, even partially, this can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Make sure to:

• Review your policy: Understand exactly what’s covered. Some plans cover diagnostic testing or medications but not the actual IVF procedure.
• Ask about pre-authorizations: Some insurance companies require pre-approval for IVF. Ensure you get all necessary paperwork in order before starting treatment.
• Check for medication coverage: Fertility medications can cost $3,000 to $5,000 per cycle. Some insurance plans cover all or part of these expenses, so be sure to explore your options.

If your current insurance doesn’t cover IVF, it may be worth looking into an independent policy or supplemental plan that offers fertility benefits.

2. Look for IVF Grants and Scholarships

Several nonprofit organizations and fertility clinics offer grants, scholarships, and financial assistance programs to help individuals and couples afford IVF. These grants typically cover a portion or, in some cases, the full cost of a single IVF cycle. While eligibility criteria vary, they often require applicants to demonstrate financial need.

Here are a few organizations that offer IVF grants:

• The Cade Foundation: Provides financial assistance for fertility treatments and adoption services.
• Baby Quest Foundation: Offers grants to cover a portion of IVF costs for couples or individuals in need.
• The Gift of Parenthood Foundation: Provides grants to help with the costs of IVF, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy.
• The Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation: Offers financial assistance for fertility treatments, including IVF, for qualifying applicants.

Applying for grants can be a time-consuming process, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for financial support. Be sure to check application deadlines and gather all required documents before applying.

3. Use a Fertility Clinic with a Shared-Risk Program

Many fertility clinics offer shared-risk or refund programs, which can provide more financial certainty for couples undergoing IVF. In these programs, you pay a set fee upfront, which usually covers a specified number of IVF cycles (typically two to three). If you don’t have a successful pregnancy after completing the agreed-upon cycles, you may receive a partial or full refund.

While the initial cost of a shared-risk program can be higher than paying for a single cycle, it can save you money if you need multiple attempts to achieve a pregnancy. These programs also provide peace of mind, as you won’t lose all of your investment if the IVF treatments aren’t successful.

Some clinics offering shared-risk programs include:

• Shady Grove Fertility: One of the largest fertility networks in the U.S., Shady Grove offers a shared-risk program with a 100% refund option if treatment isn’t successful.
• Attain Fertility: Provides a refund program that covers multiple cycles of IVF, allowing you to attempt more cycles without worrying about additional costs.

When considering a shared-risk program, read the fine print carefully. Make sure you understand the eligibility requirements, refund policies, and what’s included in the upfront cost.

4. Consider IVF Abroad (Medical Tourism)

For many couples, undergoing IVF in another country—often referred to as medical tourism—can be a cost-effective alternative to treatment in the U.S. Many countries, such as Mexico, Spain, Greece, and the Czech Republic, offer high-quality IVF treatments at a fraction of the cost.

For example:

• Mexico: IVF treatments in Mexico can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 per cycle, compared to $12,000 to $15,000 in the U.S.
• Czech Republic: IVF costs in the Czech Republic typically range from $2,500 to $4,000 per cycle.
• Spain: Spain is known for its top fertility clinics, with IVF treatments ranging from $4,000 to $7,000.

Before deciding on IVF abroad, do your research to ensure the clinic is reputable and meets international medical standards. Also, factor in additional costs like travel, accommodation, and the potential need for extended stays during treatment. Despite the travel expenses, many couples find that IVF abroad is still more affordable than domestic options.

5. Explore Mini-IVF or Low-Cost Clinics

Some fertility clinics offer “mini-IVF” or low-stimulation IVF, which uses lower doses of fertility medications. This option is generally less expensive than traditional IVF because it requires fewer drugs and fewer monitoring appointments.

While mini-IVF is more affordable—often costing around $5,000 to $7,000 per cycle—it may not be the right option for everyone. It tends to produce fewer eggs, so it’s most suitable for women who respond well to lower doses of medication or who have less severe fertility issues.

Additionally, some clinics specifically focus on providing low-cost IVF services. These clinics often operate with reduced overhead costs and offer streamlined services to make fertility treatment more affordable. Examples include:

• CNY Fertility: Known for offering IVF treatments at significantly lower costs than most U.S. clinics, with prices starting around $3,900 per cycle.
• New Hope Fertility: Offers mini-IVF and other fertility treatments at reduced costs compared to traditional methods.

If cost is a major concern, ask your fertility clinic about mini-IVF or whether they have other affordable treatment options that fit your budget.

6. Use a Payment Plan or Fertility Financing

If paying for IVF upfront isn’t feasible, many fertility clinics offer financing options or payment plans to make treatments more manageable. These plans allow you to break down the cost into monthly payments rather than paying for everything upfront.

Several companies also specialize in fertility financing, including:

• CapexMD: Offers financing for all fertility treatment costs, including medications and procedures.
• Fertility Financing by Prosper Healthcare Lending: Provides loans for fertility treatments, with flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates.

When choosing a financing option, be sure to compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms to avoid paying more in the long run.

Conclusion: Affordable Paths to Parenthood

While IVF can be costly, it’s important to know that there are affordable options available to help make fertility treatment more accessible. From exploring insurance coverage and applying for grants to seeking out shared-risk programs or lower-cost clinics, there are many ways to reduce the financial burden. With a little research and planning, you can find a path to IVF that fits your budget and brings you one step closer to starting or expanding your family.