IVF and IUI Cost Information

IVF and IUI Cost Information

The cost of fertility treatment can be financially stressful for couples considering IVF or IUI treatment. Many times they feel their dream of having children is within reach thanks to some new financial programs at fertility clinics. However, some of these programs are designed to make you feel like you get great benefits, but might end up costing you more and leaving you empty-handed. There are a few factors Dr. Wood recommends to fertility patients to be aware of when financial concerns are a major part of the fertility treatment decision process.

1. Insurance coverage

Good health insurances plans cover the fertility initial consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist. There are many good health plans that also cover all of parts of the fertility treatment. One insurance that covers some fertility treatment that is accepted at Dr. Wood’s office is Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Interestingly, health insurance plans at the East Coast of the United States have better coverage for fertility treatment than the rest of the country. For example, insurance plans offered in Massachusetts, Iowa, and Long Island have a better fertility benefit package. However, it depends on your employer’s insurance plan if you have fertility treatment benefits available. It is best to contact your insurance company to inquire what coverage you have within your plan prior to scheduling a fertility consultation.

2. Money-Back Guarantee Plans

Money-Back guarantee plans are usually offered to IVF patients with ideal diagnoses. The guarantee is only effective if the patient meets a long list of complicated medical requirements. The requirements are set and measured by the clinic staff. Most of the time, it is not a full, complete 100% refund of your cost. It may apply only to the surgeon’s fees or it may be a smaller percentage of refund based on the woman’s age. Money-back guarantee plans are offered when it makes financial sense for the clinic. The plans are designed to get you, the patient, in the door, but the majority of patients end up not qualifying so it’s likely that it won’t be available to you once a patient. Dr. Wood doesn’t take part in luring patients into a money-back guarantee. At RSC, we are focusing on getting patients pregnant without a flashy financial program.

3. Discounted IVF Treatment Plans

Discounted fertility plans are usually offered by clinics that have a lower IVF success rate. In order to compensate for the lower success rates, they give you an incentive to have you stay for a second or even third try of IVF. The fertility clinic assures this way that you won’t spend your money elsewhere when not successful with the first try. At a closer look, the advertised, discounted fee usually excludes some essential treatment components that will be billed additionally, such as ICSI, assisted hatching, embryo transfer, anesthesia, etc. In the end, “discounted” fertility treatment may end up costing you significantly more. Fertility treatment with Dr. Wood at RSC is not offered at a discount. We have a high success rate and getting a couple pregnant in their first try is the primary goal of Dr. Wood. In the rare cases of couples considering trying for a second time, he will work with the couple to discount treatment to make it more affordable.

4. Global Fee Structure

A global fee structure usually includes all costs associated with the fertility treatment without any surprises or hidden fees billed later on. Dr. Wood offers a global fee structure once stimulation medication is started. His patients receive all treatment components included in one single, global fee. The fee includes surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, assisted hatching, ICSI, ultrasounds, blood tests, facility fees, and embryology lab fees. The global fee excludes PGD and HSG testing, since it is not part of every treatment cycle. The average cost of an IVF cycle, excluding medication is $12,300. The average cost of an IUI cycle, including the medication is $2,000. An IUI cycle, using timed intercourse cost $680.

Take a look at our fertility treatment financing options. For more information about the cost of IVF and IUI treatment options, please contact our office. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the financial aspect of fertility treatment.