Wanting to have children but not being able to conceive is frustrating.Egg donor IVF can cost as much as $65,000 in the US if you use fresh eggs.If you're committed to trying egg donor IVF, there are ways you can reduce these costs.If you can't afford treatment in the US, you might consider traveling abroad, where treatment can be as low as half the cost.
Step 1: Do you have the money to pay for treatment?
Take a look at your household budget and savings.Keeping in mind that you'll likely pay around $30,000 for egg donor IVF in the US, figure out how much money you can put towards treatment or how long it will take you to save up that money.Try to contribute as much as you can if you don't think you'll be able to afford treatment.It leaves less money that you have to worry about.If the treatment isn't in your budget, try not to be too upset.There are many financing options that can help you.
Step 2: For emotional support, look to your partner or someone close.
If you're worried about how to pay for egg donor IVF, you can feel stressed out and anxious.They will support you mentally and emotionally if you have a partner.If you are single, look for a family member or close friend to support you.You will have access to counseling and therapy from a licensed mental health professional once you find an IVF clinic.Before you start, you may want to seek guidance from a professional.There is a support group in your area.Talking to people on the same path can be comforting and remind you that you are not alone.
Step 3: Check to see if your insurance covers treatment.
Most insurance companies have to cover the treatment in 17 states.Even if you don't live in one of those states, your insurance will still pay for your treatment.You're still responsible for co-pays and deductible if your insurance doesn't cover all or part of your treatment.The cost of donor eggs is usually not covered by your insurance.
Step 4: Grants can be used to help with the IVF cost.
Some fertility foundations offer grants to cover the cost of treatment.If you qualify, many of the grants will provide up to $10,000 in assistance.Depending on the foundation offering the grant, qualifications vary.You can find a list of grants at https://resolve.org/what-are-my-options/making-infertility-affordable/in infertility-treatment-grants-scholarships/.Cash assistance is one of the things that some grants offer, along with a combination of cash and medications or other support.
Step 5: If you still need help, compare loans and financing programs.
If you haven't raised enough money to cover the cost of your egg donor IVF, look into loans and financing programs.Banks, credit unions and credit card companies offer loans.Financing programs allow you to pay for your egg donor in installments rather than having to make a single payment.A strong credit score is required for most loans.Before applying for loans, check your credit score.You might want to take a few years to improve it if it's low.If you're able to take out a loan to finance your egg donor IVF, it's a good idea to go back to your budget and make sure you can afford it.Try to pay the loan off early if it has a low interest rate.
Step 6: Plan on using frozen eggs.
Fresh eggs cost twice as much as frozen eggs and have a slightly higher success rate.The added expense isn't worth the difference.If you don't have a lot of wiggle room, frozen eggs may be a better bet.The cost of eggs does not include the other fees associated with egg donor IVF, such as hormone shots, blood work, doctor visits, and legal fees.You'll pay all those fees again if you need more than one IVF cycle.
Step 7: There's a shared donor egg program.
A shared donor egg program allows you to share one donor's eggs with another person.The costs of your treatment can be reduced by as much as 50% if you share the eggs.You don't need all of a donor's eggs to get pregnant.If your first IVF procedure is unsuccessful, many clinics have multiple cycle options.
Step 8: You should look at clinics in countries where the donor is similar to you.
In most countries, you have to choose eggs from someone who matches you in terms of eye, hair, and skin color.If you find an egg donor who is similar to you, your IVF will be successful.If you are white, you could consider clinics in Russia, Poland, and Ukraine, where the majority of donors are Caucasian.If you have darker skin, you could look at clinics in Spain, Cyprus, Greece, or Barbados.
Step 9: Pick countries where you can understand the native language.
Getting IVF treatment in a country where you don't understand anyone around you can feel isolating and frustrating, and may make it difficult for you to get around.Most of your time in the country won't be spent in an infertility clinic.English is one of the official languages in many countries, making it less expensive to get egg donor IVF in the US.You might be able to save more if you speak Spanish.If you are looking at a country where English is not an official language, you will find more people who speak and understand English if you go to an IVF clinic in a big city.
Step 10: Determine the quality of care in the country you're considering.
There is a high standard of patient care in countries that offer state-of-the-art equipment.There should be a lot of experts and scientists who specialize in egg donor IVF in the country you use.You can learn a lot about a country's standard of medical care by looking at the website of the ministry of health care.The country's medical association and licensing board can be found online.You can find the requirements for becoming a licensed physician and for working in an IVF clinic.If you have a special issue, look for specialists who have dealt with it before.If you have a chronic illness, you might want to look for doctors who have successfully treated others with the same condition.
Step 11: There is a maximum age for recipients.
There are different age restrictions in different countries.If you're in your 40s, this won't be a big deal.If you're in your 40s or 50s, you won't have many options.The maximum age in most countries is 45 or 50.Russia and Ukraine allow patients over 50 to receive in-vivo treatment.
Step 12: There are legal restrictions in countries you're interested in.
If you're married to a cis gender man, you won't have to worry about legal restrictions for in-vitro fertilization in other countries.Same-sex couples and single women have limited choices.If you're single, you can get egg donor IVF in a number of countries.If you are in a same-sex couple, you can get egg donor IVF in several European countries.Same-sex couples and single women in the Czech Republic and Poland are not allowed to use egg donor IVF.
Step 13: You should consult with doctors in clinics.
If you want to speak with a doctor in an IVF clinic abroad, you can have a phone or online interview.It's a good idea to talk to more than one doctor.What is the clinic's record on safety and standards?How do you keep patient records confidential?How long would it take me to stay in the country and how often would I need to go to the clinic?How are the success rates calculated?What screening do you do for prospective donors?
Step 14: You can compare costs at several clinics.
You can find the one that best suits your needs and budget by comparing several different clinics.Information about the clinic and any questions you have should be provided by the clinics.Asking the same questions to each clinic will make it easier to compare them.If you're thinking about traveling to another country for egg donor IVF, you might want to compare costs and services from several different countries, as well as look at several clinics in each country.
Step 15: The cost of treatment can include things.
You can get a price for egg donor IVF treatment, but there are many costs you'll have to pay.The initial exam, testing, and lab work may not be included in the price.Follow-up treatment might not be included.The price does not include the medication you'll need to take during treatment.Some clinics allow you to bring your own medication, while others don't.If you have a grant that is providing your medication, make sure you know this before you go to a clinic.If you need sedatives during treatment, some IVF clinics charge additional fees.
Step 16: If you're going to get treatment abroad, you should include travel costs.
If you take the cost of travel and accommodations into account, you may not be able to save money when you get egg donor IVF treatment in another country.If you want to know how much you'll need to spend, you should get a general idea of airfare and accommodations.Daily expenses include food and drink.Renting a house or condo with a kitchen is more economical because you can cook most of your own meals.If you have family or friends who live in another country, you might be able to stay with them while you're getting your treatment.It's the least expensive option.
Step 17: If you don't get a refund for unsuccessful treatment, ask.
If you don't get pregnant after treatment, many clinics will give you a full or partial refund.The amount of the refund depends on the treatment plan you choose.You can get a refund if you try to get pregnant again after completing another round of IVF.You don't have to commit to another round to get the refund.You may have to return home and then schedule another trip later to complete a second cycle of treatment if you're traveling abroad for IVF treatment.