How Much Does IVF Cost?

IVF Cost in India: Breakdown of Expenses & Key Factors

IVF, or In-Vitro Fertilisation, helps couples with infertility get pregnant and start a family. However, the procedure is expensive and therefore, not a lot of people can afford it. The price can range from Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 per cycle in India. However, this is an average rate and can vary based on various factors.

What is the Approximate Cost of Getting IVF?

Typically, the cost of IVF depends on the prescribed medicines and the number of cycles. The total cost differs from person to person. The table below shows approximate IVF cost based on procedures:

What are the Key Factors that Determine the Cost of IVF?

There are several factors that contribute to the expenses of IVF treatment. Listed below are some of the major factors in depth: 

1. Geographic Region and Clinic Infrastructure

The location of the clinic has a significant impact on the cost of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Depending on the degree of technology used, operating costs, and infrastructure, IVF treatment is available in different cities and at different prices.

IVF Cost Comparison in Different Cities:

• Delhi: Typically ranges from ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 per cycle
• Mumbai: Typically ranges from ₹1,50,000 –  ₹3,00,000 per cycle
• Bangalore: Typically ranges from ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 per cycle
• Chennai: Typically ranges from ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per cycle
• Kolkata: Typically ranges from ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per cycle
   

This cost inequality is caused by variations in employees’ salaries, advanced technology, and clinic operation expenses.

2. Type of IVF Procedure

The overall cost of IVF might be affected by the exact techniques used, such as:

• Standard IVF: With standard in vitro fertilisation, your eggs would be collected and fertilised, and the transfer of embryos would be conducted.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): For male infertility, it costs nearly ₹1.60 lakh per cycle
• Donor Programs: Donor programs might add costs from using donor sperm or eggs
• Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): Freezing and thawing the embryo incurs additional costs.

More advanced techniques, such as Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) or assisted hatching, could further increase the already high costs associated with in vitro fertilisation.
 

3. Patient’s Age and Medical History

IVF success rates and related costs vary significantly depending on a woman's age:

• Women above 35 years of age could require higher doses of fertility medications or more rounds because of rising costs.
• Underlying health issues like polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis might call for additional treatments.
   

4. Medications and Hormonal Injections

A significant portion of IVF expenses comes from fertility medications, which are meant to increase egg production.

• Duration and dosage may differ on a case-by-case and person-by-person basis.
• Price can vary depending on the protocol as well as the brand of drug.
• Typically, the cost of IVF shots per cycle in India ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹2.50 lakh.
   

5. Number of IVF Cycles Required

One cannot be sure of success in the first IVF cycle. Thus, more cycles may be required.

• Each of these cycles contributes to the overall cost, but some patients may require multiple cycles to conceive.
• Some clinics may offer package discounts that span several sessions, allowing you to save even more money.
   

6. Diagnostic Tests and Pre-Treatment Evaluations

Couples should pass several diagnostic evaluations before undergoing IVF

• Among the tests done are echograms, blood tests, and semen analysis.
• Besides the total IVF bill, these tests typically cost between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 each.
   

7. Embryo Freezing and Storage

Couples might also opt to stop and store embryos for future use:

• Although the expenses of embryo freezing and storage could vary, the typical annual range is about ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.

8. Post-Procedure Care

After the IVF treatment, couples might have more observations and exams, such as:

• A blood test confirming pregnancy costs between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000.
• Depending on how often they are performed, ultrasounds and hormone monitoring run between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000.

9. Insurance Coverage for IVF in India

Created to specifically meet women's health needs, including fertility treatments, Star Health's Star Women Care Insurance policy is a customised insurance plan.

• Depending on specific circumstances and eligibility criteria, it covers Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
• Given that the policy has been in place for at least 36 months, the coverage falls under the maternity benefit category.
• The plan will cover up to ₹1 lakh or 25% of the total insured amount, whichever is less, for ART procedures, including ICSI, IUI, and IVF.
• This cover is open to females between the ages of 22 and 50. The therapy must be administered at a registered ART facility.

This relieves the burden of treatment expenses, as Star Health Insurance is offering well-structured financial assistance to women considering IVF.

10. Financing and EMI Options

Nowadays, many fertility clinics provide fertility financing as well as EMI options to help ease the monetary burden.

• Indira IVF clinics offer 0% interest EMI plans.
• Outside sources, such as Bajaj Finserv, also offer fertility loans for treatments over ₹1 lakh. 

What Additional Procedure Affects the Price?

The base IVF fee in India starts from Rs. 90,000. However, other necessary procedures add to that cost. These procedures include:

Fertility Assessment

This includes blood tests, ultrasound and physical examination. Fertility assessment can cost up to Rs. 10,000 and is not included in the base fee.

Injectables

In a cycle, injectable medicines can cost up to Rs. 50,000. These stimulate hormonal egg production and are crucial to the IVF process.

Semen Analysis

This can cost up to Rs. 3000-Rs. 5000. Semen analysis is done to check the quality of the semen.

Anaesthesia

Although it is usually included in the base fee, anaesthesia can cost up to Rs. 50,000 or more. It is necessary during the egg retrieval process.

Embryo Creation Cost

Egg retrieval, anaesthesia, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and fresh and mock embryo transfer costs fall under this category.

Frozen Embryo Transfer Cost

If you opt for frozen embryo transfer, your IVF cost can significantly rise. This is because it includes genetic testing (PGT), embryo storage and transfer costs.

Surrogate Costs

If you opt for surrogacy, it can add up to Rs. 1 Lakh to your overall costs.

IVF can be a costly journey, but understanding the breakdown of expenses helps in better financial planning. From medications to additional procedures like embryo freezing, every step adds up. With proper research, support, and possibly insurance aid, you can navigate these costs more effectively and take a confident step toward starting your family.

Also Read:

→ Which Insurance Covers IVF in India

→ What are the 5 Stages of IVF

→ IVF Treatment Full Form in Medical Terms