Here are a few things to keep in mind as you explore your options. Remember to always confirm all plan details with your insurer and your Illume Financial Coordinator before starting treatment.
Illume Fertility partners with many major insurance carriers to help make fertility treatment more accessible.
While insurance coverage varies widely by plan, this guide explains which insurers we accept, what being "in-network" really means, and how to confirm your specific benefits before beginning treatment.
Schedule Your Consult Download eBookWe are in-network with many major insurance carriers and benefits providers, including:
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you explore your options. Remember to always confirm all plan details with your insurer and your Illume Financial Coordinator before starting treatment.
Illume Fertility is not in-network with Medicaid, Medicare, Fidelis, or other government-funded programs.
If you have an HMO, you may need a referral from your primary care provider or OB-GYN before seeing us.
Coverage varies by employer and plan; participation can change. Financial Coordinators help verify in-network status.
Authorizations may be required; fertility medications may fall under pharmacy benefits and require a specialty pharmacy.
Explore the differences between HMO, PPO, and POS plans (confirm details with your insurer).
Best for in-network care.
HMO Plan
Referrals and prior authorizations required. No out-of-network benefits.
Best for flexible care.
PPO Plan
No referral required. Out-of-network providers cost more.
Best for mixed needs.
POS Plan
Referrals lower costs. Out-of-network benefits are limited.
Insurance benefits can look very different from one patient to another. These four key points will help you understand what your plan may cover (or exclude) at Illume Fertility.
If Illume Fertility is in your insurance network, the costs you pay will usually be lower. You’ll still need to meet your normal deductible, copays, and co-insurance.
If Illume Fertility is out-of-network, you may still receive some coverage. Out-of-pocket costs are typically higher and prior authorization is often required.
Even with coverage, some plans cap the number of treatment cycles, set age limits, or place dollar maximums on benefits. Always confirm details before you begin.
Some plans only cover fertility medications, while others exclude them altogether. Ask specifically about medication coverage so there are no surprises later.
Wondering where to start? Here’s how to verify your fertility benefits and avoid stressful surprises before you begin treatment.
Verify that Illume Fertility and our labs are in-network.
Ask about diagnostics, IUI, IVF, medications, and any limits.
Request written documentation of coverage details.
Share info with your Financial Coordinator for a clear estimate.
Get Organized
If possible, gather these details ahead of time so your call with the insurance representative goes smoothly:
Details to Confirm
Ask the insurance representative to check network status for both clinic and lab services. Confirm the following:
Walk through each category on the phone with the representative so nothing is missed. Ask what is covered and what requires authorization.
If the insurer requests specific procedure codes, your Illume team can provide them.
Even with insurance coverage, each plan has different rules. Always ask for details in writing.
Medication benefits can differ from procedure benefits. Ask the representative to confirm the following:
Documentation & Appeals
Ask for a predetermination letter that lists covered and non-covered services. This helps prevent surprise bills and supports appeals.
Remember: Share these documents with your Illume Financial Coordinator so we can verify details and prepare a clear cost estimate.
This can feel like a big roadblock - but an insurance denial isn't the end of the story! Always ask for clarity and what steps to take next.
Learn the lingo used by insurers and providers so you can advocate for yourself effectively.
A written order from your primary care doctor or OB/GYN that allows you to see a specialist or access certain medical services.
Note: Obtaining referrals is the patient’s responsibility. A specialist’s name written on a prescription pad does not constitute a formal referral. Check with your insurance carrier for the proper referral procedure.
A decision by your health insurer or plan that a health care service, treatment plan, prescription drug, or durable medical equipment is medically necessary.
Note: Prior authorization is more commonly used for medications, specific treatments, or prescription drugs.
Like prior authorization, precertification confirms that the requested treatment or procedure is covered and medically necessary. May also include verifying that the provider or facility is in-network.
Note: Precertification tends to apply to more complex or high-cost procedures, hospital admissions, or specialized care.
A document from the insurance company providing an estimate or confirmation about whether a specific medical treatment, service, or procedure will be covered under your insurance plan.
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services before your insurance begins to pay. Deductibles typically reset each policy period.
The baseline amount you pay monthly for health insurance. May be paid directly to an insurance company or deducted from your paycheck via your employer.
Note: Your premium does not include deductibles, copays, or co-insurance.
It's no secret that fertility treatment can be expensive. This helpful guide breaks down all of your options (including financing and clinic-based packages), offer budgeting tips, show you how to maximize your insurance coverage, apply for IVF grants, and much more.
Ready to learn more? Fill out the form and get instant access to your FREE guide to financial planning for fertility treatment.
Find answers to common questions about insurance, state mandates, and affording care.
Coverage depends on your plan and employer. Some patients receive full or partial IVF coverage, while others may pay out of pocket for treatment. Always confirm with your insurer and request a predetermination letter.
While learning this information can be stressful, it doesn't mean you're out of options!
Illume Fertility's Financial Coordinators are here to help you explore financing programs, any potential discounts, and fertility treatment grants so cost doesn’t stop you from moving forward.
Fertility treatment grants and scholarships can provide much-needed financial assistance to those struggling to afford the high costs of procedures like IVF.
Here's an overview of grant options and application requirements:
Several organizations offer grants on a national level, like the Baby Quest Foundation, which provides grants of $2,000-$16,000 twice yearly for treatments like IVF, gestational surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, and embryo donation.
Some grants are only available in specific states. For example, non-profit organizations like the Nest Egg Foundation offer grants up to $20,000 for qualifying Connecticut and New York residents.
While requirements vary by program, common eligibility criteria often include:
For more resources, view our full list of infertility grants, surrogacy grants, or other financial assistance options.
Yes. Both states require certain insurers to cover fertility services, but eligibility and scope vary. Learn more on our Connecticut Mandate and New York Mandate pages or explore RESOLVE's Insurance Coverage Map and free resources.
When obtaining information on insurance coverage, don’t just rely on a phone call to your insurer. If you simply call and ask about coverage for a certain procedure, you risk getting incorrect information.
Instead, we strongly suggest that you request a written pre-determination letter or document from your insurance company detailing your exact benefits and any requirements that must be met in order to ensure coverage. This written document is your most effective tool if you need to challenge a decision or file an appeal for payment with your insurance company at a later date.
Establishing a point of contact with a representative at the insurance company is a good idea and may make follow-up easier. Keep a log of all phone conversations with your insurance company, including the date and time of the conversation and the name of the person with whom you speak.
During that conversation, get answers to these important questions:
These are the fertility treatments or procedures that are included under your insurance plan.
Covered services may vary widely between plans and providers. For example, some plans may cover in vitro fertilization (IVF), while others may only cover medications or diagnostic testing.
Understanding what is and isn’t covered is key to avoiding unexpected costs.
If you are currently covered by an employer-sponsored healthcare plan that doesn't include coverage for fertility care, here are some great resources to explore:
Explore articles and videos to help you navigate insurance and ways to afford treatment.
Meet with an Illume Fertility specialist to map your next steps.
After your consult, you will be assigned a dedicated Financial Coordinator who will verify your benefits, confirm in-network status for our clinic and labs, request any needed referrals and prior authorizations, and prepare a clear, personalized cost estimate.
Book your first consult today to get started!
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