Traditionally, infertility treatments such as IVF were available only to those couples who had the spare cash to afford it. Yes, having to go through infertility treatment does cost money, but there are many options available to couples desperate to conceive, and it may not be as expensive as you think.
Treatment costs include pre-treatment fees and cycle costs. There may also be specialised scientific costs due, depending on the exact treatment required. Initial pre-treatment fees in Australia cost an average of $200. For this, a fertility specialist will assess you and your partner, taking into consideration your medical history and current health status. Further tests may be required.
Cycle treatment costs cover blood tests and ultrasounds, specialist consultations, medications, day surgery fees and counselling support. In Australia, an IVF or similar treatment cycle costs approximately between $7,000 and $9,000.
The good news is that there are various payment options available to couples who don’t have thousands of dollars available to spend on their treatment.
Medicare rebate
Fortunately, infertility treatment is partly covered by Medicare and the Extended Medicare Safety Net may even provide further rebates, meaning out-of-pocket costs can be significantly reduced. On average, Medicare rebates cover more than half of the overall cost of a treatment cycle. In order to be eligible for any Medicare rebates, you require a current referral letter from your GP or specialist gynaecologist. There are some things that Medicare does not cover, including hospital or day surgery services and some medications.
Health care cover
For those with private health care cover, the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t cover may be claimable. It is advisable to talk with your health insurance provider and find out about eligibility, waiting periods and rebate options. The majority of fertility clinics across Australia are very familiar with dealing with various health care providers and they are more than willing to offer all the necessary advice and information your insurer will need.
Payment options
Many of the fertility clinics throughout Australia provide couples with easy payment options for their out-of-pocket costs. No or reduced upfront payments, fast Medicare rebates and dedicated loan options are just some of the financial aids available to couples who aren’t able to pay for their treatment upfront.
More on infertility and pregnancy
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Infertility and your options
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