In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective fertility treatments, helping couples and individuals conceive when other methods fail. But IVF can be very expensive, with costs varying based on location, medications, insurance coverage, and clinic success rates.
Let’s break down the average cost of one IVF cycle, what factors affect the price, and how to save money on fertility treatments.
How Much Does One IVF Cycle Cost?
Expense Category |
Estimated Cost Per Cycle |
|---|---|
Base IVF Procedure (egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo transfer) |
$12,000 – $17,000 |
Fertility Medications |
$3,000 – $7,000 |
Pre-IVF Testing (Bloodwork, Ultrasounds, Consultations) |
$500 – $2,500 |
Embryo Freezing & Storage (Optional) |
$1,000 – $2,500 per year |
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) (Optional) |
$1,000 – $2,500 |
PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) (Optional) |
$3,000 – $7,000 |
🔹 Total IVF Cycle Cost (Without Insurance): $15,000 – $30,000
🔹 Cost Per Additional Cycle (If Needed): $10,000 – $20,000 (some tests don’t need repeating)
Many patients need more than one cycle to conceive, significantly increasing costs.
What Affects the Cost of IVF?
Several factors influence the final price:
- Clinic and Location – IVF costs more in large metro areas than in smaller cities.
- Fertility Medications – Medication costs vary based on dosage and patient needs.
- Add-on Procedures – Services like ICSI, embryo freezing, and genetic testing increase costs.
- Age and Health Factors – Patients with low ovarian reserve may need higher doses of medication or multiple cycles.
- Insurance Coverage – Some states require insurance coverage for IVF, while others do not.
IVF Costs by State (2024 Estimates)
State |
Average Cost Per Cycle |
|---|---|
California |
$18,000 – $30,000 |
New York |
$17,000 – $28,000 |
Texas |
$14,000 – $25,000 |
Florida |
$15,000 – $27,000 |
Illinois |
$16,000 – $28,000 |
Some states have laws requiring insurance companies to cover IVF, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Does Insurance Cover IVF?
Insurance Type |
IVF Coverage |
|---|---|
Employer Health Insurance |
Varies (some employers offer partial or full coverage) |
Medicaid |
Does NOT cover IVF |
Marketplace/Private Plans |
Rarely covers IVF |
States with Mandatory Coverage |
May cover part or all of IVF |
🔹 States that require insurance to cover IVF include Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, and Maryland.
🔹 Other states may cover fertility treatments but exclude IVF.
If you live in a state without coverage, check if your employer offers fertility benefits through programs like Progyny or Carrot Fertility.
Additional Costs After IVF
If the first cycle doesn’t result in pregnancy, additional treatments may be needed:
Procedure |
Cost |
|---|---|
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) |
$3,000 – $5,000 |
Egg Freezing (For Future Use) |
$6,000 – $10,000 |
Donor Eggs or Sperm |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
Surrogacy |
$90,000 – $150,000 |
Patients who need donor eggs, sperm, or surrogacy face significantly higher costs.
How to Save Money on IVF
- Check for insurance coverage – Some employers cover fertility treatments even in states without mandates.
- Look for IVF grants or financing programs – Some clinics offer grants or payment plans.
- Consider clinics outside major cities – IVF can be cheaper in smaller cities or even other countries.
- Ask about IVF package deals – Some clinics offer multi-cycle discounts.
- Use generic fertility medications – Can save hundreds to thousands.
Is IVF Worth the Cost?
IVF is expensive, but for many couples and individuals struggling with infertility, it’s the best chance of having a biological child.
- Success rates vary by age – Women under 35 have a 50-60% success rate per cycle, while those over 40 have a 10-20% success rate.
- Most people need multiple cycles – The average couple undergoes 2-3 cycles, making total costs $30,000 – $60,000.
If you’re considering IVF, it’s important to weigh the costs, insurance options, and potential success rates before committing.
Have you gone through IVF? What was your experience with costs? Share in the comments.
For real-world medical pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com.
