How to afford fertility treatments: 8 options

If you're seeking treatment for infertility, it can be comforting to know that you're not alone. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 42% of US adults say they've used fertility treatments or know someone who has. However, affording fertility care is often a challenge for those pursuing treatment.

While some prospective parents may assume that the cost of fertility treatment is out of reach, there are several options that can help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses. Learn more about common fertility treatment costs, and explore eight options for affording fertility care.

Fertility treatment costs

You'll typically incur a variety of expenses when undergoing fertility treatment, but your age, overall health and genetics may heavily influence the services you'll need.

Some common factors that impact fertility treatment costs include:

• The need for donor material
• Use of cryopreservation services to freeze biological materials for future use
• Fertility drugs and other prescriptions
• Patient consultations
• Lab tests
• Imaging and diagnostic procedures
• Surgery
• Use of a surrogate
• Your location
• Number of treatments

While these varying factors can make it challenging to budget for your fertility treatment, the following estimates for common fertility treatments may serve as a helpful baseline.

In vitro fertilization

Many employers now offer some insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization, or IVF. However, out-of-pocket costs for treatments still average more than $12,000 per patient cycle, with many women needing multiple cycles.

Intrauterine insemination

Many individuals choose intrauterine insemination, or IUI, as an initial treatment for infertility due to its lower cost and reduced risk of complications compared to IVF. The cost of IUI typically ranges from $300 to $1,000 without insurance.

Surrogacy

Hiring a surrogate through an agency may cost well over six figures due to medical expenses, legal support, recruiting fees and compensation for the surrogate. If a friend or loved one is serving as your surrogate, however, the cost of surrogacy may be more affordable.

How to afford fertility care

There are various options available to help pay for or finance fertility treatments. The first step is to check with your health insurance provider to see what's covered by your plan.

1Insurance coverage

While health plans aren't required to cover fertility treatments under federal law, some states mandate at least some coverage for state-regulated plans. Your employer-sponsored insurance policy may also provide fertility benefits on a case-by-case basis. Check your plan documents, or ask your organization's human resources department to confirm if you have fertility treatment insurance coverage.

2FSA or HSA

Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, and health savings accounts, or HSAs, may be used to help pay for IVF and other fertility treatments. Other expenses—such as egg donor fees and fertility storage—may be covered by an FSA or HSA if they're deemed medically necessary.

3Fertility grant

A variety of organizations offer fertility grants and scholarships. If you're eligible, these may help cover the cost of fertility treatments. A quick internet search can help you find organizations currently offering fertility grants, many of which you can apply for online.

4Retirement plan savings

You may qualify to withdraw money from your retirement savings to pay for fertility care if your plan allows hardship distributions. You'll avoid an early withdrawal penalty, but you'll still owe income tax if it's a traditional account. If you have a Roth account, you can always withdraw your contributions without paying a penalty or tax.

Alternatively, you may be able to borrow funds from your workplace retirement account. However, you may be limited in how much you can borrow, and you may need to pay processing fees. You could also face a tax bill and penalties if you don't pay the loan back on time. Before using your retirement funds for fertility treatments, it's a good idea to discuss the long-term impact with a financial advisor.

5Tax deduction

If you itemize your returns and your fertility treatment costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. While this deduction won't cover all necessary costs, it may help offset some of the financial burden. Check the IRS guidelines or ask your tax preparer for more details.

6Fertility loan

Some clinics offer fertility financing to help patients spread out the cost of their treatments over time. Other popular fertility financing options include home equity loans and personal loans. These may help you pay for your treatment at a lower interest rate than with a credit card. If you're thinking of going this route, just be sure you understand the loan's terms and the fee structure and will be able to repay the loan.

7Credit card

If you're thinking of using a credit card to cover the cost of fertility treatment, it's important to proceed with caution. If you must rely on credit, it's best to use a low-interest card—ideally a credit card with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate. And if possible, make a plan to pay off the debt before the promotional period ends.

8Crowdfunding

If your loved ones want to help you pay for fertility treatment, crowdfunding may be an option to consider. If you'd like to cast a wider net, there are online fundraising sites that let you share your personal story and seek contributions.

The bottom line

Determining how to afford fertility treatments is a challenge shared by many aspiring parents. Take time to research all your options before deciding, and seek financial advice if needed. Doing so can help reduce the financial burden of your fertility care.