How Much Does IVF Cost? What Couples Need To Know About IVF Treatment Costs And What Affects Pricing
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be an essential step for many couples to achieve their dream of having a family. However, this dream can be overshadowed by one big worry: the cost of IVF.
“What if IVF is too expensive?” “What if we can’t afford to complete treatment?”
These concerns are completely valid. The financial side of IVF treatment can be as complicated as the treatment itself.
But fear not. We are here to help. We’ll be breaking down the cost of IVF in the USA, providing both state and city averages. Hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll have a clearer picture of how accessible and affordable IVF is in your area.
What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure that helps overcome challenges in conceiving by combining an egg and sperm outside your body. This process assists couples trying to conceive in forming a family after exhausting other options.
So, how much does IVF cost?
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the average cost of a single IVF cycle in the United States is around $12,400. But in reality, this cost can go up or down due to many factors. Research suggests that the cost of an IVF cycle in the US is 271% higher than the average cost across 25 other countries.
Factors Affecting IVF Treatment Cost
The cost of IVF typically covers various stages of treatment. Here’s what typically contributes to the total IVF cost in the USA:
Ovulation Induction and Fertility Medications
To stimulate your ovaries and produce multiple eggs, you’ll take prescribed fertility medications. These hormone-based drugs help increase the number of eggs available for retrieval, enhancing your chances of success. The medication costs of an average IVF cycle can range from $3,000 to $7,000 and can still vary depending on the dosage and type of medication you need.
Egg Retrieval
Once your eggs are mature, they’re collected from your ovaries through a minor surgical procedure. This step involves monitoring follicle development, administering a trigger shot to induce ovulation, and the actual egg retrieval.
Sperm Collection and Fertilization
Your IVF clinic will also collect and process your male partner’s or donor’s sperm to get the healthiest sperm possible for fertilization. Then, they will perform fertilization either in a petri dish or through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). In ICSI, fertility doctors inject a single sperm directly into your egg. Since it’s a complicated procedure, ICSI can potentially make your overall treatment plan more expensive.
Embryo Culture, Storage, and Monitoring
In the IVF process, clinics culture and monitor fertilized eggs (embryos) for several days to ensure proper development before transfer. The costs associated with these services can vary across clinics in the U.S. For example, some clinics don’t charge for the first year of storage. After the first year, they might charge you an annual fee of $300 to $1,500.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a procedure used during IVF to examine embryos for genetic issues before they're placed in your uterus. There are different types of PGT depending on the type of abnormalities you want to test. These tests can identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, increasing your chances of success and reducing the likelihood of miscarriages and or inherited genetic disorders.
According to a study, one type of PGT, PGT-A, can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $12,000 per cycle. This can also vary depending on the number of embryos you want to test, typically costing $300 to $700 per embryo. In another study, the average cost of IVF with PGT can be $30,086 for women below 35 years old and $31,418 for women above 35 years old.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
In FET, your clinic will thaw your frozen embryos and transfer them to your uterus to try for pregnancy. Unlike fresh embryo transfers, FET allows you to use embryos from a past cycle, which can be helpful if you have extra embryos stored or want to delay pregnancy for medical or personal reasons. In the U.S., FET can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000.
Follow-Up Appointments
After the embryo transfer, follow-up consultations and monitoring help track your progress. These appointments are often included in the IVF package but can vary by clinic.
Average IVF Cost by State
Average IVF Cost by State
IVF costs can also vary by your IVF clinic’s geographic location, differing from one state to another. This variation can be due to many factors.
IVF costs often reflect the price tag of everyday life in a state. In places where housing, wages, and clinic operations are expensive, you’ll likely see higher IVF prices. Meanwhile, states with a lower cost of living tend to offer more budget-friendly treatment options.
Studies suggest that the cost of each IVF cycle ranges between $20,000 and $25,000, with the total expense per live birth surpassing $60,000 in certain high-cost states.
Healthcare policies can also make a big difference. Some states have strong insurance mandates that help cover fertility treatments like IVF, easing the financial burden. In others, limited coverage means couples have to shoulder more of the costs themselves, making IVF pricier.
Here are estimates of average IVF costs in some U.S. states:
● California: Approximately $15,000 - $40,000 per cycle.
● Texas: Around $10,000 - $40,000 per cycle.
● New York: Approximately $16,000 per cycle.
● Florida: Approximately $10,000 - $17,000 per cycle.
● Illinois: Approximately $9,000 - $25,000 per cycle.
● New Jersey: Approximately $8,000 - $30,000 per cycle.
● Pennsylvania: Approximately $10,000 - $20,000 per cycle.
● Ohio: Approximately $10,000 - $24,000 per cycle.
● Michigan: Approximately $10,000 - $30,000 per cycle.
● Arizona: Approximately $9,000 - $30,000 per cycle.
● Washington: Approximately $9,000 - $30,000 per cycle.
● Virginia: Approximately $6,000 - $25,000 per cycle.
● North Carolina: Approximately $9,000 - $13,000 per cycle.
● Indiana: Approximately $11,000 - $14,000 per cycle.
● Tennessee: Approximately $10,000 - $12,000 per cycle.
● Colorado: Approximately $5,700 - $30,000 per cycle.
