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

IVF Treatment Costs: Key Factors That Influence Pricing

For infertility treatment, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has gained broad acceptance in India. For many couples with infertility problems, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has proved a ray of light. Knowing these components might enable would-be parents to make wise choices. 

However, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence the cost of IVF. Read ahead to learn about the key factors that determine the cost of IVF. 

The Key Factors Affecting 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.

More patients can access expensive in vitro fertilisation methods with these financing options.
IVF costs are determined by factors such as hospital setup, patient profile, type of procedure, and geographical location, among others. Although expensive, several insurance plans and financing choices are making fertility treatments widely available across India.

If you need assistance choosing the best health insurance plan for IVF Treatments, contact Star Health. Our 24/7 customer service team is always available to address your queries and provide guidance. 
Get in touch with us today!