Why does my insurance not cover IVF?

Asked by: Dr. Claude Schaefer  |  Last update: June 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (54 votes)

Because infertility has long been considered a women's health issue, insurance companies perceived it as a niche issue and denied coverage to those experiencing it. This is despite the fact that nearly half of all cases are due to “male factor infertility.”

Why do insurance companies not cover IVF?

IVF is expensive and insurance companies do not want to cover it because it will cost them a lot of money.

How do I pay for IVF if my insurance doesn't cover it?

IVF Grants & No-Interest Loans: There are a multitude of charitable grants and scholarships out there, as well as no-interest loans. Including: Worth The Wait Charity – Fertility & Adoption Grants for Cancer Survivors. Fertility IQ – Gives grants at random a few times a year simply for reviewing your doctor or clinic.

Does most health insurance cover IVF?

Massachusetts and Arkansas have mandated IVF coverage but not fertility preservation coverage, which would include freezing eggs, sperm, and embryos. California and Texas are mandate-to-offer states, meaning health insurance plans must have an infertility insurance option but are not required to provide it in any or ...

How many rounds of IVF do you get for free?

Although NICE recommend up to 3 cycles of IVF should be offered on the NHS, some ICBs only offer 1 cycle, or only offer NHS-funded IVF in exceptional circumstances. You can also ask your GP or contact your local integrated care board (ICB) for more information about NHS-funded IVF treatment in your area.

Wounded vet denied IVF coverage by VA health insurance

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How to do IVF with no money?

Baby Quest Foundation provides financial assistance through fertility grants to those who cannot afford the high costs of procedures such as IVF, gestational surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, egg freezing and embryo donation.

How much does 4 rounds of IVF cost?

The average cost of IVF in California typically ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 per cycle. This includes fees for consultations, medications, procedures, and lab fees. Additional services such as egg donation, genetic testing, and surrogacy could incur higher charges.

How do I know if my insurance covers IVF?

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.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover IVF?

Members diagnosed with infertility can receive up to three (3) annual drug cycles for in vitro fertilization (IVF). You must receive prior approval and buy your prescriptions through our pharmacy programs.

What not to do before IVF?

Lifestyle choices that should be avoided before starting IVF treatment include cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, illicit drugs, and intensive exercise.

Which state has the cheapest IVF?

Low-cost IVF in Arizona

Arizona has 2 fertility centers with the lowest in the country pricing for IVF: New Direction Fertility and Southwest Fertility Center. Their pricing is around $6,500 and $6,700 per cycle. The pricing doesn't include anesthesia, that is usually $500-600.

Does Starbucks cover IVF?

Yes they do! You get a 25k lifetime max for procedure costs and a separate 10k amount for medications. I was able to do two egg retrievals and three embryo transfers with the benefit before my medication allotment ran out, I'm actually still working on the 25k, but I know it's close to being used up.

How to qualify for IVF?

IVF is an option if you or your partner has:
  1. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
  2. Endometriosis.
  3. Low sperm count or other sperm impairments.
  4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other ovarian conditions.
  5. Uterine fibroids.
  6. Problems with your uterus.
  7. Risk of passing on a genetic disease or disorder.
  8. Unexplained infertility.

What is the new IVF bill in 2024?

New Law (SB 729)

The new law requires large group policies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including coverage for a maximum of three completed oocyte (egg) retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers.

Is infertility a disability?

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.

Why is IVF so expensive?

There's medication, an egg retrieval procedure done while the patient is under anesthesia, ultrasounds and lab work. And that doesn't begin to cover paying embryologists and the lab costs associated with monitoring, growing and preserving embryos, she adds.

How to get insurance to pay for IVF?

Here are five key ways to secure IVF coverage.
  1. Ask Your Employer for Benefits. This may seem like a bold move if your company doesn't already offer them. ...
  2. Ask Your Insurer for Coverage. ...
  3. Purchase Non-Group Insurance. ...
  4. Participate in Clinical Research Trials. ...
  5. Seek Employment from a Company That Provides Infertility Coverage.

What is the best insurance for infertility?

Best Fertility Insurance Companies of 2023
  • UnitedHealthcare: Best Coverage.
  • Cigna: Best for High-End Treatments.
  • Aetna: Best Additional Resources.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield: Best for Multiple Rounds of Treatment.
  • Progyny: Best for Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Is IVF considered medically necessary?

All individual, group and blanket health insurance policies that provide for medical or hospital expenses shall include coverage for fertility care services, including IVF and standard fertility preservation services for individuals who must undergo medically necessary treatment that may cause iatrogenic infertility.

How do I financially plan for IVF?

Creating a budget for fertility treatment can be summarized in a few steps:
  1. Determine the cost of treatment.
  2. Review your insurance.
  3. Evaluate your financial situation and how much you can realistically pay each month.
  4. Look for ways to reduce costs.
  5. Create a repayment plan.

How do I test my fertility?

Fertility tests for women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) may include:
  1. Fertility blood tests. Certain hormonal imbalances can interfere with egg production and maturation. ...
  2. Ovarian reserve testing. ...
  3. Genetic testing. ...
  4. Pelvic ultrasound. ...
  5. Sonohysterogram. ...
  6. Hysterosalpingogram. ...
  7. Hysteroscopy.

Will insurance cover IVF for genetic reasons?

Additional Circumstances: Some insurance policies may cover IVF for specific medical conditions, such as genetic disorders, certain surgeries or treatments that impact fertility, or cases where the individual requires fertility preservation due to medical reasons like cancer treatment.

Why is IVF not covered by insurance?

Because infertility has long been considered a women's health issue, insurance companies perceived it as a niche issue and denied coverage to those experiencing it. This is despite the fact that nearly half of all cases are due to “male factor infertility.”

Where is IVF the cheapest?

CNY Fertility: One of The Cheapest IVF Clinics. Quite simply, CNY Fertility is one most affordable fertility clinics out there offering IVF for 1/3 the National Average.

How do people afford multiple rounds of IVF?

IVF Financing

Many fertility clinics offer financing plans that allow patients to spread out the cost of treatment over time. These plans often provide flexible payment options and potentially lower interest rates. For those seeking additional financial support, IVF loans are another option.