How Much Does Fertility Treatment Cost? Complete 2026 Guide
IUI: $500-$4,000 per cycle (with medications). IVF: $15,000-$25,000+ per cycle (all inclusive). Medications alone: $3,000-$6,000+ for injectable protocols. Insurance coverage varies dramatically—21 states have some fertility insurance mandate, but coverage levels differ. Expect to pay out-of-pocket unless you confirm specific coverage first.
Fertility treatment costs are notoriously opaque. Clinics often quote base procedure prices that double or triple once you add medications, monitoring, and add-on procedures. This guide breaks down the real costs so you can plan realistically.
IUI Costs: The More Affordable First Step
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is typically the first treatment step for many couples. Costs vary significantly based on whether you use medications and what type.
| IUI Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural cycle IUI (procedure only) | $300-$800 | No medications |
| Ultrasound monitoring (1-3 visits) | $200-$500 | Track follicle growth |
| Semen analysis/prep (wash) | $150-$300 | Concentrates sperm |
| Trigger shot (if used) | $50-$150 | Times ovulation |
| Natural Cycle IUI Total | $500-$1,500 |
IUI with Oral Medications (Clomid/Letrozole)
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Clomid or Letrozole (5-day course) | $10-$100 |
| Monitoring (2-4 ultrasounds) | $400-$800 |
| IUI procedure + sperm prep | $500-$1,000 |
| Trigger shot | $50-$150 |
| Oral Med IUI Total | $1,000-$2,000 |
IUI with Injectable Medications
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Injectable gonadotropins (Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur) | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Monitoring (4-6 ultrasounds + bloodwork) | $800-$1,500 |
| IUI procedure + sperm prep | $500-$1,000 |
| Trigger shot | $50-$250 |
| Injectable IUI Total | $3,000-$5,000+ |
Donor Sperm IUI
If using donor sperm, add $500-$1,000 per vial (most clinics recommend 2 vials per cycle for backup), plus shipping fees of $200-$400. A donor sperm IUI cycle typically costs $2,000-$4,000 total.
IVF Costs: The Comprehensive Breakdown
IVF is significantly more expensive than IUI, but also more effective per cycle. Here's where every dollar goes:
| IVF Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline testing & consultation | $300-$600 | May be covered by insurance |
| Monitoring (ultrasounds + bloodwork) | $1,500-$3,000 | 6-10 visits typical |
| Medications (injectable protocol) | $3,000-$6,000+ | Highly variable by dose |
| Egg retrieval procedure | $3,000-$5,000 | Includes anesthesia |
| Laboratory (fertilization, culture) | $3,000-$5,000 | Growing embryos to Day 5 |
| ICSI (if needed) | $1,500-$2,500 | Direct sperm injection |
| Embryo transfer | $1,500-$3,000 | Fresh or frozen |
| Embryo freezing (cryopreservation) | $1,000-$2,000 | One-time fee |
| Basic IVF Cycle Total | $15,000-$25,000 |
Common Add-On Costs
| Optional Add-On | Cost Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PGT-A (genetic testing) | $3,000-$6,000 | Screen for chromosomal abnormalities |
| PGT-M (single gene) | $4,000-$8,000 | Test for specific genetic conditions |
| Assisted hatching | $500-$1,500 | Help embryo "hatch" from shell |
| ERA test | $800-$1,500 | Optimal transfer timing |
| EmbryoGlue | $200-$500 | Implantation medium |
| Annual embryo storage | $500-$1,000/year | Ongoing fee |
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Costs
If you have frozen embryos from a previous cycle, a frozen transfer costs less than a full IVF cycle:
| FET Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Medications (estrogen, progesterone) | $300-$800 |
| Monitoring (2-4 visits) | $400-$800 |
| Embryo thaw | $500-$1,000 |
| Transfer procedure | $1,500-$3,000 |
| FET Total | $3,000-$5,500 |
Cost Comparison: All Treatments
Average Cost Per Cycle (Including Medications)
Medication Costs: The Expensive Surprise
Fertility medications often catch patients off guard—they can easily cost as much as the procedures themselves. Here's what to expect:
Oral Medications
- Clomid (clomiphene): $10-$50 per cycle (generic), $50-$100 (brand)
- Letrozole (Femara): $10-$100 per cycle
- Metformin: $10-$30 per month
Injectable Gonadotropins
- Gonal-F (follitropin alfa): $70-$100 per 75 IU dose
- Follistim (follitropin beta): $70-$100 per 75 IU dose
- Menopur (menotropins): $70-$90 per 75 IU vial
- Typical IVF protocol: 2,000-4,000 IU total = $2,000-$5,000+
Suppression & Trigger Medications
- Lupron (leuprolide): $500-$1,000 per kit
- Ganirelix/Cetrotide: $100-$200 per injection
- Ovidrel (hCG trigger): $100-$250
- Pregnyl (hCG): $80-$150
Progesterone Support
- Progesterone in oil (PIO): $50-$200 for cycle supply
- Endometrin/Crinone (vaginal): $200-$600 per cycle
Insurance Coverage: Know Your Options
Insurance coverage for fertility treatment is a patchwork. Here's what you need to know:
States with Fertility Insurance Mandates (as of 2026)
These 21 states require some level of fertility coverage, but mandates vary dramatically:
Comprehensive IVF Coverage
Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island
Partial or Limited Coverage
Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas, Utah, West Virginia
Important: Mandates often exclude self-insured employer plans (many large companies). Coverage may have lifetime caps, age limits, or diagnosis requirements. Always verify specific coverage with your insurer before treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Insurance
- Does my plan cover diagnostic fertility testing? (Often covered even without treatment coverage)
- Is there a lifetime maximum for fertility benefits? What is it?
