The idea of paying for IVF is daunting for many people, partly because it can be hard to understand what kind of costs to plan for. Because the IVF journey is so deeply personal and treatment so personalized, estimates can vary widely and still miss the mark. 

To help you plan with confidence, we’ve looked at data from our partner clinics and from fertility-focused organizations to dig into the true likely cost of financing an average IVF journey. 

Real Numbers (or, What Most People Actually Spend)

Based on data from our clinic network, the average cost of a complete round of IVF is around $28,000. That number might be lower or higher, depending on your clinic, location, and cycle complexity. Having a number to budget for may feel helpful, but here’s the catch: most people need more than one IVF cycle.

Research shows that the average person needs two or more IVF cycles to achieve a live birth. This means that you need to think through the cost of multiple cycles when planning. It could cost $50,000 or more to have a baby. 

It’s intimidating to think of IVF as something that might be ongoing, but fertility treatment doesn't always work the first time. An egg retrieval cycle might not result in viable embryos. A transfer might not lead to pregnancy. While we always hope the journey is quick and simple, planning for more than one cycle is realistic and important.

Breaking Down the Cost of One IVF Cycle

Understanding what goes into a single cycle helps you anticipate expenses across multiple rounds. Here's what's typically included:

Egg retrieval and embryo creation ($14,650)

This covers initial consultations, lab work, ultrasounds, and the retrieval procedure itself, as well as anesthesia and the first two weeks of embryo culture. Your doctor monitors your ovaries as they develop multiple eggs, then retrieves them surgically under anesthesia. The eggs are fertilized and grown in the lab for several days.

If your retrieval has ICSI, where the embryologist inserts sperm directly into the egg, add, on average, $1,715.

Genetic testing ($1,500–$3,000 or more)

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. Your clinic will provide guidance on whether to consider PGT. For more, our post on PGT has detailed info about the benefits, risks, and costs.

This cost is hard to pin down because embryo biopsy usually has a clinic fee of $1,500 to $2,000. Then, the lab charges $150-$350 per embryo for genetic testing. Some clinics will package these services for a flat fee, often around $3000, depending on the number of embryos to test.

Embryo transfer ($4,000)

Once you have viable embryos, transferring one into your uterus is a separate procedure. Most people need multiple transfers to build their family, especially if the first transfer doesn't result in pregnancy. At Sunfish, we include as many embryo transfers as needed (and are available) in our flat-fee IVF cycle pricing.

Medications ($7,000 - $11,000)

Fertility medications can be a wild card and may change from cycle to cycle. You'll need hormones to stimulate your ovaries, prevent premature ovulation, and support the uterus after transfer. These medications are both necessary and costly. The good news? Some programs, like our IVF Success program, offer medication price guarantees or access to discounts that can save thousands.

Additional testing & monitoring ($500–$2,000)

Blood work, ultrasounds, and other testing happen throughout your cycle. Some clinics include this in their package, while others don’t. So, double check what your clinic includes in each part of their billing.

Storage fees ($500–$1,500/year)

If you have leftover embryos, eggs, or sperm, you'll pay for cryopreservation and annual storage. This can add up, so factor your family-building timeline into your budget.

Hidden and Unexpected Costs Can Add Up

Beyond clinic bills, some expenses pile up quietly and catch people off guard. “Hidden costs" are just as real as the medical bills—and just as important to budget for.

Fertility coaching & mental health support ($50–$200/session)

Fertility treatment is emotionally intense. Many people work with therapists, fertility coaches, or counselors to manage the anxiety, grief, and stress that can come with the process. At Sunfish, we know this matters, so our IVF Success members can access fertility mental health coaching through the program.

Complementary treatments ($500–$3,000+)

Acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and herbal supplements are popular with people wanting to support their fertility and wellness. While the evidence is mixed, many find these helpful for stress management (or just to feel proactive). 

Nutrition & lifestyle management ($300–$1,500)

As with complementary treatments, some people work with fertility dietitians, buy supplements, or invest in stress-management tools like yoga classes. In your mind, these might not be related to fertility treatment, but it’s worth thinking through and planning for the costs of lifestyle changes and support because they can add up.

Time away from work

This isn't a direct cost, but it matters. Retrievals and transfers require days off work. Monitoring appointments may require leaving work early or arriving late. For people without paid leave, this is real financial pressure.

