Embryo freezing is often an important step for couples who want to pursue family-building in the future via IVF, want to genetically test their embryos or are using surrogacy to grow their family.
We’re here to break down the average costs, factors that may affect the total cost and ways to help afford the costs of embryo freezing and surrogacy.
By understanding embryo freezing costs, you’ll be able to go down the path to parenthood with complete confidence knowing at the end of it all you’re one step closer to having the family of your dreams.
If you currently don’t have embryos created, you can reach out to us to start filling out our surrogacy planning questionnaire and create your intended parent profile to fast track your journey to parenthood once your embryos are ready.
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How Much Does it Cost to Freeze Embryos?
The average cost of freezing embryos in 2024 can vary significantly depending on the clinic and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $14,000 to $20,000 per cycle plus the costs of medications which are typically billed directly to you by the pharmacy.
This cost typically includes the initial consultation, egg retrieval, fertilization, genetic testing and the freezing process.
Want to Know More About The Embryo Freezing Process?
Breakdown of Embryo Freezing Costs
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Medications: Medications are necessary to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These can cost between $3,500 and $6,000 per cycle.
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Egg Retrieval: The procedure to retrieve eggs from the ovaries can cost around $3,000 to $5,000.
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Fertilization: Fertilization of the eggs with sperm, whether through conventional IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), can cost $1,500 to $3,000.
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Freezing Process: The cost for the actual freezing (vitrification) and storage of the embryos typically ranges from $700 to $1,000 initially, with annual storage fees of $500 to $1,000.
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Genetic Testing: Using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A), a small sample is used from an embryo to determine if it has the standard number of chromosomes. These tests can range from $2,000-$6,000.
The overall cost of embryo freezing will largely depend on the city or state the treatment is taking place at. Cities with a higher cost of living will often see an influx in cost due to the high operational costs for medical facilities. Local regulations and policies can also affect the cost of embryo freezing and IVF. As of June 2023, 21 states have passed fertility insurance coverage laws with mandates becoming more common. Although these coverage laws are a step in the right direction, there are still gaps and limitations in coverage. Always check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options. Some women may require more than one egg retrieval cycle in order to obtain a sufficient number of embryos. Each additional cycle can significantly increase the overall cost of embryo freezing. A woman's ovarian reserve, or the number of available eggs, can impact how many cycles are needed. Women with a lower ovarian reserve may require more cycles.Factors Affecting Embryo Freezing Costs
How to Afford the Costs of Embryo Freezing and Surrogacy
Affording the costs of embryo freezing and surrogacy can be challenging, but there are several financial programs that can help manage these expenses:
Financial Assistance Programs
Many fertility clinics offer financing options and payment plans to help spread out the cost over time. Additionally, there are various grants and scholarships available for those undergoing fertility treatments.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses, including fertility treatments. Utilizing an HSA or FSA can provide significant tax savings.
Employer Benefits
Some employers offer fertility benefits as part of their health insurance plans. Check with your HR department to see if your employer provides any fertility coverage.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms can be a way to raise money for fertility treatments. Many people have successfully funded their treatments through the generosity of friends, family and even strangers.
Your Next Steps
By understanding the average embryo freezing costs, you’ll be able to make a plan for future family building knowing what to expect. If you need help connecting with a fertility clinic or are ready to take the first steps of planning your surrogacy journey while you create your embryos, contact us online now to get that much closer to having the family of your dreams.