The Ultimate Guide to Fertility Treatment Costs (2025 Update)

For the 1 in 6 people worldwide who experience infertility, the cost of treatment is often a major concern. Whether you have insurance in one of the 22 U.S. states with mandated fertility coverage or you’re paying out of pocket, it’s important to understand what to expect financially and what resources may be available to support you.

In this article:

• What Determines Fertility Treatment Costs?
• Fertility Treatment Cost Breakdown
• Ovulation Induction Costs
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Costs
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Costs
• Common IVF Fees
• Additional Cost Considerations for IVF
• Ways to Manage or Finance Treatment Costs
• IVF Medication Savings Tips
• Making Fertility Care More Affordable

What Determines Fertility Treatment Costs?

The actual amount you’ll invest in this process depends on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and coverage—so getting a detailed, personalized estimate from your provider is essential.

• Treatment type: Whether it’s ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, each has a different cost baseline.
• Geography & clinic pricing: Independent clinics, bundled packages, and regional differences all affect price.
• Medications & add-ons: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), use of donor gametes (sperm, eggs, or embryos), cryopreservation, and other optional add-ons will impact your total.
• Insurance coverage: State fertility mandates and policy details can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• Individual factors: Multiple cycles, complex cases, or additional interventions will increase the final amount you pay.

How State Mandates & Insurance Affect Cost

As of 2025, a total of 22 U.S. states (plus the District of Columbia) have enacted laws requiring insurance to cover fertility treatments to some degree.

It's important to note that the scope of these mandates vary widely—some include IVF and fertility preservation, while others only cover diagnostic testing. Even in states with mandates, your plan’s terms and whether your employer is subject to state law will determine eligibility.

Note: If you live in a state without a fertility coverage mandate (or if your plan is exempt) you may be responsible for the full cost of treatment. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association offers helpful tools and up-to-date information to help you navigate insurance, mandates, and more.

Fertility Treatment Cost Breakdown

Before choosing a fertility treatment pathway, it’s important to understand both the process and the potential financial investment.

Ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are among the most common options, each with its own costs, success rates, and considerations. The right choice for you will depend on your diagnosis, personal preferences, and family-building goals.

Let's break down these fertility treatment methods and what you can expect to pay for each.

Ovulation Induction Costs

For patients who are not ovulating regularly or need help producing mature eggs, ovulation induction is often the first step.

• Timed Intercourse + Ovulation Induction: $1,000 to $2,000 per cycle (for average medication costs, see below)
• Ovulation Induction with IUI: $3,830 to $7,000 per cycle

Ovulation Induction Medications

Oral medications are typically less expensive, ranging from $30 to $130+ per cycle, while injectable medications can cost significantly more, ranging from $3,000 to $5,500+ per cycle. Medications may be covered by your insurance plan. 

Ovulation Induction Success Rates

Clomiphene citrate (often referred to by its brand name, Clomid®) will induce ovulation in approximately 80% of cycles of anovulatory women.

Around 10-15% of those who ovulate will conceive. Approximately 70-75% of anovulatory women who respond to clomiphene will conceive within 6-9 cycles of treatment. Pregnancy rates with letrozole are similar to those of clomiphene citrate.

In most cases, gonadotropin treatment of anovulatory women results in ovulation, with pregnancy rates of approximately 15% per cycle in women younger than 40.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Costs

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, often in combination with fertility medications to improve the chances of conception.

• IUI Procedure Only: $300 to $1,000 per cycle
• IUI with Medications + Monitoring: Up to $2,000 per cycle

IUI Medications

IUI can be performed with or without fertility medications.

Oral medications typically cost $30 to $130+ per cycle, while injectable medications range from $3,000 to $5,500+ per cycle. The choice of medication depends on your diagnosis and treatment plan. Medications may be covered by your insurance.

IUI Success Rates

IUI success rates vary based on age, diagnosis, and whether fertility medications are used. On average, success rates are 10 to 20% per cycle. Over the course of 6 cycles, cumulative success rates can reach 60 to 70% for younger patients.

Note: Success rates are typically higher when IUI is combined with ovulation induction.

How long does IVF take?

An experienced fertility nurse breaks down the typical IVF timeline and answers common questions about the process.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Costs

In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving the eggs, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and transferring one or more embryos back into the uterus.

• Base IVF Cycle (no medications): $12,000 to $18,000 per cycle
• IVF with Medications + Add-ons: $15,000 to $30,000 per cycle

IVF Medications

IVF protocols usually require injectable gonadotropins, which range from $3,000 to $8,000 per cycle. Additional medications may include triggers, antibiotics, and progesterone for luteal phase support.

Note: Some insurance plans cover part or all of the medication costs, depending on state mandates and employer coverage.

Common IVF Fees

• Physician consultation: $200 to $750
• In-cycle monitoring: $2,000 to $3,500
• Egg retrieval: $2,000 to $3,000
• Egg retrieval anesthesia: $350 to $750
• Laboratory fees: $2,000 to $6,000
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): $2,100 to $2,400
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): $1,500 to $5,000+
• Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): $3,000 to $6,000
• Specimen storage: $600 to $1,500+ per year

Additional Cost Considerations for IVF

If your journey to parenthood involves using a donor or working with a gestational carrier (surrogate), it will significantly increase the total cost. 

