When you Google "IVF cost," you'll find huge cost variances between clinics, blogs, and even the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Unfortunately, like all other aspects of IVF, there is no definitive answer as so many variables can impact price (such as medication protocol, number of cycles, insurance coverage, and much more.)

6 Second Snapshot

• IVF pricing is like an a la carte menu - clinics will often give a base IVF package price that may not include add-on procedures.
• The quoted price may leave out line items like medications, monitoring, and anesthesia.
• Remember, an IVF cycle does not = pregnancy. Recognize that it could take multiple cycles as there are no guarantees with IVF.

Overview of Costs

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, IVF can cost on average $12,000 to $17,000 depending on where you live and which clinic you go to. This price range does NOT include medication. Depending on the protocol your reproductive endocrinologist recommends, fertility medications can range from $3,000 - $5,000.

Research published in JAMA states that it can take six to nine IVF cycles before achieving a live birth, this could mean these costs can add up significantly, especially if you do not have insurance coverage.

Do You Have Insurance?

Before you do anything else, call your insurance company to see what type of fertility coverage you may have. Also, check to see if they have any mandatory requirements. (i.e., some insurance plans require patients to do an IUI before moving to IVF).

If you do not have coverage, you may want to consider advocating for coverage. According to a study by Mercer Health and Benefits and commissioned by RESOLVE - The National Infertility Association, 65% of employers offering infertility treatment cited responding to employee requests as a primary objective for covering infertility benefits.

If you're open to advocating for yourself and sharing your fertility struggle, you may want to consider speaking to your human resources representative. You can share with them this infographic created by RESOLVE which shows that including fertility benefits would increase feelings of company loyalty, employees would be less likely to miss work, and they would be more likely to recommend the company as not only a great place to work but also view it as "family-friendly."

Exploring Financial Options

Since it can take some time to get increased benefits or advocate for change, you should also look at exploring other financial options. This includes speaking to the financial department at your clinic as well as your doctor to determine what “add ons” are necessary, how much each item costs and what, if anything, can be submitted to insurance.

Other options are:

• Charging it to your credit card and paying it off over time (Note: You will be subject to credit card fees and could potentially impact your credit score)
• Borrowing money from your friends or family.
• Pursuing fertility grants (there are many across the United States such as Cade Foundation, BabyQuest and more.)
• Apply or ask your clinic if you qualify for a clinical trial around IVF.
• Look into medical financing your fertility treatment.

Some other notes when considering these costs are:

• Where is the most cost-effective pharmacy for medication?
• How many cycles of IVF can you afford to attempt?
• Does genetic testing make sense for you?
• Can you apply your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to any IVF costs?
• Does joining a Clinic's shared risk program make sense?

Another thing you cannot put a price tag on is the emotional cost of IVF. Make sure you factor in the cost of activities that will support, center, and motivate you as you begin this journey.