Money Management Secrets Couples Struggling with Infertility Should Know

Did you know that the cost of infertility treatments can be staggering?

In fact, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the average cost of just one cycle of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is around $12,000.

And that’s just one cycle – many couples go through multiple cycles before finding success.

As a person who has seen many near and dear ones facing this challenge, I understand how difficult it can be to manage the financial strain of infertility treatments.

And for millennials, who are already facing financial challenges like student loan debt and stagnant wages, the added burden of fertility treatments can feel overwhelming.

That’s why I wanted to share some money management secrets for couples struggling with infertility.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re knee-deep in treatments, these strategies can help you save money and reduce financial stress.

Infertility can take a toll on a couple’s finances, but there are ways to manage the costs effectively. Sit down together and have an open conversation about your finances. Establish a budget for medical expenses and find ways to cut back on unnecessary expenses. 

So, let’s dive in and explore some ways to manage the costs of infertility treatments, budget for future treatments, and cope with the financial burden of infertility.

With a little bit of planning and some smart money management, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence and financial stability.

1. Managing the Costs of Infertility Treatments

1.1 Strategies for Reducing the Costs of Fertility Medications

Let’s talk about some strategies for reducing the costs of fertility medications.

Here are two effective ways you can save money on these treatments:

1.1.1 Negotiating Prices with Pharmacies

Did you know that you can negotiate the price of your fertility medications with your local pharmacy? It’s true!

Many pharmacies are willing to work with patients to help reduce the costs of medications.

Here are a few tips for negotiating prices:

• Shop around: Call/visit multiple pharmacies in your area and compare prices. Some may be willing to price-match their competitors.
• Ask for discounts: Some pharmacies offer discounts for cash-paying customers or patients who don’t have insurance coverage for their medications.
• Consider generic options: Ask your doctor if there are generic versions of your medications available. These are often significantly cheaper than brand-name options.

1.1.2 Utilizing Manufacturer Discount Programs

Many pharmaceutical companies offer discount programs for their fertility medications.

These programs can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Here are some examples of discount programs:

• Compassionate Care: This program offers income-based discounts on fertility medications for eligible patients.
• First Steps: This program provides discounts on fertility medications for eligible patients with no income restrictions.
• Ferring Heart+ Program: This program offers discounts on medications for eligible patients who have no insurance coverage or are underinsured.

To take advantage of these discount programs, you’ll need to apply and provide proof of eligibility.

You can usually find application forms on the pharmaceutical company’s website or by contacting their customer service department.

1.2 Ways to Save on Fertility Clinic Fees

1.2.1 Comparing Prices Among Clinics

Just like with any service or product, prices for fertility treatments can vary among different clinics.

By doing some research and comparing prices, you may be able to find a clinic that offers lower fees for the same services.

Here are some tips for comparing prices:

• Check online: Many clinics post their fees for various treatments on their websites. Check out a few clinics in your area and compare their prices.
• Ask for a quote: Contact clinics directly and ask for a quote for the specific treatments you need. This can give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay.
• Don’t forget about hidden fees: Some clinics may charge additional fees for things like anesthesia, lab work, or consultations. Make sure you ask about any hidden fees before making a decision.

1.2.2 Seeking Out Low-Cost Clinics

Another way to save on fertility clinic fees is to seek out low-cost clinics. These clinics may offer reduced fees for certain treatments or services.

Here are a few resources to help you find low-cost clinics:

• The National Infertility Association: This organization provides a list of clinics that offer discounts to patients who meet certain income requirements.
• Resolve: The National Infertility Association: This organization also provides a list of clinics that offer discounts or payment plans to patients who need financial assistance.
• Your state’s health department: Some states have programs that provide financial assistance for infertility treatments. Check with your state’s health department to see if there are any programs available in your area.

By comparing prices and seeking out low-cost clinics, you can potentially save thousands of dollars on your fertility treatments.

Remember, it’s important to do your research and ask questions to make sure you’re getting the best possible care at a price you can afford.

1.3 Financing Options for Infertility Treatments

These treatments can be expensive, but there are ways to manage the costs.

Here are three financing options to consider:

1.3.1 Using Credit Cards with Low or 0% Interest Rates

If you have a credit card with a low or 0% interest rate, you may be able to use it to finance your fertility treatments.

This can be a good option if you can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Check the terms and conditions: Make sure you understand the interest rate and any fees associated with using the card for medical expenses.
• Use credit responsibly: Don’t take on more debt than you can afford to pay back.

1.3.2 Personal Loans

Another option is to take out a personal loan to pay for your fertility treatments.

Personal loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards, which can save you money in the long run.

Here are some tips for getting a personal loan:

• Check your credit score: A good credit score can help you qualify for a lower interest rate.
• Shop around: Compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal.
• Read the fine print: Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the loan before signing on the dotted line.