• Donor sperm: $500 to $2,000+ per vial (does not include shipping or related costs)
• Donor egg: $10,000 to $30,000+
• Surrogate compensation: $40,000 to $80,000+
• Surrogacy agency fees: $20,000 to $50,000+
• Surrogacy legal fees: $3,000 to $16,000+

IVF Success Rates

Success rates for IVF depend on various factors, such as age, diagnosis, and whether donor eggs are used. However, using your own (non-donor) eggs, national average success rates are as follows:

• Under age 35: 54%
• Ages 35 to 37: 40.5%
• Ages 38 to 40: 26%
• Ages 41 to 42: 13.3%
• Over age 42: 4%

Source: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)

Note: IVF treatment generally offers higher per-cycle success rates than IUI treatment or ovulation induction and is often recommended for more complex fertility challenges.

Ways to Manage or Finance Treatment Costs

The cost of fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, but there are many ways to make treatment more affordable. By exploring every available option, you may be able to reduce your expenses and move forward sooner.

Here are some of the most common strategies patients use:

Insurance Coverage & Employer Benefits

Start by reviewing your health insurance plan to see if it covers any part of fertility treatment.

Some states require insurers to offer infertility coverage, which may include diagnostic tests, medications, or even IVF cycles. If you have coverage, take full advantage of it.

It’s also worth checking with your employer about fertility benefits. More and more companies are offering generous allowances toward IVF or surrogacy, which can make a significant difference.

Grants & Scholarships

Some nonprofit organizations and foundations offer grants to help cover fertility treatment or adoption expenses. Eligibility often depends on factors such as income, medical need, or location. While these programs are competitive, receiving a grant could fund an entire cycle or cover a large portion of the cost.

Need financial assistance?

Connect with organizations offering IVF grants, community resources, and free support to those struggling with loss or infertility.

Clinic Multi-Cycle Discounts or Refund Programs

Many clinics offer package pricing for multiple IVF cycles or refund programs that return a portion of your payment if you do not take home a baby. These programs can provide peace of mind, especially if you may need more than one cycle, but always review the details carefully as eligibility requirements can vary.

Tax Advantages & Savings Accounts

In the United States, IVF and related medical expenses may be tax deductible if they exceed a certain percentage of your income. Using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to pay for eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars, which can save you a substantial amount over time.

Note: Always consult a certified tax professional to verify current U.S. laws.

IVF Medication Savings Tips

Fertility medications can be one of the most expensive parts of treatment, but there are many ways to reduce the cost without compromising your care. Here are some strategies to explore:

• Compare pharmacy prices: Prices for the same medication can vary significantly between pharmacies. Get quotes from both local and specialty pharmacies, and check large online pharmacies that specialize in fertility medications.
• Compassionate care and manufacturer discount programs: Many drug manufacturers offer need-based discounts or rebates on fertility medications. Programs can save eligible patients 25% to 75% off retail prices. Your clinic can help with applications and documentation if needed. See below for more information.
• Ask your clinic about bulk-purchase or shared cycle programs: Some fertility centers negotiate reduced medication costs for their patients or run programs where unused, unopened medication from canceled cycles can be reassigned (when allowed by law).
• Leverage coupons and savings cards: Tools like GoodRx, Optum Perks, or pharmacy-specific coupon programs can help bring prices down. While savings may not be as large as with manufacturer programs, they can still make a noticeable difference.
• Split prescriptions: Instead of filling the entire medication order at once, ask if your clinic can prescribe in smaller quantities. This can help you avoid paying for doses you may not need if your protocol changes mid-cycle.
• Military benefits: Active duty service members, veterans, and their families may qualify for significantly reduced-cost medications through VA or military pharmacies. In some cases, fertility drugs are covered if infertility is linked to a service-related condition.
• Timing purchases with promotions: Some pharmacies and manufacturers offer seasonal discounts or special promotions. Signing up for email lists or alerts can help you catch these opportunities.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Several major fertility drug manufacturers offer savings programs that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket medication costs:

• EMD Serono Fertility LifeLines – Up to 50% off Gonal-F, Ovidrel, and Cetrotide; military discounts; rebates
• Ferring "Heart" Programs – Rebates, free medications for oncology patients or veterans, and medication replacement for canceled cycles
• ReUnite Rx – Up to 75% off eligible fertility drugs; oncology and veteran-specific programs

Fertility Treatment Financing

If you need to spread out costs over time, specialized lenders offer fertility loans, and some clinics partner with financing companies. Home equity loans, lines of credit, or promotional 0% APR credit cards may also be viable options, but it’s critical that you take time to investigate interest rates and repayment terms before committing.

Crowdfunding or Family Support

Some patients turn to crowdfunding platforms or community fundraisers to help cover costs. Others receive assistance from family members through loans or gifts. If you feel comfortable sharing your story, you might find support from friends, relatives, or community organizations.

Military Benefits

Active duty service members, veterans, and their families may qualify for fertility coverage through military insurance programs. Some clinics offer IVF at reduced rates for military families, and certain nonprofit organizations provide grants for service members.

Note: Not all fertility clinics accept TRICARE. Explore your options here.

Lower-Cost Treatment Alternatives

Ask your doctor whether a less intensive treatment option could work for you. For example, mini IVF, which uses lower doses of medication, is often less expensive than conventional IVF.

In some cases, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be a more affordable first step, costing only a fraction of a full IVF cycle. However, not all treatment methods are suitable for every patient, and may end up costing even more if multiple cycles are needed to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Making Fertility Care More Affordable

While the price of treatment can feel overwhelming at first, you are not alone in finding a way forward. By exploring every available resource — from insurance coverage and grants to financing programs and medication discounts — many patients are able to make their family-building dreams possible sooner than they thought.

At Illume Fertility, we are committed to helping you understand your options, create a financial plan you feel confident about, and guide you through each step of the process.

If you’re ready to learn more about costs, coverage, and the best path forward for your unique situation, we encourage you to connect with our team. Together, we’ll help you take the next step toward growing your family.