Financial Support Options for IVF and Third Party Reproduction

Figuring out how to pay for fertility treatment can be one of the most challenging parts of the process – but it doesn’t have to be. While IVF is very expensive (averaging $15,000+ for a fresh cycle and $4,500+ for a frozen cycle), financial support is available for fertility treatment, from insurance, grants, and loans. We’ve put together a list of helpful fertility financial resources to help you navigate paying for fertility treatment.

Why Isn’t Infertility Always Covered by Medical Insurance?

At PNWF, we agree with the World Health Organization (WHO) in defining infertility as a disease that deserves insurance coverage. Unfortunately, most insurance companies in the US view infertility treatments as non-essential and do not provide coverage. Each state has different insurance rules, and most do not require employers to cover infertility treatments. States or companies that do include infertility often have strict requirements, such as age or ovarian reserve levels, in order to qualify for coverage. This can leave out LGBTQ+ or single parents, who may have a healthy reproductive system but still need assisted reproductive technology to have biological children.

Dr. Lori Marshall, co-founder of PNWF, is actively involved with Washington Building Families Coalition, a group working to pass a Washington State law requiring employers to provide fertility coverage for all individuals, including LGBTQ+ and single parents, as well as fertility preservation benefits for people with cancer. The coalition hopes to introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session.

How Do Folks Without Coverage Pay for Fertility Treatment?

Even without insurance, people have figured out how to pay for fertility treatment to build their families. Some are fortunate to be able to save up for the cost of treatment, or have family members who are willing to donate or lend the money. Others turn to crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe. Finally, some intended parents are able to raise the money for fertility treatment through grants and loans.

What Fertility Grants Are Available to Help Pay for Fertility Treatments?

There are many non-profit organizations that offer grants for patients to help pay for fertility treatments. Each grant has its own application, which usually involves submitting financial and medical information. Each organization usually only offers a few grants a year, so approval is limited, but they are a terrific resource for many families.

• Babyquest Foundation provides grants twice a year that attempt to cover the difference between what a family can afford and their treatment costs. PNWF’s Dr. Lora Shahine has been on the board of Babyquest since 2015 and wholeheartedly recommends their team.
• The Tinina Q Cade Foundation (Cade Foundation) started in 2005 and provides information, support, and financial assistance to infertile families in need.
•  Hope for Fertility offers national grants for legally married couples that typically range from $250-$5,000. Applications are usually available starting January 1 and due by May 1.
• Parental Hope offers grants for different types of fertility treatments. Applications are available in the spring and fall for IVF, frozen embryo transfer, and embryo adoption. Recipients of the grant must receive their treatment at specific fertility clinics (the Institute for Reproductive Health in Cincinnati and the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville)
• Aneden Gives specifically partners with PNWF to provide grants of at least $5,000 to families without insurance or who have used all of their insurance benefits. The application is open from August 1-31. PNWF’s Dr. Darcy Broughton sits on Aneden’s board.
• Footsteps for Fertility offers grants of up to $5,000 by randomly selecting qualifying couples from their applicants.

What Financing Is Available to Help Pay for Fertility Treatments?

Traditional loans are often able to be used for fertility treatment. You may also be able to receive medical-specific loans. Two companies our patients often work with are CapexMD and Prosper Healthcare Lending.

Our Financial Counselors Are Here to Help

If figuring out how to pay for fertility treatments seems overwhelming, don’t worry: you’re not alone. At PNWF, we have a team of experienced and compassionate financial counselors to help you explore all the available options and figure out a sustainable path to parenthood. If you’d like more information on grants, loans, and other financial support resources for fertility treatments, contact us today.