How Much Do Fertility Treatments Cost?

Being diagnosed with infertility can be quite depressing for couples—not only because of the emotional aspects of the diagnosis (although those are most certainly the biggest consideration), but also because of the financial aspects. Paying for doctor visits and treatments is not always covered by insurance. And, actually, a large percentage of people in the United States do not even have insurance coverage anyway.

People already know what their doctor charges for an office visit (or, at least, they should know this information if they have just visited that office and received a diagnosis of infertility). But few people really know what the other fertility treatment costs may be.

Of course, prices may vary across the country. And, some insurance plans may cover part of some procedures. But, let’s just think about average prices. Most people really do not have much of an idea what average fertility treatment costs would be.

So, let’s go over a few fertility treatment costs here.

First of all, let’s start with one of the least expensive treatments—intracervical insemination (ICI). This procedure is one in which the doctor inserts a flexible catheter (with a syringe at the end that is filled with sperm) into a woman’s vagina until it reaches the cervix. Then the doctor releases the sperm. This procedure costs $250 - $300 on average.

Next, let’s look at the fertility treatment cost of an intrauterine insemination procedure (IUI). This is quite similar to an ICI, but with an IUI the semen is injected directly into the uterus. Also, the semen must be washed first, meaning that the sperm is separated from the other components of the semen. The average cost of this procedure is $800 - $850.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is another procedure that is similar to the two above. But, IVF has the egg and the sperm meet in a laboratory, and then the embryos are implanted into the woman’s uterus. Most people would assume that this is more costly; however, it is much more costly. The average fertility treatment cost of an IVF procedure (not including medications) is about $8100. The medications will cost at least another $3000, on average.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when thinking about fertility treatment costs. These tips may help couples to save a little bit of money.

To start with, it has been determined that fertility treatment costs are definitely higher in areas that do not have very many fertility clinics. So, couples may be able to save some cash by checking prices in a more populated town.

When calling around to find out prices for specific procedures, it is wise to ask questions. Ask if medications are included in the price (see above, where medications were not included in the fertility treatment cost of the IVF procedure). Also ask if free financial counseling or planning is available for patients or if all payment is expected upfront. Many clinics will accept monthly payment plans.

Knowing these answers ahead of time just makes sound financial sense.