1.3.3 Crowdfunding

Finally, crowdfunding can be a way to raise money for your fertility treatments.

Many online platforms allow you to create a fundraising campaign and share it with friends, family, and even strangers.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be transparent: Be upfront about why you’re raising money and how the funds will be used.
• Share your story: Explain why having a child is important to you and how infertility has impacted your life.
• Thank your supporters: Show your appreciation to those who donate, whether it’s with a personal message or a public thank-you on social media.

Overall, there are several financing options available to help manage the costs of infertility treatments.

Just remember to do your research and choose the option that makes the most sense for your financial situation.

1.4 Navigating Insurance Coverage for Infertility Treatments

This can be a tricky topic, but it’s important to understand what your insurance covers, advocate for coverage, and seek out alternate insurance options if necessary.

1.4.1 Understanding what your insurance covers

First, it’s important to understand what your insurance covers when it comes to infertility treatments.

Unfortunately, many insurance plans do not cover the full cost of treatments such as IVF, which can run upwards of $12,000 per cycle.

However, some plans may cover diagnostic testing or less invasive treatments such as IUI.

Carefully review your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered.

1.4.2 Advocating for coverage

If you find that your insurance doesn’t cover the treatments you need, don’t give up hope just yet.

It’s possible to advocate for coverage, either by appealing a denial of coverage or lobbying your employer to include infertility coverage in your benefits package.

Some states also have laws mandating insurance coverage for infertility treatments, so it’s worth looking into your state’s laws and regulations.

1.4.3 Seeking out alternate insurance options

If your insurance doesn’t cover infertility treatments and you’re not able to successfully advocate for coverage, you may want to consider seeking out alternate insurance options.

For example, some employers offer supplemental insurance specifically for infertility treatments.

Another option is to purchase an individual insurance policy that covers infertility treatments.

Keep in mind that these options may come with higher premiums, so it’s important to carefully weigh the costs and benefits.

2. Budgeting for Infertility Treatments

2.1 Building a Budget for fertility treatments

For couples struggling with infertility, the financial burden can add even more stress.

That’s why it’s essential to have a solid budget in place for fertility treatments.

First, let’s determine the costs of treatments.

According to a survey by RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, the average cost of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle in the United States is $12,000.

However, the cost can range anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000 per cycle.

Research the costs of the specific treatments you’re considering, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or donor sperm or eggs, as they can vary widely.

Next, assess your income and expenses. Take a look at your household budget and determine how much you can realistically afford to allocate toward fertility treatments.

Consider your monthly income, fixed expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, and variable expenses such as groceries and entertainment.

2.2 Minimizing financial stress during infertility treatments

One way to reduce costs is to find ways to cut expenses in other areas of your budget.

Take a look at your current expenses and see if there are any areas where you can reduce costs.

Here are some examples:

• Reduce eating out and cook more meals at home.
• Cut back on subscription services such as Netflix or Spotify.
• Shop for groceries at discount stores or buy in bulk.
• Consider refinancing high-interest debt to lower monthly payments.

Another way to reduce financial stress is to seek out additional sources of income. Here are some ideas:

• Start a side hustle or freelance work.
• Sell unused items online or have a garage sale.
• Participate in paid surveys or focus groups.
• Rent out a spare room on Airbnb.

2.3 Saving for Future Fertility Treatments

Plan ahead and incorporate savings into your budget so that you can be financially prepared when the time comes.

One way to save for future fertility treatments is to incorporate it into your budget.

Determine how much you can realistically save each month and allocate that amount towards your fertility treatment savings goal.

Another way to save for future fertility treatments is to create a separate savings account specifically for this purpose.

This allows you to keep your fertility treatment savings separate from your other savings and helps you track your progress toward your goal.

Here’s an example of how you might set up a separate savings account for fertility treatments:

• Research banks or credit unions that offer high-interest savings accounts.
• Open a new savings account specifically for fertility treatment savings.
• Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your fertility treatment savings account each month.

By creating a separate savings account for fertility treatments and setting up automatic transfers, you’re making it easier to save consistently towards your goal.

Plus, earning interest on your savings can help you reach your goal faster.

3. Coping with the Financial Burden of Infertility

3.1 Strategies for managing the emotional impact of infertility

Coping with the financial burden of infertility can take a toll on your mental health, so it’s important to prioritize your emotional well-being as well.

One strategy for managing the emotional impact of infertility is to seek out support groups.

Research has shown that participating in a support group can help individuals cope with the emotional distress of infertility and reduce feelings of isolation and stress.

Look for local or online support groups specifically for individuals or couples struggling with infertility.

Another strategy is to engage in self-care practices. Infertility can be a stressful and emotional experience, and it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.