IVF Cost Across Major U.S. Cities
IVF expenses can also vary widely from one city to another. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for IVF in some of the largest cities across the U.S. Keep in mind that these are only estimates and may not include additional costs like medications, genetic testing, or extra procedures.
● New York City - IVF costs range from $12,000 to $15,000 per cycle without medication. When factoring in medications and additional procedures, the total can climb up to $60,000.
● Los Angeles - The average cost falls between $7,000 and $16,000 per cycle. However, depending on the clinic and treatment specifics, prices can reach as high as $40,000.
● Chicago - Expect to pay anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle, with costs varying based on clinic reputation and additional services.
● Houston - IVF costs typically range from $15,000 to $30,000, influenced by clinic facilities and treatment complexity.
● Phoenix - IVF treatments in Phoenix are relatively moderate, averaging between $12,100 and $15,000 per cycle.
● Philadelphia - Costs vary widely, from $11,000 to $30,000, depending on the clinic and included services.
● San Antonio - IVF here is generally more affordable, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per cycle.
● San Diego - Expect to pay between $12,000 and $30,000, influenced by clinic reputation and additional treatments.
● Dallas - IVF costs range from $15,000 to $30,000, with price differences often tied to the level of personalized care.
● Las Vegas - IVF treatments typically cost between $12,000 and $25,000, making it a competitive option compared to other major cities.
Does Insurance Cover IVF?
Does Insurance Cover IVF?
The coverage of IVF depends on your insurance plan and where you live. Some insurance policies may fully or partially cover IVF treatment costs, while others may not. In states with strong fertility coverage laws, insurers are required to provide coverage for fertility treatments.
For example, Arkansas requires fully insured plans to cover IVF up to $15,000 per lifetime, but only if the policy also includes maternity benefits. Unfortunately, in many other states, you’ll have to shoulder treatment costs yourself.
However, you can also check with your company’s benefits if they cover fertility treatments. Some companies shoulder a percentage of the cost after deductibles. However, in
How much is IVF with insurance?
This depends on your company’s coverage. Many of the big tech companies offer comprehensive coverage for fertility treatments and that includes IVF.
A good example is NVidia’s coverage through Cigna. If you use an in-network provider, you only have to pay 10% of the cost after you meet your deductible. There is no limit on coverage, and you don’t need an infertility diagnosis to qualify. Egg freezing is also covered, along with storage if it is medically necessary.
So, let’s say you’re using NVIDIA’s fertility coverage through Cigna with an in-network provider. Your treatment costs $20,000 with a $3,000 deductible, you first pay the $3,000. After that, insurance covers 90% of the remaining $17,000, so you pay $1,700. In total, your out-of-pocket cost would be $4,700.
If you go to an out-of-network provider, the plan covers up to $50,000 over your lifetime. After you meet your deductible, you will have to pay 30% of the "Reasonable and Customary" (R&C) fees.
Adobe also provides fertility coverage through Aetna. If you use an in-network provider, Aetna covers approved fertility treatments at either 90% or 80% depending on your plan after you meet your deductible. Covered treatments include IVF and FET. The plan also covers freezing and storage of sperm, eggs, and embryos.
According to a survey, most companies have an average maximum lifetime benefit of $16,250. However, some companies are now starting to limit IVF coverage by number of cycles, with three being the most common. This is considered a better approach compared to setting a flat dollar limit.
Fertility Coverage Based on Treatment Cycles
Some companies, like Microsoft, offer fertility coverage based on the number of treatment cycles rather than just dollar limits. They’ve partnered with Progyny, a fertility benefits provider that works with employers to cover treatments like IVF, egg freezing, and embryo transfers. Progyny’s Smart Cycle model assigns a value to each treatment instead of setting a dollar limit.
With Microsoft's and Progyny’s 2+1 Smart Cycle model, employees get three chances to have a healthy baby. If you complete two cycles and have a successful birth, your benefit ends. If the first two cycles don’t result in a baby, you still have one more attempt.
Minimal Stimulation In Vitro Fertilization
Because IVF can reach such sky-high prices, it’s important to explore more affordable alternatives. One option is minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization or mini-ivf.
Mini IVF is an alternative treatment option that uses less fertility medications compared to traditional IVF. This method aims to produce fewer eggs, which can lead to reduced medication expenses, lowering overall IVF costs.
Mini IVF offers a gentler, less expensive option that could work well for certain couples. According to a study, the average cost of one mini-ivf cycle is $4,710. In the same study, the expected total cost of a single traditional IVF cycle was $16,824.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, expect to shell out up to $12,000 to $30,000 per cycle. If you include the cost of additional procedures and factor in your location, this can reach $30,000 to $60,000.
The cost of IVF can vary based on many factors. Understanding what influences the cost of your treatment can help you make informed choices about where to go for care. You might also explore more affordable options, like mini IVF, to see if it’s a better fit for your current financial situation.
While it’s important to think about the financial side of IVF, remember that your ultimate goal is building your family. Don’t let cost alone determine your path. We hope the information we’ve shared helps guide you toward the best decision for your future.
Raoul Angelo Cam is a freelance health content writer and a registered clinical laboratory scientist. He earned his degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Cebu Doctor’s University and completed three years of medical school. During university, he developed a passion for helping patients improve their well-being, including reproductive health and fertility.