Understanding the Cost of IVF

by | Aug 11, 2024 | Fertility 101, Resources, Wellness

How much does IVF treatment cost in 2024?

The average cost of an IVF cycle in 2024 ranges from $15,000 to $40,000. The cost of IVF treatment varies widely based on individual fertility needs, insurance coverage, eligibility for grants and discount programs, and even the state you reside in. Additional costs for testing, medications, storage, and repeat IVF cycles are also expected on top of the base cost.

Understanding the full cost of fertility treatment before beginning the process is crucial to ensure that you and your care team are aligned on your family-building goals. Clinics typically provide financial counseling, and a financial counselor will be a key part of your care team.

They will assist you in working with your insurance and understanding the complete cost breakdown of your treatment, including eligibility for any discounts or grants or if loan programs may be a viable option.

The Base Cost of IVF Treatment

Your clinic will likely offer a base rate that covers routine monitoring, bloodwork, egg retrieval, sperm injection, fresh embryo transfer, and follow-up care. This base rate is typically around $15,000 but usually does not include additional services like genetic testing or freezing, which will have a separate cost breakdown.

Factoring Fertility Testing into Your Budget

Fertility testing is an essential part of the treatment process and should be budgeted for in your IVF cost. For female patients, testing can range from $250 to $500. For male patients, a sperm analysis will cost between $200 and $250. This is generally not included in the base price but is one of the first services offered to determine if you are a candidate for IVF or another fertility treatment that might better serve your needs.

Breaking Down the Cost of IVF Treatment Anesthesia

As with any procedure, the price of anesthesia is separate from the price of the operation or treatment. Some IVF treatments may require only local anesthesia, while others may need light anesthesia without intubation or general anesthesia. The cost of general anesthesia generally ranges from $500 to $1,500. Often, the price of anesthesia for egg retrieval is included in the base rate.

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Including the Cost of Medications Used in IVF

During IVF, your doctor will typically prescribe injectable hormonal medications to boost your egg production and regulate your cycle. Depending on your body and your doctor’s advice, the cost of these drugs will vary, but you can usually expect to pay between $3,000 to $6,000.

The Cost Difference with Frozen Embryos

While the creation and implantation of a fresh embryo are included in the IVF base rate, freezing embryos or transferring previously frozen embryos involves different costs. Cryopreservation, the process of freezing embryos, costs around $1,000 to $2,000, and storage costs approximately $350 to $600.

Some clinics include a year of storage in their base rate, so be sure to ask about that if you plan to freeze embryos. Using a frozen embryo during IVF will cost around $6,700, including a precise thawing process.

Genetic Testing During IVF

Genetic testing can be one of the more expensive IVF costs. For patients who are carriers of genetic conditions or have experienced repeated miscarriages due to chromosomal abnormalities, it can be a life-changing service to include in treatment.

Depending on the test, costs range from $1,800 to $6,000. Your doctor will determine which tests are most beneficial for you, and the clinic’s financial counselor will help discuss payment options.

The Different Costs of Donor and Gestational Carrier Services in IVF

If you are unable or decide not to use your own egg or sperm or carry the pregnancy yourself, there are many options available for building your family. Most clinics have their own sperm or egg banks or trusted banks and gestational carrier (surrogacy) agencies they work with.

Donor sperm typically costs $400 to $2,000. For donor eggs, your doctor will decide whether to use frozen or fresh eggs, which have different costs due to the differing processes to obtain them. Fresh eggs cost between $27,000 to $47,000, while frozen eggs cost between $14,000 to $20,000.

Working with a gestational carrier increases the cost of IVF treatment as it involves compensating another person for their time and physical commitment to the pregnancy. Costs can range from $60,000 to more than $150,000, depending on the agency, clinic, and specific treatment and carrier.

Understanding the Cost of IVF Based on Where You Live

IVF cost depends significantly on the specific clinic and location of treatment. In Seattle, Washington, the base rate for IVF treatment is around $12,450. These estimates can be helpful in preparing to contact clinics, but it’s essential to remember they are just estimates.

Once you connect with your desired clinic and meet with a doctor, you will have a better understanding of the full cost of your treatment. Pacific NW Fertility prides itself on creating affordable treatment plans for all types of patients. Reach out today to schedule an initial consultation and begin the conversation.