How Much Does IVF Cost?

At United Credit, we believe you, the patient, deserve the best possible outcomes for your medical needs, including your family planning. But to get the best outcome, we first need to answer the question, “How much does IVF cost?” To get an idea of the costs associated with IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies, we sat down with a representative from CARE Fertility to discuss baseline costs and other considerations. Here’s what they had to say! Please tell us a little about yourself and your experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. CARE Fertility has been a leading provider of Reproductive Medical Services in Southern California for over 12 years, with many thousands of miracles born with our assistance. What is the average price of IVF treatments? Treatment costs vary dramatically depending on a number of factors including individual patient needs, the state of residence, and other clinic-related considerations. In California, the average cost is around $15,000 per cycle, without the cost of medications. Here at CARE Fertility our base IVF package is $12,000 per cycle and includes all of our clinic, surgical and embryology services. Some states have mandated insurance coverage for fertility treatments and some do not. Here in California, only diagnostic testing is required to be covered. However, some insurance and benefits plans do include IVF coverage, so it’s always best for the patient to understand both their individual insurance coverage and their state-mandated coverage, so they’ll know what is covered. Which variables impact the available fertility treatment options? The variables are twofold. One is clinical needs and the other is patient preference. The clinical considerations that could impact treatment costs usually relate to the medications required and any other clinical examinations, testing, or procedures that may be necessary prior to beginning an IVF cycle. The patient preferences relate more to options that are available to US patients due to the advanced state of the industry in this country. Such options would include pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A testing) of embryos, which enable parents to not only ascertain the health and viability of the embryos but also select the gender of the embryos if they so choose. Another would be patients opting for all-inclusive packages with a clinic that would include all associated medication, testing, and other optional costs. How do these options differ in terms of cost and efficacy? The general consensus is that utilizing PGT does shorten the time to a successful pregnancy as it generally is more likely to lead to a positive pregnancy. However, due to the complexity and myriad factors involved in achieving a successful pregnancy, such considerations are best discussed between a patient and their physician directly. Which treatments, in your experience, are the most cost-effective and likely to work across a broad spectrum of patients? IVF is considered the gold standard of fertility treatments when it comes to achieving a successful pregnancy. However, it is not required in all instances and many patients may be suitable candidates for IUI [intrauterine insemination] which has a significantly lower cost (~$2000). Ultimately, every patient’s needs and specific situations are different and again it is always advised to speak with a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist to understand individual needs and options. For egg or embryo freezing, are medications included in the cost? Ordinarily, clinics will quote for their services excluding medications, since those are purchased through specialty pharmacies. Some clinics will include a set amount of medications in packages they provide to patients. The other factor to bear in mind with egg freezing packages is the number of years of cryo-storage that is being provided and the ongoing annual charge for that clinic. Do you have any closing advice for patients interested in IVF conception? My earnest advice for anyone in any way concerned or has questions about their fertility is to speak with a Double Board Certified OBGYN & Reproductive Endocrinologist. CARE Fertility, as well as many other clinics, offer free initial consultations for patients with a physician so everyone can understand their individual options and situations better before making decisions on how to grow their families. I would also advise individuals to check their state-mandated and individual insurance coverage for infertility treatment and testing. Here in California, testing is nearly always covered and the best first step for anyone would be to speak to a physician and get diagnostic testing completed so as to be able to make their decisions from a truly informed place. Ultimately, the fertility industry in the United States is the most advanced in the world and we routinely help patients in extremely difficult circumstances achieve successful pregnancies. So, my advice to anyone concerned is to simply reach out to a local clinic and let fertility experts provide much-needed guidance and understanding. UMC can help make affording fertility treatment including IVF easier! The national average IVF success rate for individual fertility treatments is around 25%, placing the cost of IVF out of reach of many people. However, many fertility centers offer a money-back guarantee, so it’s worthwhile to ask about your chosen provider’s policies and review their patient testimonials for more information. Before you dip into your savings account or FSA (flexible spending account), max out your credit cards or take out a mortgage on your home, be sure to find out what your insurance covers. Then talk to United Medical Credit. We specialize in helping people connect with the perfect loan, and lender, which can help them realize their family planning dreams. Whether you want a bouncing baby boy or girl, UMC’s dedicated lender network helps take the strain out of affording treatment. Our partners’ lending options help you to start or grow your family, allowing you to focus on maintaining a healthy diet, exercise, physical fitness, and emotional well-being and getting everything you need to prepare for the live birth you’ve been dreaming of! UMC gives you access to a range of lenders offering loans for expenses associated with affordable fertility treatments which may not be covered by