A recent Family Equality poll found that 45 to 53 percent of young LGBTQ+ people dream of starting or expanding their families. However, with the average cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) hovering around $20,000, many face significant financial hurdles.
The good news is that there are plenty of options to help you turn your family dreams into a reality. In this article, we’ll explore five practical ways to finance your fertility treatments.
Estimated Costs of LGBTQ+ Family Building
Before we share ways to manage fertility treatment costs, it's helpful to understand what to expect financially. The table below provides estimated prices for various procedures and services. Actual costs will vary based on your location, clinic, and insurance, so use this as a starting point.
SERVICE | ESTIMATED COST | DESCRIPTION |
Known donor sperm | $25 – $300 | Using known donor sperm can be free if done at home, but sperm analysis and STI testing can add costs. |
Anonymous donor sperm | $300 – $1,500 per vial | Sperm purchased through a sperm bank, typically sold in 0.5 cc vials. Multiple vials may be needed per cycle to increase pregnancy chances. |
Sperm freezing and storage | $250 – $1,500, plus $175 – $750/year for storage | Initial costs for freezing sperm, with additional annual fees for storage. |
Egg freezing and storage | $7,000 – $12,000, plus $350 – $700/year for storage | Includes hormone treatments, egg retrieval, and initial freezing. Annual fees apply for storage. |
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) | $250 – $4,000 | Covers sperm vials, sperm washing, and the insemination procedure. |
In vitro fertilization (IVF) | $13,500 – $21,000 | Includes costs for one cycle with fresh eggs, medications ($1,500 – $6,000), and subsequent frozen embryo transfers. |
Reciprocal IVF (RIVF) | $15,000 – $23,000 | One partner's eggs are fertilized and transferred to the other partner's uterus, requiring hormone treatments for both partners. |
Ovulation and pregnancy tests | $20 – $40 | Used to track fertility and confirm pregnancy, especially in home-based insemination attempts like ICI. |
Add-on donor services | $25 – $1,000 | Extras provided by sperm banks, such as donor childhood photos or ID-release services for potential future contact. |
Legal services | $250 – $3,000 | Covers legal steps like second-parent adoption to ensure both parents have legal rights. |
Health Insurance
Many insurance plans cover at least some of the costs of doctor visits, blood tests, and fertility medications. However, they often exclude more expensive services, such as purchasing and storing sperm or procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or reciprocal IVF.
Because getting pregnant typically requires multiple cycles, these out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly.
While most states lack comprehensive insurance coverage for LGBTQ+ fertility treatments, some are making progress. Currently, the following states require insurers to provide equal fertility treatment benefits to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples:
California
Colorado
Delaware
Illinois
Maine
Maryland
New Jersey
New York
Washington D.C.
Connecticut is also set to expand coverage starting January 1, 2025.
Coverage details vary by state, so if you live in one with mandatory coverage, contact your HR department or insurance provider to clarify which procedures are covered.
If you live in a state without these mandates, there’s still hope.
In October 2023, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine expanded the definition of infertility to include anyone needing medical assistance to conceive, such as through donor sperm, eggs, or embryos. This shift could push more states to update their policies, potentially expanding coverage to millions of LGBTQ+ people.
Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Using tax-advantaged accounts is a smart way to save for fertility treatments, as they allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover certain medical expenses. Here’s a closer look at three common types:
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):
FSAs allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including many fertility-related costs. Contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, reducing your taxable income.
These funds can be used for out-of-pocket expenses like fertility medications, blood tests, or procedures. However, one limitation is that FSAs often have a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy, meaning you must spend the balance within the plan year or risk losing any remaining funds.
Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs):
HRAs are employer-funded accounts that help cover medical expenses. Unlike FSAs, only your employer can contribute to an HRA. The funds can be used to reimburse a wide range of medical costs, including fertility treatments like IUI and IVF.
The reimbursement rules and covered expenses vary by employer, so check with your HR department for specific details on how your HRA can be used.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs):
HSAs are designed for people with high-deductible insurance plans. They allow you to save pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. Unlike FSAs, HSAs have no expiration date, meaning the funds roll over year after year, making them a good option for long-term saving.
HSAs can be used to pay for many fertility-related expenses, including doctor visits, medications, and procedures. They also offer a triple tax advantage: contributions, earnings, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are all tax-free.
Financing Programs
Financing programs from banks, pharmaceutical companies, and fertility clinics can help reduce the financial burden of fertility treatments. These programs typically offer flexible payment plans and low or no-interest loans, allowing you to reimburse treatment costs in installments.
In addition, many fertility clinics offer financing options that include comprehensive treatment packages. These often cover multiple cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and other services. Some even offer refund options if you don’t achieve a live birth within the covered cycles, adding an extra layer of financial security.
Finally, many financing programs help you purchase and finance fertility medications, which can be a significant expense during treatment.
Click here to explore financing programs for fertility treatments.
Personal Loans
Personal loans can be a practical solution to fill gaps in your savings. Most lenders allow you to apply online and provide quick responses so you can find the right financing option within minutes.
Here are just two examples of personal loan options for fertility treatments:
Budget-friendly payment plans that cover multiple fertility-related services.
Key features include:
One loan for up to three services, such as IVF treatment, medications, genetic testing, or egg preservation.
A quick online application with an instant decision.
APRs starting at 3.99% for loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.
Founded by someone who experienced infertility, EggFund connects clients with vetted financial partners to provide affordable loans covering a range of fertility services.
Loan features include:
Financing amounts from $5,000 to $250,000 that can be used at any doctor, clinic, or pharmacy.
No application, origination, or prepayment fees.
Quick online application, approval, and funding with low, fixed rates.
Fertility Grants
Many non-profits offer grant programs to help offset the costs of fertility treatment. These grants can provide financial assistance for a variety of procedures, including IUI, IVF, egg freezing, and more.
Grant programs typically have specific eligibility criteria, but many are LGBTQ-friendly. Common requirements include:
Demonstrated need for family-building assistance.
Age restrictions, particularly for IVF grants, may prioritize younger candidates.
Proof of residency in the United States, along with potential requirements to be under the care of an accredited fertility clinic.
Documentation of financial means and health records to ensure applicants are in good health and able to manage some of the costs associated with treatment.
See our full list of LGBTQ+ fertility grants.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We recommend consulting with a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.