Starting a family is an exciting time. But for some, it can come with unexpected obstacles, including the cost of fertility treatments. Unfortunately, many health insurance plans do not cover fertility treatments, leaving couples struggling to afford procedures, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
How to pay for IVF and other fertility treatments
According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the median price of an IVF cycle, including medications, is $12,400. If you’ve been wondering how to pay for IVF and other fertility treatments, you have a few options.
0% APR credit cards
0% APR credit cards can be another useful way to cover IVF financing. These cards offer a promotional period during which you won’t be charged any interest on your purchases. The length of the promotional period can vary, but it’s typically between 12 and 18 months.
To use a 0% APR credit card to finance fertility treatments, you’ll need to apply for the card and be approved. Once you have the card, you can charge your medical expenses during the promotional period. This can help you spread out the cost of your treatments without paying interest.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. First, you’ll need to make sure you can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, as the standard interest rate can be high. You’ll also want to compare different cards to find one with the best terms and no hidden fees. Some cards charge balance transfer fees or annual fees, so make sure you understand the terms before applying.
HELOCs or home equity loans
Home equity loans (HELoans) and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) can be a good option for financing IVF and other fertility treatments, especially if you have significant equity in your home.
A home equity loan is a lump-sum loan that is repaid over a fixed period of time, typically with a fixed interest rate. A HELOC, on the other hand, is a revolving line of credit that you can draw from as needed, typically with a variable interest rate.
Because HELoans and HELOCs use your home as collateral, they can have lower interest rates than credit cards. However, if you’re unable to repay the loan, you could risk losing your home.
Also, you may have to pay closing costs or other fees. Carefully consider the risks of using a HELOC or HELoan for financing IVF before you make a decision.
To apply for a home equity loan or HELOC, you’ll need to have equity in your home. Equity is the difference between the value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. You’ll also need a good credit score and a steady source of income.
Grants to pay for IVF
Grants are also available to help cover the cost of IVF for those who qualify. These grants are typically awarded to couples or individuals who demonstrate financial need or meet other criteria set by the organization offering the grant.
There are a variety of organizations and foundations that offer IVF grants, including non-profits, fertility clinics, and pharmaceutical companies. Some popular grant organizations include:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- The Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Cade Foundation
Eligibility requirements and application processes vary by organization, but generally, applicants will need to fill out an application, provide proof of financial need, and sometimes provide medical information or a letter of recommendation from a healthcare provider.
While grants can be a helpful way to cover the cost of IVF, funding may be limited and competitive, so it’s important to start researching and applying early. Your fertility clinic or healthcare provider may also be able to provide recommendations or resources.
Fertility financing companies
Fertility financing companies offer IVF loans specifically designed for fertility treatments. To use these companies, you’ll typically need to apply for a loan and be approved. The amount you can borrow and the interest rate will vary depending on the company and your credit history.
Fertility financing companies can be a good option for financing IVF and other fertility treatments, as they offer loans specifically tailored for these procedures.
Some popular fertility financing companies include:
- FutureFamily
- Personal loans through Prosper
- CapexMD
- Prosper Healthcare Lending
Health savings accounts (HSAs) for IVF
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged savings accounts that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, including fertility treatments like IVF. To contribute to an HSA, you must have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), which is a type of health insurance plan with lower monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs.
If you have an HDHP, you can contribute pre-tax dollars to your HSA, which can help you save money on your taxes and pay for medical expenses. Some employers may offer matching contributions to encourage their employees to save. These matching contributions can be a valuable way to get free money to put toward your IVF treatments.
For 2023, you can save up to $3,850 as an individual or $7,750 as a family in your HSA account. If you are 55 or older, you can also make a catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 per year. If you don’t use all of the funds in your HSA by the end of the year, the remaining balance rolls over to the next year, so you can continue to save for future medical expenses, including IVF.
However, it’s important to budget and save for your IVF treatments carefully, as not all expenses may be covered by your HSA. Check IRS guidelines for more details.
Summary of how to pay for IVF
Paying for fertility treatments can be overwhelming, but several options are available to help make it more affordable. Always do your research and speak with a qualified professional before making any decisions. With the right financial plan in place, you can take the first steps toward starting the family you’ve always dreamed of.
Written by Cassidy Horton
Cassidy Horton is a finance writer who’s passionate about helping people find financial freedom. With an MBA and a bachelor’s in public relations, her work has been published over a thousand times online by finance brands like Forbes Advisor, The Balance, PayPal, and more. Cassidy is also the founder of Money Hungry Freelancers, a platform that helps freelancers ditch their financial stress.
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