More and more, donor eggs are becoming a normalized part of the fertility conversation. Several celebrities have revealed they needed donor eggs to create their families, and plenty of essays are available that speak candidly about this topic.

The reasons why people may need donor eggs to get pregnant vary, but this can be due to age-related fertility decline, genetic risks, or medical conditions like premature ovarian failure or cancer (where the patient is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation). Donor eggs are also a necessity for same-sex male couples or single men who wish to have biological children. But if you’re considering using an egg donor, be sure to consult with your fertility specialist first to discuss the best options for you and your family. 

So, where does one even start researching egg donors – and more importantly, how much does this option even cost? While it’s always wise to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer coverage options, be advised that the cost of donor eggs is about $15,000 to $20,000 per cycle. 

Rescripted spoke with team members from Donor Egg Bank USA, which has provided frozen donor egg services to aspiring parents since 2012, to understand the process better. Over the years, Donor Egg Bank USA has built an extensive network encompassing more than 210 top-rated fertility practices. Using their advanced understanding of the egg donation industry, paired with the resources and experience established through their network connections, they ship frozen donor eggs to facilities both nationally and internationally.  

Breaking down the Donor Egg Bank USA Assured Refund Plan® with live birth guarantee

Although Donor Egg Bank USA offers multiple financial plans – including financing options – which you can find on their website, their most popular option is the Assured Refund Plan®. This plan provides up to six donor egg IVF cycles (both donor eggs and treatment) and includes a live birth guarantee: Bring a baby home or receive a 100% refund.*  

More about the Assured Refund Plan:

• It includes usable blastocysts equal to, or exceeding, egg lots purchased. Or, they will provide an additional egg lot at no charge.**
• Helps your pregnancy journey by providing up to six cycles.
• Includes ICSI and unlimited frozen embryo transfers before moving to the next donor egg IVF cycle.
• Ninety-two percent of those who qualify for the plan bring home a baby because the plan provides up to six cycles – or a 100% refund if unsuccessful. You can also voluntarily withdraw from the plan and receive a 50% refund.

This can be a cost-effective option because if you end up requiring multiple frozen embryo transfers, or require more full treatment cycles, the Assured Refund Plan will be less expensive than if you had paid for each cycle and subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycles individually. (Considering one IVF cycle costs anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, it’s worth exploring these kinds of assurance plans.) Plus, Donor Egg Bank USA’s live birth guarantee* offers more financial predictability throughout your journey. 

Donor Egg Bank USA also offers other financial plans, so you can choose the one that’s best for you. 

• Multi Egg Lot Refund Plan: You will receive up to four egg lots — treatment not included — with a live birth guarantee.
• Double Egg Lot Plan: This plan offers two egg lots (with 5 to 8 mature eggs in each) and includes a guarantee of two or more blastocysts.**
• Single Cycle Plan: Providing one cycle, this plan bundles frozen donor eggs and treatment together into one payment. It also includes a guarantee of one or more blastocysts and would cover physician/IVF fees should an egg lot replacement be required.
• Single Egg Lot Plan: Donor Egg Bank USA will send one egg lot (with 5 to 8 mature eggs), which includes a guarantee of one of more blastocysts, directly to your fertility practice whenever you're ready.

Included in all plans, Donor Egg Bank USA’s Blastocyst Guarantee ensures you'll receive usable blastocysts (for transfer, freezing or biopsy) that are equal to, or exceed, the egg lots you've purchased. Otherwise, we will provide an additional egg lot at no charge.**

Why frozen donor eggs may be the more cost-effective choice

While fresh and frozen donor eggs may have slightly different success rates, the Donor Egg Bank USA team believes that in many cases, frozen donor eggs have significant advantages over fresh. 

Convenience                                

Frozen donor eggs are ready whenever and wherever you are. They have been successfully retrieved from a screened and qualified donor, undergone a cryopreservation process, and are ready for transport to your chosen clinic.  

This is not the case for fresh donor eggs: Both the donor and the recipient must be in the same physical location and have synchronized cycles for a successful embryo transfer. This takes time, medical treatment, and a lot of planning. Patients using a frozen donor egg can begin immediately and complete their preparation treatment within weeks (not months, which can be the case if using a fresh donor egg). 

Fewer additional expenses

Should you choose fresh donor eggs, you would likely be responsible for numerous additional expenses, including the donor’s stimulation medication and treatment, lab testing, and standard genetic screening for the fresh egg donor. You would also probably incur travel expenses for the donor if she doesn’t live nearby. Depending on the financial plan you select with Donor Egg Bank USA, all of these expenses are already included in the cost of the (frozen) egg lot services.                                                  

Donor availability and diversity

Donor Egg Bank USA has already done all the vetting, scheduling, screening, and heavy lifting regarding personal criteria research (appearance, background, genetics, and availability). They offer frozen donor eggs from an extensive and diverse pool of pre-qualified donors. 

More personal control

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When patients choose frozen donor eggs, they deal with the donated eggs only, not the donor. You not only eliminate the inconvenience of synching schedules, but you also eliminate the risk of the donor canceling the donation. With frozen eggs, you can be assured of actually having eggs that have already been retrieved whenever you are ready.  

Additionally, using frozen donor eggs means you can depend on a certain number of eggs in the egg lot you select — generally five to eight eggs. With fresh cycles, there is no guarantee of the number of eggs the donor will be able to produce per cycle. This can result in having to undergo one or more additional cycles. Additional cycles equal additional expenses, time, and emotional investments that go hand in hand with each cycle.   

Still considering the frozen donor egg route? 

Above all, it’s critical you discuss your options with your fertility specialist. If you feel frozen donor eggs are the right choice, make an appointment with your medical provider for a more thorough conversation – especially, so you can make sure your donor egg experience truly fits your needs and expectations. 

Click here to learn more about Donor Egg Bank USA and its pregnancy success rates, along with their partner clinics. To start a discussion with a Donor Egg Bank USA representative about the best financial plan for you, head over to their website. 

*Must qualify to participate. See the Financial Plan Agreement for details & restrictions.

**Replacement egg lots do not have the Blastocyst Guarantee. See Intended Parent Agreement for details and restrictions.

Sarene Leeds holds an M.S. in Professional Writing from NYU, and is a seasoned journalist, having written and reported on subjects ranging from TV and pop culture to health, wellness, and parenting over the course of her career. Her work has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, Vulture, SheKnows, and numerous other outlets. A staunch mental health advocate, Sarene also hosts the podcast “Emotional Abuse Is Real.” Visit her website here, or follow her on Instagram or Twitter.