Orchid offers advanced genetic testing for couples who want their child to have the best shot of a healthy life. As part of our “Pregnancy and Fertility” series, we distill down your fertility treatment options and help you navigate the complex process.
It is tough to calculate the total cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Many individuals come to find that it is a dizzying experience that’ll test anyone’s patience.
From fees to regulations, IVF costs will vary significantly from one state to the next. So, how much does IVF cost? The vague price tag is influenced by several factors, including your specific situation.
Ultimately, it’s vital to research your options and compare prices for your area to gain a solid understanding of how much IVF costs.
How much does IVF cost by procedure?
For each cycle of IVF, the average cost is $20,000. This number entails all costs for the procedure and prescribed medications.
However, the total cost of IVF can go much higher since you may need to go through a second or third cycle. That means your IVF costs could be as high as $60,000.
For a total breakdown of IVF costs per round, check out the list below:
- Initial consultation: $250-$500
- Transvaginal ultrasounds: $300-$500
- Egg retrieval procedure: $1,000-$3,000
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): $1,000-$3,000
- Embryo transfer: $1,000-$1,500
- Embryo cryopreservation: $2,000-$3,000
- Embryo sampling for genetic testing: $3,500-$4,500
- Genetic testing on embryos: $4,800-$6,000
- IVF medications: $3,000-$5,000
- Total IVF Cost: $18,000-$25,000
The costs described above will vary depending upon what protocol is needed. It also hinges upon what medication brand is used since pharmacy partnerships exist. However, clinics act independently from pharmaceutical companies.
While insurance covers IVF treatments more than ever, it depends upon what your specific insurance plan will cover. Inquire with your provider if you have questions about what services they insure.
How much does IVF cost on average by each major city?
As we discussed earlier, the costs of IVF will vary according to the city of your procedure. Here is a breakdown of IVF costs by major city:
- San Francisco: $12,246
- Los Angeles: $13,325
- New York City: $9,705
- New Jersey: $10,866
- Chicago: $11,666
- Boston: $8,267
- Seattle: $12,450
- Atlanta: $11,363
While traveling across the country may not be practical for most people, you can consider in-state travel. Make sure that you consider and weigh out all of your options.
What factors affect the costs of IVF treatments?
The factors affecting IVF treatments’ costs include the location, clinic, and type of treatment needed. It’s also worth noting that prices generally increase with each passing year.
Here are a few elements that help you understand this concept better:
1. Choosing the right clinic
It’s essential to pick a clinic that offers the treatment options you need and a stellar expert team to succeed. Please don’t make the common error of choosing a fertility clinic based on the pictures they have on their page!
We’ve put together a list of what you should look for and questions you should ask before making your decision.
2. Type of treatment
Depending upon the treatment type, the costs will differ wildly. However, here is a breakdown of the types of treatment that may show up in your financial statement:
- Diagnostic procedures: Diagnostic procedures may include hysterosalpingogram, saline infusion sonogram, and hysteroscopy.
- Physician services: Physicians will provide numerous services, such as initial visits, follow up visits, ultrasounds, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and anesthesia.
- IVF embryology lab: Egg retrieval and fertilization, growing and culturing embryos, specimen cryopreservation, embryo sampling for genetic testing, specimen thawing and transfer.
- Fertility labs: REI labs involve venipuncture blood tests, such as AMH, TSH, Estradiol, LH, FSH, and Progesterone. Also, sperm wash and semen analysis may be included.
- Testing: Testing costs include labs run outside the clinic, including infectious disease testing, FDA testing (if necessary), CBC, CMP, Blood type/Rh, Hemoglobin A1C, immunity for Rubella, Varicella, and Measles. Also, embryo genetic screening means that third-party companies will charge you as well.
- Additional services: Outside clinical evaluation and testing are part of the costs to consider, including referral to other physicians and specialists, urologists, maternal-fetal medicine, and counselors.
- IVF medications: IVF medications will be sent to different fertility specialized pharmacies. There are comparable prices between pharmacies, and some are willing to offer discounts to patients.
Your insurer may or may not cover IVF, too, which can often be limited to coverage of diagnostic services. Self-pay patients are sometimes also offered discounts between 10 and 30 percent.
3. Geographic location
Not only does your choice and clinic and treatment type affect the costs of IVF treatments, but the geographic location in which it is performed also does. For example, IVF in Boston costs around $8,300, whereas the price in Los Angeles is around $13,300.
Some individuals may consider traveling to other locations to receive treatment if the benefit outweighs the cost.
How do people pay for IVF?
Before writing off IVF due to cost, it may be refreshing to hear that many fertility clinics are trying to increase access by making treatment more affordable. This approach helps individuals and families achieve their dreams of having a baby when they previously didn’t think it was possible.
These are a few of the traditional and creative ways that people afford IVF:
- Clinic payment plans
- Credit cards
- Bank loans
- Online crowdfunding
- Grants
- Family borrowing
- Flexible-spending account (FSA)
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Insurance benefits
Take the time to explore what options might make sense for your family.
There is no question that it takes a significant investment to bring your baby into this world. However, committed parents have several opportunities available to cover the cost of treatment if the insurance company does not.
You deserve to have a healthy, happy child.
Resources
Fertility treatment and reproductive medicine have come a long way since IVF was first introduced over 40 years ago. Today, advanced embryo testing is now available to couples who want their child to have the best shot of a healthy life. Explore how Orchid helps you conceive with confidence.
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