- Are there age restrictions on coverage?
- Does coverage require a specific infertility diagnosis or duration of trying?
- Are medications covered separately or counted toward the fertility cap?
- Must I use in-network providers? Which clinics are in-network?
- Is pre-authorization required before starting treatment?
If You Don't Have Coverage
- Check partner's plan: Coverage varies between plans
- Ask HR about adding coverage: More employers are adding fertility benefits
- Consider job changes: Some people strategically move to employers with better fertility benefits
- Health insurance marketplace: In mandate states, marketplace plans must comply
Financing Options and Payment Plans
Clinic Payment Plans
Many clinics offer interest-free or low-interest payment plans. Ask about multi-cycle packages (pay upfront for 2-3 cycles at a discount) and refund programs (partial refund if no live birth).
Fertility-Specific Lenders
Companies like Prosper Healthcare Lending, CapexMD, and Future Family specialize in fertility financing with rates typically 5-15% APR. Some offer deferred interest periods.
HSA/FSA Funds
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account funds can be used for fertility treatments and medications. Max out contributions if planning treatment.
Home Equity/Personal Loans
May offer lower interest rates than medical financing. Consider carefully—you're borrowing against your home or credit for uncertain medical outcomes.
Fertility Grants and Scholarships
Several organizations offer grants to help cover fertility treatment costs:
- The Cade Foundation: Grants up to $10,000 for adoption or fertility treatment
- Baby Quest Foundation: Grants for IVF, IUI, and gestational surrogacy
- The Pollination Project: Small grants for family building
- Gift of Parenthood: Monthly grants for fertility treatment
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation: Grants for those who've experienced loss
Competition is high—apply to multiple programs and apply early.
How to Reduce Treatment Costs
Before Treatment
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary 20-40% between clinics in the same city
- Ask for all-inclusive pricing: Compare total cost, not just base procedure
- Verify success rates: A cheaper clinic with lower success may cost more per live birth
- Consider traveling: Some cities have lower costs; international options exist
During Treatment
- Shop for medications: Prices vary by 50%+ between pharmacies
- Ask about remaining medication: Clinics sometimes have donated meds to share
- Buy only what you need: Medications can't be returned; protocols change
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons: Not all "recommended" extras improve outcomes
Treatment Strategy
- Consider mini-IVF: Lower medication doses = lower cost, though fewer eggs
- Ask about natural cycle IVF: No stimulation medications (rare, specific situations)
- Bank embryos: If doing multiple cycles, banking embryos for one transfer may be cost-effective
Cost Per Live Birth: The Real Number
What you really want to know: How much will it cost to actually have a baby? This depends on success rates and how many cycles you need:
| Treatment | Cost Per Cycle | Success Rate | Avg Cost Per Live Birth |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUI (oral meds) | $1,500 | 10-15% | $10,000-$15,000 |
| IUI (injectables) | $4,000 | 15-20% | $20,000-$27,000 |
| IVF (under 35) | $20,000 | 45-50% | $40,000-$44,000 |
| IVF (38-40) | $22,000 | 25-30% | $73,000-$88,000 |
| IVF + PGT (under 35) | $25,000 | 55-65% | $38,000-$45,000 |
These are averages—individual results vary dramatically. Some achieve pregnancy on the first cycle; others need multiple attempts or switch treatments.