In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers couples with fertility problems a chance at having a baby they otherwise could not have. Since standard medical insurance rarely pays for IVF, however, patients often face high out-of-pocket costs for IVF treatments. When your insurance doesn’t cover IVF, you don’t necessarily need to face the end of the road. Other options, such as clinical trials and health savings accounts (HSAs), can help you make IVF treatments more accessible.
Look for Fertility Studies
Clinical trials and research studies centered around infertility and IVF offer possibilities for people who want IVF but who don’t have the means to pay for fertility treatments. Clinical trials don’t cost volunteers anything, and in some cases, you’ll receive IVF treatment as part of the study. Do your research before signing up for a clinical trial and be aware that doctors might not select you to take part in the first trial you sign up for either.
Try GoFundMe
GoFundMe and other crowdfunding resources allow you to request contributions for specific causes. Your friends and family get a chance to help fund your treatment — anonymously if they choose — and you might attract attention from some altruistic strangers. Ask for contributions for your birthday and during other holidays in lieu of gifts.
Create an HSA
Many employers offer an HSA option along with health insurance and a 401(k). If you have private insurance, check with your provider about your HSA options. HSAs are common ways for people to save a little money at a time and build up an account they can tap into if high medical bills arise. If you already have an HSA, figure out how much more money you need to save for your IVF treatments and consider upping your paycheck contribution.
Start a Side Job
Begin a small side job and intentionally set aside those paychecks for fertility treatments. Try something such as mystery shopping that allows you to set your own hours and choose the amount of work you want to do. Mystery shopping is a job you can do on your lunch break or for an hour or two on weekends; you don’t need to spend 20 hours a week at a part-time job. Combined with the other resources in this article, a few small extra jobs can help you set aside extra money.
Research Providers
Not every fertility clinic charges the same amount of money for its services. While you’re researching the services each clinic provides, take a look at the cost and payment options for the treatments you seek. You don’t want to choose the cheapest option without assessing the fertility clinic’s patient satisfaction and team of doctors, but affordability can and should factor into your final decision.
If becoming pregnant is your goal, the extra effort to pay for IVF can be worth the cost. Finding thousands of dollars to pay for elective medical treatment is by no means easy, but you have options you can explore to fund your IVF treatments.
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