IVF Cost: What to Consider Before Choosing Your Clinic

Millions of couples dream of starting a family. Fertility problems are more common in the U.S. than many people think. According to the CDC, about one in five women between the ages of 15 and 49 cannot get pregnant after one year of trying.

Thankfully, assistive reproductive technology supports millions worldwide in achieving a natural pregnancy. Choosing the right IVF clinic is crucial to reducing your costs without compromising on the quality of service.

Let’s examine the factors in selecting the right clinic for your fertility treatment.

How Much Does IVF Treatment Cost?

IVF is the most expensive treatment available by some margin. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the average cost of a single IVF cycle is over $12,000. However, some clinics may charge over $25,000 for the same treatment.

It’s also not uncommon for couples to require multiple cycles of IVF treatment to bring a pregnancy to term successfully. No fertility treatment available today has a success rate higher than 40-50%.

The high costs involved mean that more and more couples are searching for alternatives. For example, at-home insemination can cost just a few thousand dollars for multiple cycles. While this fertility treatment has a lower success rate, it’s balanced by the significantly lower cost.

If you decide the costs of IVF treatment are worthwhile, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of clinics in your area.

Will Your Insurance Cover IVF Treatment?

Fertility services have long been viewed as out of reach for most Americans because of the cost involved. In most states, standard health insurance won’t have any provisions for IVF or other fertility treatments.

Just 15 states require private insurers to cover some types of fertility treatments. Regarding public healthcare coverage, only a single state’s Medicaid program covers fertility treatment. Currently, no Medicaid program covers IVF or artificial insemination.

Even if you can find some health programs that include limited provisions for fertility treatments, significant coverage gaps remain.

In nearly all cases, patients save money to pay for fertility treatments out of their pockets.

So, what could your insurance plan cover if coverage is available?

·        Consultations with your physician

·        Diagnostic testing for infertility

·        Infertility treatment monitoring (ultrasound, lab testing, intrauterine insemination)

If you can take advantage of some coverage options, ensure your IVF clinic accepts insurance. Clinics in practically all states can choose to work with patients who present an insurance policy to cover their fees at their discretion.

Consider All Treatment Options

You may be thinking about IVF treatment because it’s the most well-known option. However, so many factors contribute to infertility. Existing health problems, family background, and lifestyle are just some of the things that could be causing difficulties with conceiving.

Be open to more than one treatment option. Your clinic will begin by thoroughly evaluating you to pinpoint why you might be experiencing problems and which treatment options are likely to have the most success.

Unless you’ve previously attempted a fertility treatment, IVF is usually the option of last resort for couples wanting to start a family.

Check the Clinic’s Credentials

Make sure you ask to see your fertility clinic’s credentials before committing to any plan. IVF clinic personnel should be board-certified. Credentials are vital for demonstrating the skill and expertise of the team that will help you accomplish your ambition of starting a family.

Talk to the team about the experiences of previous patients, including how the clinic has supported couples that have failed to conceive after multiple rounds of IVF.

Most IVF clinics have up-to-date records of client success rates.

Price Shopping and Negotiation

Consider more than success rates when choosing a fertility clinic. Look for a clinic that can provide IVF at a price you can afford. Don’t be afraid to shop around or widen your net. Driving for an hour can be worthwhile if you’re on a budget.

Ask clinics to identify what’s included in their plans and what isn’t. For example, if Clinic A has a higher price than Clinic B, most people would opt for the latter. However, if Clinic A also includes blood work and the cost of ultrasounds, paying a higher price upfront could save you money in the long run.

Some clinics will even be willing to negotiate. Telling a clinic their competitor offers lower prices could encourage a price match. It’s no guarantee, but it does happen.

Conclusion

Fertility treatments are advancing all the time, leading to increased success rates and reduced costs. Couples have more options than ever to overcome fertility. Do your research and talk to your usual physician about fertility options.

Shop around and speak to a variety of clinics before making your decision. Taking the extra time now can save you thousands of dollars.

How much does IVF treatment cost in your area?