What Does IVF Cost? Here's Exactly What You Can Expect to Pay

The process of having a baby isn't always easy. And for some, that can mean using reproductive assistance like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to try to conceive. In fact, a third of US adults say they have used fertility treatments or know someone who has, according to the Pew Research Center. But if IVF treatment cost is holding you back, you're not alone.

While your health insurance may cover some or all of the costs, IVF treatments are a big financial investment. If you're considering using IVF, it's important to know what to expect. So what does IVF cost, exactly? Caveat: it's not the same everywhere, but there is a typical range. Here's what you can generally expect to pay on your journey.

IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology that's usually done in cycles, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). It's often the route of conception for people who are AFAB and looking to have a baby but are experiencing issues with infertility often caused by damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, severe endometriosis, or unexplained infertility, ACOG says.

The way each cycle looks can vary by patient and their own needs, but in general, it may include the following:

It's important to point out upfront that costs can vary from practice to practice and from state to state. "Oftentimes, the experience and expertise of the IVF clinic can affect the cost of treatment," says Alex Robles, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist with Columbia University Fertility Center. "A practice with more experience may charge more for its services than a smaller, less experienced practice." Overhead costs, like the office building and embryology lab may also factor in, he says.

Even cost of living is a consideration, says Vitaliya Dovirak, finance director of RMA Long Island IVF. "If you are a New York resident but live upstate, you would definitely find a lower price for IVF there — the average salary in that area is lower," she says. "The salary in Long Island is also different from the salary in Manhattan — that impacts pricing."

Many doctors who provide IVF services will offer package deals, Dovirak says. So you'll end up paying a flat fee for a single IVF cycle that experts say can range from $12,000 to $25,000 that will cover all of your needs before insurance.

If you want to get a little more specific, though, Dr. Robles says this is a general idea of what you can expect to pay per step in the IVF process if you don't have insurance coverage:

It depends. "Most insurances do not cover fertility treatment," Dr. Robles says. "However, a growing number of plans are now starting to cover it as infertility awareness is rising."

But some states like New York have actually mandated that health insurance plans cover a certain number of IVF cycles, with some exemptions. Overall, 17 states require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment, per the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Ultimately, though, you'll need to check with your provider to see if they offer IVF coverage.

If you've found a fertility clinic you like, Dovirak recommends asking them up front about costs and payment plans. "We have a lot of options for patients and we help them as much as we can," she says.

Some clinics have grants you can apply to, and they may often know of private and state grants, Dovirak says. If you feel comfortable taking out a loan, your clinic can also direct you toward a company that can help, she says.

Just keep in mind that applying for a grant doesn't mean you'll actually get it. "Coverage is not guaranteed," Dr. Robles says.

IVF can be stressful on your body and mind, and that's not something to minimize, says Tamar Gur, MD, PhD, a women's health expert and reproductive psychiatrist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "You have to acknowledge that you're entering a marathon, and it's important to adjust your behavior accordingly," she says.

That can mean talking to your partner (if you have one) in advance about how many cycles you want to do, how you plan to space them out, and if some months may be better than others, Dr. Gur says.

It's also important to have a regular exercise routine and good sleep habits in place, while ensuring that you have a good support system, she adds. "Going through IVF can be an incredibly isolating experience that can shrink your world down to just IVF," Dr. Gur warns. "It's important to not let that happen and to talk to friends and loved ones about how you're feeling."

And, if you find that you're feeling overwhelmed and consumed about IVF — meaning, you can't think of anything but the process — Dr. Gur says it's a good idea to check in with a mental health professional. "Don't just say this obsessive thinking is part of the experience," she says. "It doesn't have to be that hard on you."