9 ways for cheaper IVF

IVF has helped millions of people around the world become parents. Some couples need to repeat treatment several times before it is successful, while others travel abroad to access more affordable egg-donor programs.

However, some people experiencing infertility cannot afford more than one attempt or cannot afford IVF at all. When donor eggs are needed, the procedure may become even more expensive.

The following nine steps may help people looking for less expensive IVF with egg donation.

Affordable IVF – Key points

Ways to reduce or manage the cost of IVF with donor eggs may include:

• Researching clinics and programs online
• Considering a multicycle package
• Looking for egg, embryo, or refund guarantees
• Sharing an egg donor with another recipient
• Using a known donor
• Considering frozen donor eggs
• Looking for grants or vouchers
• Checking whether insurance coverage is available
• Travelling abroad for treatment

Some options cost more at the beginning but could save money if more than one treatment cycle is needed. Each option should be researched carefully before a decision is made.

Step 1 – make use of the internet

Although it may seem obvious doing an internet search for cheaper IVF with donor eggs is a good start. First of all, this way you will find a lot more information about the subject and new information about egg donors and treatment. You will find a lot of fertility clinic sites and agencies but remember to use only certified and reliable sources. Our featured IVF clinics list is a simple way of finding a reliable clinic. You can also use the Clinic Matching Test which is a great tool that matches you with 3 clinics best fitted to your needs and they contact you with their offers.

Step 2 – consider a multicycle package

It may seem that this option does not fit in the less expensive options because it is more costly than a single cycle IVF but in case your first or second cycle does not work, you are already covered and can go with a third one. In the long run it could save you a lot of money and you will be relieved of the stress that you have only one try.

Step 3 – look for guarantees

A lot of clinics offer egg guarantees or embryo guarantees or IVF refund program with many options – usually IVF refund programs include all necessary techniques and frozen embryo transfers until the expected outcome. Again it is a more expensive option but you get the guarantee of successful treatment or your money back which makes it a cost-effective way.

Step 4 – shared egg donor IVF

Whether you choose a known donor or an anonymous one, another couple or woman could split the costs with you making it much more affordable. Remember that this way you will only get half of the donor’s eggs so make sure you have a young and healthy donor. The average number of eggs from a young donor is 16 so this is enough for two recipients. Sharing an egg donor will allow you to have a more affordable egg donor program.

Step 5 – maybe a donor you already know?

The cheapest option for IVF with egg donation would certainly be the help of a sister, cousin, or a close friend who would give you eggs for free. If you want to know more about known and anonymous donors you can read about it here.

Step 6 – consider frozen eggs

Research and data on frozen eggs show that the success rates are very similar to those using fresh eggs. A lot of clinics offer a package of 8 frozen eggs. Additionally, among other options there is also a possibility for a shared frozen egg donation IVF which would make it even cheaper.

Step 7 – look for grants and vouchers

To get a grant you would need to be really lucky. A grant is a free IVF which sometimes is offered for one patient at a clinic. However it is very unlikely to get it, it is still worth to give it a chance. Vouchers on the other hand can be more common. Offered by some clinics from time to time on various websites, vouchers could prove to lower the price of IVF egg donation significantly.

Step 8 – insurance

It is hard to get insurance for IVF treatments, in some countries, you can forget about it. If there is insurance coverage for IVF and other fertility treatments in your country you need to check out what are the limitations and then start taking action like writing or contacting in another way your insurance provider.

Step 9 – cheapest IVF with donor eggs – travelling abroad

If you live in the US, Canada, UK or any other country where IVF with egg donation is very expensive, you can try finding a clinic abroad. Some clinics in South America, Europe or in Asia can have IVF treatments even 3 times cheaper while maintaining high standards of treatment.

Final thoughts

IVF has opened doors to parenthood for many people worldwide. Yet, affordability remains a major obstacle for many facing infertility. These steps offer practical strategies for managing the costs of IVF with donor eggs. Making well-informed decisions and conducting thorough research is important when deciding on the path to parenthood through donor eggs.

No matter which of the steps you will take on your road to less expensive IVF with donor egg treatments remember to read our IVF egg donation guide to have all the essential information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a multicycle IVF package cheaper than one cycle?

A multicycle package costs more than one individual cycle. However, if the first or second attempt is unsuccessful, the package may already cover another cycle. In the long term, this could save money and reduce the stress of having only one attempt.

What is an IVF refund program?

An IVF refund program is a program in which the patient receives either the expected treatment outcome or a refund.

These programs are usually more expensive initially and may include all necessary techniques and frozen embryo transfers until the expected outcome.

Is using a known donor less expensive?

It may be the least expensive option when a sister, cousin, or close friend agrees to donate eggs without charging for them.

How many frozen eggs are commonly included in a package?

Many clinics offer packages containing eight frozen eggs. A shared frozen-egg donation program may also be available and could reduce the price further.

Can IVF abroad be cheaper?

Yes. Some clinics in South America, Europe, or Asia may offer IVF treatment at prices up to three times lower than those available in countries such as the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, while maintaining high treatment standards.