1. Home
2. Education
3. AFCC Fertility Blog
4. What Is the Average Cost of IVF in the United States?

What Is the Average Cost of IVF in the United States?

The cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often one of the first questions people have when starting to explore treatment, and one of the hardest to answer simply. In the United States, a single IVF cycle typically ranges from $20,000 to $25,000 or more when medications, lab fees, monitoring, and other elements are included, with total out-of-pocket expenses often falling around $22,000 per cycle.

Before medications and add-on services such as genetic testing and embryo freezing, the base procedural cost for a single cycle is often lower, but most patients require multiple components that increase total expenses. If you’re planning for treatment, understanding these averages can help you prepare financially, though the final cost varies by clinic, location, and treatment specifics.

How is IVF Priced? 

Below is an estimate of how costs may be structured. 

What Contributes to IVF Costs?

Several factors influence what you’ll pay for IVF, including:

• Clinic pricing models: Some fertility clinics bundle monitoring, lab work, and procedures into a single package price, while others itemize each service separately. Understanding what is and isn’t included in a quoted cycle fee is important when comparing costs.

• Medications: Fertility medications are a significant part of overall IVF expenses and can add several thousand dollars per cycle. Dosage and total cost vary based on age, ovarian reserve, and individual response to stimulation.

• Diagnostic testing and monitoring: Baseline bloodwork, hormone testing, ultrasounds, semen analysis, and pre-cycle evaluations may be billed separately. Some patients may also need additional testing before starting treatment.

• Genetic testing and laboratory services: Optional services such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), assisted hatching, or embryo biopsy increase lab fees but may be recommended depending on your clinical situation.

• Embryo freezing and storage: If embryos are frozen for future use, cryopreservation and annual storage fees are typically separate from the initial cycle cost.

• Geographic location: IVF pricing varies widely across the country, with clinics in major metropolitan areas often charging more than those in smaller markets.

Navigating the Cost of IVF

While the numbers can feel overwhelming at first, many patients use a combination of insurance benefits, financing programs, and flexible payment options to make treatment more manageable. Coverage varies widely depending on your employer and plan type, and some patients qualify for partial or full benefits under Illinois’s fertility insurance mandate.

At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, our dedicated financial counselors work closely with each patient to review insurance coverage, provide detailed cost estimates, and explain available financing options. Before you begin treatment, you’ll have a clear understanding of your projected expenses and payment pathways so you can move forward with confidence.

IVF Cost FAQs

Does insurance cover IVF?

Insurance coverage for IVF depends on your individual health plan. In Illinois, many fully insured plans are required to include some level of infertility diagnosis and treatment coverage under the state’s fertility insurance mandate. However, certain employers, including those with fewer than 25 employees, religious organizations, and self-insured companies, are exempt.

Even when coverage exists, benefits vary. Some plans cover monitoring and medications, others cover only portions of treatment, and some may apply lifetime maximums. It’s important to review your policy carefully and confirm details directly with your insurance provider or employer’s benefits coordinator. The financial team at AFCC can also help verify your benefits and outline your expected out-of-pocket costs.

Does insurance cover egg freezing?

Egg freezing coverage varies by plan. In Illinois, medically necessary fertility preservation may fall under the state mandate, particularly if treatment is required due to a medical condition such as cancer or a genetic disorder. However, elective egg freezing for future family planning is often not covered.

Because exemptions apply to certain employers and plan types, it’s essential to verify your specific benefits. Speaking directly with your insurer can clarify what is eligible and whether medications, monitoring, or storage fees are included.

How do I find out if I have fertility insurance coverage?

The best way to determine your fertility coverage is to review your policy documents and speak directly with your insurance provider. Ask specifically about infertility diagnosis, IVF benefits, medication coverage, lifetime maximums, and any prior authorization requirements.

If your insurance is employer-sponsored, your HR or benefits coordinator may also assist. Illinois residents should confirm whether their plan falls under the state fertility mandate and whether any exemptions apply.

Can I use HSA/FSA funds for treatment?

In many cases, yes. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can typically be used for qualified fertility-related medical expenses, including IVF, IUI, egg freezing, frozen embryo transfer (FET), diagnostic testing, and prescribed medications.

However, eligibility rules can differ by plan. Certain expenses, such as long-term embryo or egg storage, may not qualify. It’s best to confirm allowable uses with your HSA or FSA administrator before allocating funds.

What’s included in the cost of IVF?

IVF pricing generally covers the core components of a treatment cycle, which may include:

• Initial consultations and fertility testing to develop a personalized treatment plan
• Ovarian stimulation monitoring and ultrasound appointments
• Egg retrieval, a brief outpatient procedure performed under sedation
• Laboratory fertilization using partner or donor sperm
• Embryo culture and monitoring prior to transfer

Some clinics bundle these services together, while others itemize each step. Medications, genetic testing, and embryo freezing are often billed separately.

Does the cost change if I use donor sperm or eggs?

Yes. Using donor sperm or donor eggs typically increases the overall cost of treatment. Donor materials are not usually included in standard IVF pricing and may involve additional expenses such as donor compensation, screening, legal agreements, and laboratory fees.

The total cost will depend on whether you use frozen donor sperm, fresh donor eggs, or a full donor egg IVF cycle. Your care team can provide a detailed estimate based on your specific treatment plan.

Are there payment plans or financing options available?

Many fertility clinics offer financing options to help make treatment more manageable. Patients may choose structured payment plans or work with third-party lenders that specialize in healthcare financing.

Before starting treatment, it’s helpful to review available financing programs, interest rates, and repayment terms to determine what fits your situation. A financial coordinator can walk you through available options and help you plan accordingly.

Are medications included in the cost of treatments?

In most cases, fertility medications are not included in the base cost of IVF or IUI. These medications stimulate egg development and play a critical role in treatment success, but they are typically billed separately.

Medication costs vary depending on dosage, ovarian response, and treatment protocol. Your care team should provide an estimate before beginning your cycle so you understand the full financial picture.

How does PGT affect fertility treatment costs?

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) adds laboratory and biopsy fees to a standard IVF cycle. The total cost depends on the type of testing performed (PGT-A, PGT-M, or PGT-SR), the number of embryos tested, and the complexity of the analysis.

While PGT increases upfront expenses, it may be recommended in certain clinical situations to help reduce the risk of transferring embryos with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities.

 Is gestational surrogacy covered by insurance?

Gestational surrogacy is generally not covered under standard health insurance plans. In this arrangement, a gestational carrier becomes pregnant through IVF and carries the pregnancy for the intended parents.

Surrogacy involves additional medical, legal, agency, and screening costs beyond standard IVF. Because it is a highly individualized and multi-step process, financial planning is especially important. A fertility team can help outline anticipated expenses and next steps.

Planning for IVF Costs with Clarity and Confidence

Understanding the cost of IVF is an important part of preparing for treatment. While national averages suggest a typical range, your personal investment will reflect your specific diagnosis, recommended protocol, and any additional services involved.

See all articles