There are many reasons why someone would pursue fertility treatments. Whether it’s medical or elective reasons, the process can be very expensive. Here are some tips to help you prepare financially when considering fertility treatments.

Where Do I Begin?

Assess your situation. Schedule a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist. This is a great starting point for finding out where you are, what you’re trying to accomplish, and deciding on the next steps for treatment. Get a list from the doctor of the specific treatments and medications expected for your particular case.

Call your Insurance Company & Ask the Right Questions

Although your doctor might give you an idea regarding what might be covered by your insurance, make the call directly to the insurance company as well, so that you hear it directly from the horse’s mouth. Once you do reach out to the insurance company, here are some questions to ask:

Do I have fertility coverage?

If so, is it diagnostic or just treatment coverage? Be sure to ask your health insurance plan the details about the coverage. Some insurance companies might only cover the diagnosis but not the treatment.

If the Insurance Company Covers the Treatment

If your insurance company covers the treatment, ask the following questions:

Is there a dollar amount limit? Some insurance companies will set a dollar limit to the treatment coverage.

If there is a dollar limit, are the medications coming out of that dollar amount? In addition to setting a dollar limit, some insurance companies might include the cost of medications in that dollar limit, which can reduce the amount you have left for the treatment itself.

Do you have to use a specific pharmacy, or can you use one of your choice? Some insurance companies may require you to use a specific pharmacy. If so, you might not be able to take advantage of discounts with other pharmacies, which can reduce the amount of money you have left for the cost of the treatments.

Is it a per treatment coverage? If so, how many cycles? Are there requirements, justifications required prior to approval? If your insurance company’s coverage is per treatment, be sure to ask how many cycles it covers. Find out if there are any prerequisites prior to approval, if any.

Is there an age limitation?

Some insurance companies might place an age limitation for the treatments, so be sure to ask if there is an age limitation so that you can plan accordingly.

How will I pay for this?

Once you’ve gathered the data from your doctor and the insurance company, you’ll have a good idea as far as what this might cost. This will give you a good starting point to then make a decision as to how you’re going to finance any out of pocket expenses. This would be a great time to meet with your financial planner to assess your situation and weigh your options. Some people take out 401K loans, some people refinance their mortgages, some people take out personal loans, some use credit cards, some people take out fertility loans, some people sell some of their investments, draw down their savings, etc.

Want to Know More About How to Prepare Yourself Financially for Fertility Treatments?

Be sure to listen to episode 004 of my podcast, where I interview Juany Rodriguez, BSN, a Registered Nurse with over a decade of experience in the field of fertility. In the episode, we dive deeper into the different types of processes, costs, things to expect during the process, questions to ask, resources available, etc.


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Investment Advisor Representative of Retirement Wealth Advisors Inc. (RWA), 89 Ionia NW, Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (800) 903-2562. Investment Advisory Services are offered through RWA. Build a Better Financial Future and RWA are not affiliated.

This information is designed to provide general information on the subjects covered, it is not, however, intended to provide specific legal, medical, or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor, doctor, or attorney.