Here are some self-care practices that you might find helpful:

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Exercise regularly to improve your mood and reduce stress.
• Connect with friends and family for emotional support.
• Pursue hobbies or interests that bring you joy and help you relax.
• Consider talking to a therapist or counselor to help manage the emotional impact of infertility.

By prioritizing your emotional well-being and utilizing strategies such as support groups and self-care practices, you can better manage the emotional impact of infertility and reduce the stress that comes with the financial burden.

Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support available to help you through it. Keep pushing forward!

3.2 Considering Alternatives to Infertility Treatments

Infertility treatments can be expensive and emotionally taxing, and it’s important to know that there are other options available.

Let’s take a look at some alternatives:

• Exploring adoption options: Adoption can be a great alternative for couples who are struggling with infertility and are looking to start a family. The cost of adoption can vary greatly depending on the type of adoption, but on average, it can range from $0 to $50,000. Adopting a child can be a rewarding experience and can provide a loving home for a child in need.
• Choosing to remain child-free: While this may not be the right option for everyone, it’s important to know that it is a valid choice. Choosing to remain child-free can provide financial freedom and the ability to pursue other goals and interests. According to a survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 15% of women aged 40 to 44 in the United States are child-free.

3.3 Avoiding Financial Pitfalls During Infertility Treatments

When you’re struggling to conceive, it can be hard to keep a level head and make smart money decisions.

But it’s really important that you do because the cost of fertility treatments can add up quickly.

So, let’s dive into some tips for avoiding financial pitfalls during infertility treatments.

First things first: don’t turn to high-interest loans or credit cards to finance your treatments.

I know it can be tempting to want to do whatever it takes to have a baby, but taking on high-interest debt is not the answer.

According to a study by FertilityIQ, 33% of people who undergo fertility treatments go into debt as a result.

Don’t let that be you!

Instead, seek out reputable financing options.

Several companies out there specialize in fertility financing, like CapexMD and Prosper Healthcare Lending.

These companies offer loans specifically for fertility treatments, with interest rates that are generally lower than those of credit cards.

Some clinics also offer financing options, so be sure to ask about those.

To help you make a smart decision about which financing option to choose, I’ve created a table comparing some of the top fertility financing companies:

Company	Interest rates	Loan amounts	Repayment terms
CapexMD	5.99%-24.99% APR	Up to $100,000	Up to 84 months
Prosper Healthcare	5.99%-35.99% APR	Up to $100,000	24-60 months
LendingClub	3.99%-24.99% APR	Up to $50,000	24-72 months
ARC Fertility	6.99%-19.99% fixed APR	Up to $100,000	12-84 months

 Remember that these interest rates are just estimates, and the actual rate you receive will depend on your credit score and other factors.

But this table should give you a good starting point for your research.

In addition to financing, there are some other ways to save money on fertility treatments.

For example:

• Check with your insurance company to see if they cover any fertility treatments. According to Resolve, the National Infertility Association, 15 states require insurance companies to cover infertility treatment to some extent.
• Consider using a fertility clinic that offers shared risk programs, where you pay a flat fee for a certain number of cycles and if you don’t have a baby, you get a refund.
• Look into clinical trials for fertility treatments. These trials often offer discounted or even free treatments in exchange for your participation.

Overall, the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go into debt to have a baby.

There are reputable financing options out there that can help you manage the cost of fertility treatments.

And by being smart about your money, you can focus on what’s really important: building your family.

Bottom Line…

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this blog post about money management for couples struggling with infertility.

It’s no secret that fertility treatments can be incredibly expensive and put a huge strain on your finances.

In fact, according to a study by FertilityIQ, the average couple spends $23,000 on fertility treatments, and 40% of them end up going into debt to cover the costs.

That’s why it’s so important to be proactive about your money management when you’re going through infertility.

One of the best things you can do is create a budget and stick to it.

By tracking your spending and setting limits on non-essential expenses, you can free up more money to put toward fertility treatments.

Another important step is to look into your insurance coverage and any financial assistance programs that may be available to you.

Many insurance plans don’t cover infertility treatments, but some do.

Additionally, organizations like RESOLVE and the National Infertility Association offer grants and other forms of financial assistance to help offset the costs of fertility treatments.

Lastly, it’s important to communicate openly with your partner about your finances.

Infertility can be a stressful and emotional journey, but talking openly about your money concerns can help alleviate some of that stress.

By working together to create a financial plan and sticking to it, you can feel more in control of your situation and better able to handle any unexpected expenses that may come up.

So, whether you’re just starting your infertility journey or you’ve been struggling for a while, remember that managing your finances is an important part of the process.

By taking a proactive approach and being open and honest with each other, you can navigate this difficult time with confidence and come out stronger on the other side.