How much does one round of IVF cost?
IVF costs in Australia vary considerably, depending on the clinic you use, what services and treatments you require, whether or not you have private health insurance, and what coverage is available from Medicare.
According to IVF Australia, one IVF cycle can cost $12,388, with an estimated out-of-pocket expense of about $6,711 for a first cycle of treatment. Keep in mind that the cost of IVF services is the same regardless of if you conceive or not, and that you might need more than one round of IVF to fall pregnant.
What does each type of IVF cost?
Here are some of the different types of IVF treatment and their estimated costs, based on fees charged by IVF Australia:
- Standard IVF cycle: A standard cycle can cost about $12,388 total, or $6,711 out of pocket for the first cycle, and $6,019 for any subsequent cycles.
- Frozen embryo transfer: This is a process where frozen embryos collected in a previous IVF cycle are implanted in the uterus. The cost for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) can be around $4,445 total, with an expected out-of-pocket cost of $2,799 for the first cycle, and $2,474 for subsequent treatments, if required.
- An ICSI cycle: An intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves a single sperm being injected into an egg to assist in fertilisation. This can cost about $13,472 total, with an out-of-pocket cost of $7,248 for the first cycle.
- Ovulation induction: While not technically a type of IVF treatment, ovulation induction can be done as part of an IVF cycle, or on its own to assist with fertility. On its own, you can expect to pay around $443 out-of-pocket for the first cycle, and about $255 for subsequent cycles.
These fees may not include the cost of your day surgery (not covered by Medicare) or anaesthetist. If you have private health insurance, you may be covered for some of these costs.
While Medicare rebates may be available, it’s best to speak with your GP if you’re considering fertility treatment. They can provide professional medical advice and help you assess IVF providers that may suit your individual health needs.
What extra costs are there to consider with IVF?
Here are some estimated additional costs to consider in the IVF process:
- Freezing embryos: approximately $625 for six months of storage
- Freezing sperm: approximately $475 for six months of storage
- Surgical sperm collection: approximately $850
- Some IVF medications are covered by Medicare and some are not. The type of medication you are prescribed varies depending on your situation. It is best to check with Medicare, your doctor or your pharmacist once you have been prescribed your medication.
Is IVF covered by Medicare in Australia?
Yes, some of the costs of IVF can be covered by Medicare when a doctor refers you for fertility treatments. However, there are also likely to be some out-of-pocket costs, depending on factors including the different types of treatments, services and tests you need, your doctors’ fees, and whether or not you have private health insurance. Get a cost estimate from your doctor and private health insurance provider before starting any treatment plan.
The Medicare Safety Net provides additional rebates on certain items for those who are facing large medical bills. This means once you have paid over a certain amount on medical bills in a calendar year, Medicare will pay an additional rebate on selected items.
You may also be eligible for other rebates during the IVF process, depending on which state you live in. In NSW for example, women who have received an eligible fertility treatment can submit a claim for a one-off $2,000 rebate. Make sure to speak with your preferred fertility clinic to know what you are covered for under Medicare in your state.
Bulk-billing IVF clinics
Several fertility clinics in Australia offer bulk-billed IVF, meaning they only charge what Medicare covers for eligible services. While this can lower costs, some expenses still apply:
- Covered services: Blood tests, ultrasounds, GP consultations, egg and sperm collection, cycle fees, embryo transfer and pregnancy tests.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Usually start from around $1,500 per cycle for items not covered by Medicare, such as storing eggs, sperm and embryos.
- Eligibility and referrals: Conditions vary—some clinics need a GP referral, while others have in-house doctors who can assess your suitability.
Your total costs will depend on the type of treatment you need and whether you have private health insurance.
There are eligibility conditions with bulk billing, so make sure to contact your clinic before you begin the process. While some clinics require a GP referral, others have in-house GPs which you can book into to determine if you’re suitable for fertility treatments.
Can you pay for IVF by withdrawing money from super?
Under certain circumstances, it may be possible to apply to pay for some of the costs of IVF by applying to access your superannuation on compassionate grounds. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has information about eligibility for the compassionate release of super.
Is IVF covered by private health insurance?
Private health insurance may help reduce the costs of in-hospital expenses associated with IVF treatment, which are not covered by Medicare. The level of private health hospital cover you have will determine whether you are covered for assisted reproductive services such as IVF, and the level of rebate you will receive.
Typically, Gold or Silver Plus tiers of hospital cover are the only levels that include cover for assisted reproductive services. However, this cover may be restricted; meaning you’re only covered in a public hospital or for a partial benefit. Before taking out a new policy for assisted reproductive services, speak to your insurer to understand what is and isn’t covered, and the waiting periods that apply.
