Is infertility a qualified medical expense?

Asked by: Christopher Kessler V  |  Last update: December 24, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (72 votes)

Surgeries relating to fertility treatments are recognized by the IRS as a medical expense, as well as surgeries to reverse a prior surgery that has impacted a person's ability to procreate. Acupuncture treatments to increase fertility. Counseling costs related to fertility treatment.

Are infertility medical expenses tax-deductible?

The person who is undergoing the fertility treatment, their spouse (if filing jointly), or their dependent can be eligible to claim the deduction as long as they are the one who incurred the expenses. Note, only the amounts that are not covered or reimbursed by insurance would qualify for the deduction.

Can infertility be covered by insurance?

Under SB 729, effective July 1, 2025, certain health insurance policies in California will be required to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

Is fertility treatment considered medical treatment?

Many women need special medical treatment to help them get pregnant. This kind of treatment is called fertility treatment. Infertility is when you're not able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of having unprotected sex.

What qualifies as a qualified medical expense?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

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What Cannot be claimed as a medical expense?

Examples of Medical and Dental Payments you CANNOT deduct:

Health club dues, gym membership fees, or spa dues. Electrolysis or hair removal. The cost of diet food or nutritional supplements (vitamins, herbal supplements, "natural medicines") Teeth whitening.

Are gym memberships HSA eligible?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

Is infertility considered a medical condition?

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility may occur due to male, female or unexplained factors.

Does infertility qualify for FMLA?

Infertility and related conditions are considered disabilities under federal (ADA) and California state law (FEHA), offering protection against workplace discrimination. Employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations, including time off for IVF and other fertility treatments, under the ADA, FEHA, FMLA, and CFRA.

Is IVF successful at 40 with own eggs?

“We are always very realistic with patients about their chances of successful pregnancy. Although IVF success rates for women aged 38 to 43 with their own eggs are still good – with a 20 to 25 percent chance of a pregnancy – this is half that expected of a woman under 35.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover infertility treatments?

Fertility Services

We cover any other FDA-approved service for fertility, including but not limited to the following services: Sperm Washing. Follicle puncture for oocyte retrieval. Ultrasonic guidance for aspiration of ova.

Is PCOS covered by insurance?

No insurance coverage: While some insurance policies do not cover fertility treatment, most health insurance policies will at least cover diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions that may cause infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, and certain conditions for men, such ...

How to find out if your insurance covers fertility treatments?

If you are unsure about your coverage, it is best to contact your insurance provider directly. They can provide you with specific information about your plan and answer any questions you may have.

Why is infertility not covered by insurance?

Infertility treatment, on the other hand, is typically not covered, regardless of whether it is iatrogenic or naturally occurring. One reason many insurance companies refuse to cover ART is that they are often viewed as elective procedures, not medically necessary ones.

What can a pregnant woman claim on taxes?

Labor and Delivery Costs

You can deduct costs associated with childbirth from your taxes, too, including: Room and board, including fees for hospital stays during labor and delivery. Anesthesia costs, including epidural or other pain management treatments.

Should I tell my manager about IVF?

Explain your situation and ask for what you need from them,” says Kowalski. You don't need to tell them every detail. They just need to know a general idea of what you're going through, the obstacles it's presenting at work, and how they can help.

Can you write off infertility?

Surgeries relating to fertility treatments are recognized by the IRS as a medical expense, as well as surgeries to reverse a prior surgery that has impacted a person's ability to procreate.

What states cover infertility?

The states that mandate private insurers to cover some form of fertility coverage are Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

Why is infertility a disability?

All the definitions of disability also include the disorders of the reproductive and endocrine system. So infertility and impotency should also be included in the category of disability. It affects the participation in areas of life and can have a disabling affect on an individual.

How long of trying is considered infertility?

For public health data collection, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after 1 year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age. As a result, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex.

What is female infertility called?

Anovulation. Female infertility caused by anovulation is called "anovulatory infertility", as opposed to "ovulatory infertility" in which ovulation is present. Diminished ovarian reserve, also see Poor Ovarian Reserve.

How can a doctor tell if you're infertile?

If you believe that you or your partner may be experiencing infertility, it's important to seek an evaluation with a reproductive endocrinologist as soon as you can. Typically, the first steps will involve a visit to the doctor, blood tests, a pelvic ultrasound and a semen analysis.

Are Apple watches HSA eligible?

Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Can I pay for my Peloton membership with my HSA?

You can't directly pay for membership costs with your HSA/FSA card, but if you receive a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from Truemed or an applicable licensed medical professional and are eligible for reimbursement, you may be able to apply your HSA/FSA funds to the cost of a Peloton Membership while the LMN is ...

How to get a Letter of medical necessity for gym membership?

How Can I Get an LMN? Speak with your doctor. They'll assess your medical history, current health status, and the necessity of the equipment in treating your condition. This evaluation might involve a physical examination and reviewing your records.