Money as a couple: How to budget for IVF: costs, saving and support
To budget for IVF, add up the clinic fee for a cycle, medicines, tests and extras, then plan for the chance that you'll need more than one round. In a worked example, one private cycle costs about 6,000 once everything is included.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- To budget for IVF, add the clinic fee, medicines, tests and extras.
- In a worked example, one private cycle costs about 6,000 all in.
- Plan for the possibility of more than one round.
- Check what public funding, employer support or clinic packages are available.
How do you budget for IVF?
IVF can be emotionally demanding, and the money side adds another layer of stress. A clear budget won't make the process easier, but it can take away some of the uncertainty. Start by listing every cost, not just the headline clinic fee: medicines, tests, scans, freezing embryos, travel and time off work. Then think about what happens if the first cycle doesn't work, since many people need more than one round. In a worked example, one private cycle costs about 6,000 once everything is included.
Costs and funding vary hugely between countries and clinics. Some people get treatment through public health services, some through insurance or an employer, and many pay privately. Check what you might be entitled to before you plan.
What does one IVF cycle cost?
Here's a worked example of one private cycle, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Clinic fee for the cycle | 3,500 |
| Medicines | 1,200 |
| Tests and scans | 600 |
| Embryo freezing and storage | 500 |
| Travel and time off | 200 |
| Total | 6,000 |
The clinic fee is often the number advertised, but it can be little more than half of the total. Ask every clinic for a full, written breakdown of what's included and what's extra. Comparing these side by side often shows that a cheaper headline price ends up costing more once medicines and tests are added.
What costs are easy to miss?
Medicines
Fertility medicines can be a large cost and may not be included in the clinic price. The amount depends on your treatment plan.
Tests and consultations
Initial consultations, blood tests, scans and screening may be charged separately, sometimes before treatment even starts.
Extras
Clinics often offer additional treatments and tests. Some may help in certain situations, while others have less evidence behind them. Ask your doctor which ones are recommended for you, and why, before paying.
Freezing and storage
Freezing embryos and storing them each year adds an ongoing cost. Ask about yearly storage fees, since they continue after treatment ends.
Time off work
Appointments can be frequent and at short notice. Check your employer's policy on time off for fertility treatment, and plan for any unpaid days.
How do you plan for more than one cycle?
Many people need more than one round, so it helps to decide in advance how many cycles you can afford and how you'll pay for each. Some clinics offer packages for several cycles, sometimes with partial refunds if treatment doesn't succeed. These can save money, but read the terms carefully and compare them with paying per cycle. Talking about limits as a couple before you start, when you're calmer, can make later decisions a little easier.
How can you pay for IVF?
Check public funding and insurance
In some places, public health services fund some treatment, depending on age and other criteria. Some insurance policies and employers cover part of the cost. Ask early, since waiting lists can be long. Even if you plan to pay privately, knowing what support exists helps you decide when and where to start.
Save ahead
If you have time before starting, saving a set amount each month builds a fund. In a worked example, 500 a month for a year covers one cycle.
Be careful with borrowing
Fertility loans and credit cards can spread the cost, but interest adds up, especially if you need several cycles. If you borrow, compare the total cost and make sure repayments fit your budget even if treatment takes longer than hoped.
Compare clinics
Prices vary between clinics, sometimes by a lot. Compare full costs, not just the headline fee, and consider travel if a clinic further away is much cheaper.
How do you look after yourselves?
The process can be hard on your mental health and your relationship. Build some money into the budget for things that help you cope, like counselling, time away or small treats. Money anxiety covers ways to manage the worry that money adds. Some people also explore other paths to parenthood, and how to budget for adopting a child covers that route. If treatment works, how to budget for a baby covers what comes next.
How do you plan IVF costs in Wealtie?
Use a shared account so you both see what's been spent and what's left. The account owner needs Pro, and the person invited can be on any plan. Add a fertility category to your expense categories and set a budget for each cycle. How to share a budget with your partner covers setting up a shared plan.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, one private cycle costs about 6,000 once the clinic fee, medicines, tests, freezing and travel are included. Costs vary a lot by country and clinic.
Medicines, tests and consultations, extra treatments, embryo storage fees and unpaid time off work.
They can save money if you need several cycles, but read the terms carefully and compare them with paying per cycle.
Save a set amount each month if you have time. In a worked example, 500 a month for a year covers one cycle.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