Planning for Multiple Cycles: Your True Budget

If you need two cycles, the following list provides a solid range for you to work with when budgeting:

• Two egg retrievals and embryo creation: $25,000-32,000
• Medications for two cycles: $14,000-22,000
• Transfers and monitoring: $4,000–$8,000
• Genetic testing (if you choose it): $3,000–$6,000
• Embryo storage (first year): $500–$1,000
• Mental health support: $1,000–$2,000
• Complementary treatments & supplements: $500–$2,000
• Time off work (uncompensated): $2,000–$5,000

Realistic total for two cycles: $50,000–$78,000

This range is wide because every person's journey is different. Your costs depend on your clinic, location, insurance coverage, whether you need genetic testing, how many transfers you require, and what additional support you pursue.

Explore Multiple Ways to Lower Your Costs and Finance Your Journey

The good news? There are concrete ways to reduce the financial burden. You may have access to some already!

Reduce medication costs

Some fertility pharmacies offer significant discounts. Ask your clinic and/or your insurance if they have preferred pharmacy partners or medication guarantees. Sunfish members, for example, get discounts on medications and supplements as part of our IVF Success program.

Look into refund programs

Find payment packages that refund a portion of your costs if treatment isn't successful. At Sunfish, we are able to offer a personalized partial money-back guarantee of up to $15,000 to qualified members. This reduces your financial risk.

Use HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) & FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts)

If your employer offers an HSA or FSA, you can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for IVF and related expenses. This effectively reduces your costs by ~30%, depending on your tax bracket. 

Fertility medications, clinic fees, genetic testing, and even some complementary treatments may qualify. But pay attention to the details—HSA funds roll over year to year, but FSA funds typically don't. Also, you might need an infertility diagnosis to use your FSA funds. Check with your employer or plan administrator about specifics, enrollment deadlines, and contribution limits.

Explore employer benefits

Many employers offer fertility coverage as a benefit. This might include partial or full coverage of IVF cycles, medication subsidies, access to fertility coaching or counseling, or partnerships with fertility clinics for discounted rates. Check your employee benefits handbook or ask your company’s HR. If your company doesn't offer fertility benefits, advocate for them. Employers may add coverage if enough employees ask for it.

Consider financing options including loans

There are loans that are well-suited for fertility. These typically have lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards, extended repayment terms, application processes that recognize the complexity of health-related financing, and no penalty for paying early. 

Through our loan marketplace, you can find affordable loans up to $50,000 to help afford your IVF journey. If you receive multiple offers, be sure to compare terms carefully, as interest rates and fees may vary between lenders.

Apply for fertility grants

Several organizations offer grants to help people afford fertility treatment. These don't have to be repaid, which makes them valuable if you qualify:

• RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association offers grant programs and has a database of resources by state.
• Your clinic's foundation: Some fertility clinics have their own grant programs or partnerships with nonprofits. 
• Faith-based organizations: Some religious organizations offer fertility grants or financial assistance programs.

You can explore our database of fertility grants in our Financial Hub.

Check your insurance coverage

Insurance coverage for fertility treatment varies dramatically by plan. Some states mandate coverage while others don't. Check your specific policy to understand what's covered, how many cycles are included, whether genetic testing is included, and what medications and procedures require pre-authorization. If you have coverage, make sure you're maximizing it before spending out of pocket.

Get a medical credit card

Cards like CareCredit and Affirm offer financing specifically for medical procedures. They typically offer interest-free periods (6–24 months depending on the balance). Always read the fine print, though. Interest rates after the promotional period can be high. Use these cards strategically, not as a long-term financing solution.

Ask about payment plans

Many clinics offer in-house payment plans that let you spread costs over several months, often without interest. We offer payment plans to Sunfish members, too. 

Combination Approach: Making It Work

Most people use multiple resources together. A realistic scenario might look like:

• HSA/FSA dollars cover $3,000–$5,000
• Employer fertility benefit covers $2,000–$5,000
• Fertility grant covers $2,000–$10,000
• Fertility loan covers the remaining balance
• Payment plan stretches payments over several months

Combining resources like this makes a $50,000 journey feel more manageable.

Bringing It All Together

Between HSAs, employer benefits, grants, loans, and clinic payment plans, there are many pathways to affording treatment. Explore all your options upfront so you are prepared for the realistic costs of what’s ahead. Your family is worth planning for. 

Need someone by your side to figure this out? We’re here, and we’ve navigated this journey. At Sunfish, we offer support for the full IVF cycle while guaranteeing you get IVF at a fixed cost you’re comfortable with. This reduces your stress and financial risk. Learn more about our IVF Success Program.