IVF Rates: Secrets to Keeping Costs Low
Infertility is expensive, and the exorbitant IVF rates in the United States make it no easier for couples who are longing for a baby to hold in their arms. The average cost for just one IVF cycle is around $12,000. Costs in some clinics can go as high as $15,000 or as low as $10,000, but generally not any lower than that. Take note that this fee does not include costs for optional procedures, such as ICSI (around $1,000 – 1,500) or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) ($3,000), or the required fertility drugs ($3,000), or the cryopreservation of your remaining embryos ($600 per year). Although the second and third cycle is less expensive if you have frozen embryos from your first cycle, some couples simply cannot afford to pay more than what they have already shelled out.
While a baby is priceless, it makes no sense to spend so much money on a cycle when there are ways to keep IVF costs low. Consider the cost-effectiveness of these options and weigh them carefully before making a decision.
Medical tourism
Did you know that you can lounge around a gorgeous tropical beach while completing your IVF cycle? And that doing so will cost far less than IVF in the United States? Countries like India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates offer IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies using the same equipment and the same quality of service and expertise you can find back home. In fact, major IVF clinics in these countries even have better facilities than many American clinics! Although the cost of IVF will depend on your infertility and the medications you need to take, you can expect to pay anywhere from the equivalent of $3,000-$6,000 USD per cycle. Some clinics also offer packaged deals that include accommodations, English-speaking guides, and airport pick-ups. Even with the travel expenses involved, you will be paying far less than you would for an IVF cycle in the United States.
Minimal stimulation IVF
While there is a lot of sense in using fertility drugs to make you produce more eggs in one cycle, there are also several drawbacks to this approach. The side effects can be uncomfortable, it places you at risk for a multiple pregnancy, and it increases the overall amount you will pay. You can greatly reduce the cost of your fertility drugs by opting for minimal stimulation IVF (MS IVF). With MS IVF, you’ll only be taking an oral fertility drug called Clomiphene Citrate, which is inexpensive and has less severe side effects then the drugs used for a conventional IVF. Although you’ll only produce one or two eggs per cycle, doctors believe that the egg quality is superior because the ovarian stimulation approach is far gentler. The success rate of this approach seems to be particularly good among women younger than 35 who have no ovulation problems. The average cost of an MS IVF cycle in the United States is only $4,800.
Grant programs for IVF
A number of non-profit organizations offer grants for IVF cycles and other infertility treatment costs. Why not try to apply for a grant? There are some strings attached; however, receiving a grant can reduce your IVF costs by as much as $10,000. Below are some organizations that might be able to help.
Fertile Dreams
Established in 2006, Fertile Dreams selects several couples based on their financial need and application and will grant them $10,000 for IVF at any program in the US. To apply, you will have to write a short essay describing your history of infertility, financial need, and personal situation. Included in the application is proof of income and other financial documents. The winners will be used by the organization for public relations and media exposure, so only apply if you are willing to participate on this level.
International Council for Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID)
INCIID is a non-profit organization that has arrangements for a number of US IVF clinics to donate their facilities and services for deserving applicants. While the program will cover basic IVF expenses, there are a few requirements. Before you can apply, you have to pay a $55 membership fee. If you are awarded the grant, you may have to travel out of state to reach the fertility clinic (you cannot choose your own). You will also have to raise $3,000 with the help of your family and friends to become an INCIID goodwill ambassador. Still, the program is fairly generous and will help ease your financial burden.
