Infertility is one of the most challenging crises an individual or couple can face. It’s often accompanied by loss, bereavement, and a sense of hopelessness. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped turn that around for many of us.
Now, however, in addition to anxiety around hoping an embryo implants, there are increasing medical decisions to make. And along with that — escalating costs.
Fertility treatment isn’t cheap, and insurance plans provide little to no coverage. However, you don’t necessarily have to deplete your savings, sell your home, or take out a high-interest loan to help pay for IVF.
There are fertility loans designed specifically for hopeful parents who simply cannot afford the exorbitant cost of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what these types of loans entail and how they can bring you much-needed relief on your family-building journey.
What Is IVF Financing?
Fertility or IVF loans are personal loans intended for fertility treatments and associated medical procedures.
While most clinics offer fertility financing, they often have high-interest rates and aren’t always transparent about the various cost estimates. Remember, their primary role is to help you conceive. Financial support is ideally handled through a company that understands fertility and its wide range of expenses.
Before considering a fertility loan, however, you should be aware of the costs you will be facing with IVF treatments. Even though you’ll be making monthly payments over many years to ease the strain of the large overall amount, it’s worth bearing in mind that there will be accrued interest (with varying rates). Plus, when your baby does arrive, you’ll have a new family member to support, which comes with its own financial hurdles.
Costs Associated With IVF
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The overall price you end up paying for IVF treatment will vary, and each individual case is different. It will depend on the clinic you choose, where you’re located, your medical history, and the types of procedures you have done.
That being said, there are some ballpark figures you can keep in mind.
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Fertility testing: This is usually the first step, and it’s important that both partners are tested. Blood tests to measure hormone levels are standard, as is a semen analysis. Usually, this is in the range of $200 to $400 and is covered by some medical insurance plans. At the initial consultation, the mom-to-be can also expect a pelvic ultrasound.
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The basic IVF procedure: Treatment costs vary, but a single IVF cycle—defined as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer—can range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on the fertility clinic and the patient’s individual needs. Medications can account for up to 35% of those charges.
During an IVF cycle, there also may be diagnostic testing or surgical procedures required, such as those needed to extract sperm or a hysteroscopy to closely examine the uterus, and these are usually additional expenses.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos and cryopreservation (freezing of eggs, sperm, or embryos) are further costs that can run into the thousands.
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Prescription drugs and hormonal treatment: Fertility drugs can cost as much as $10,000 and are usually not covered by most insurance plans.
All of this is important to take into account when looking at the potential size of a fertility loan. In addition, you should keep in mind that you may need more than one IVF cycle to achieve your goal.
What Types of Expenses Do Fertility Loans Cover?
Comprehensive fertility financing plans, such as the ones offered by Hera Fertility, cover all the costs associated with your fertility care. That includes all of the potential expenses described above, as well as physician fees, anesthesia, gestational carrier services (surrogacy), and more.
How Does a Fertility Loan Work?
The benefit of a fertility loan is that you can repay your treatment costs over time and won’t need to pay everything all at once. Fertility loans also offer a more favorable interest rate than most credit cards. They don’t require collateral and you won’t need to risk your home if you aren’t able to meet the payments.
Some providers of fertility loans partner with clinics and healthcare providers and pay for the treatment directly, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about during an already stressful process.
When you apply for a fertility loan through Hera Fertility, you will be matched with a fertility advisor. This person will help guide you through the entire journey with expert support and advice. There will be accurate cost estimates and benefits coverage, and also a comparison of the different loan options available to you.
Remember Your “Why”
While it can seem like a huge financial burden to pursue fertility treatment, we want to remind you of the reason why you’re making this decision. There is nothing in the world like conceiving your own child, and not everyone can do so naturally. IVF treatment offers a ray of hope, and a fertility loan makes the impossible…possible.
If you have any questions regarding fertility care, reach out and chat with a Hera Fertility advisor. Their team is invested in your future and committed to helping you reach your family-planning goals with fewer financial obstacles in your way.
Michelle Meyer is a freelance medical writer. She is busy completing an MSc in Physiology and Pharmacology and has been in the health and wellness industry for nearly two decades. Her interests include women’s health, mood disorders, and oncology.