Fees
Average donor costs from US donors will be about $10,000 to $14,000. You should also budget an additional estimated IVF, medication, medical, legal and travel expenses of about $15,000 depending upon what your IVF Center charges for a total egg donor cycle cost in the $30,000 range. A detailed fee breakdown is available on request.
Fertility Insurance Overview: Navigating the System
So you've determined that it's time to assess whether or not you have an infertility problem and need to see a fertility specialist for testing and possibly start infertility treatment. That also means it's time to assess what infertility insurance coverage you may have. You probably have questions about whether or not you have fertility insurance benefits, including what they are and what doctors you can see.
Do I have infertility insurance coverage?
Currently fourteen states mandate some form of infertility insurance coverage: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia. Coverage varies from state to state; be sure to check your state's laws. Even if you don't live in one of these fourteen states, your plan may include infertility insurance coverage. As a general rule of thumb, infertility falls into two areas: diagnostics and treatment. Most insurance policies will provide some level of coverage for diagnosis and testing. Coverage of infertility treatment can vary widely, if it's covered at all.
Who can help me understand my infertility insurance coverage?
Currently fourteen states mandate some form of infertility insurance coverage: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia. Coverage varies from state to state; be sure to check your state's laws. Even if you don't live in one of these fourteen states, your plan may include infertility insurance coverage. As a general rule of thumb, infertility falls into two areas: diagnostics and treatment. Most insurance policies will provide some level of coverage for diagnosis and testing. Coverage of infertility treatment can vary widely, if it's covered at all.
Who can help me understand my infertility insurance coverage?
The first step is to read your health insurance policy. Most insurance companies provide online access to your health benefits as well as a provider lookup for the doctors within their network. Once you've reviewed your policy, you may want to discuss your benefits with your company's health plan administrator (if your insurance is through you or your partner's employer) or you can call the insurance carrier directly and speak with a representative. Going over your infertility insurance benefits with one of these resources will ensure you're clear on the insurance company's clinical definition of "infertile," if you meet their criteria and what your coverage is. Always ask for a written confirmation of your benefits coverage that you can keep for your files. Your fertility practice's financial counselor or insurance specialist will also be an excellent resource in helping you understand your fertility insurance coverage and how you can maximize your benefits. Most fertility centers will contact your insurance carrier and define your financial responsibility before you proceed with treatment. Some fertility centers also provide patients with sample letters you can use to clarify your fertility insurance coverage with your carrier.
Final Advice
Before you begin infertility testing and treatment, take the time to understand your infertility insurance coverage. Identifying who can provide guidance will ensure that you are maximizing your benefits and minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses and keep you on the path towards realizing your dream of having a baby.