For many couples who are having difficulty conceiving, fertility assistance through a specialised clinic becomes their only chance of having a baby. This is rarely a simple option and for some, the cost can make this an unrealistic choice. Currently in Australia, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment is only available in the private health system and is not offered in free, public hospitals.
Although the drive to have a baby can be almost overwhelming, if you are considering using IVF to help with conception it is very important that you do careful research first. No fertility program or clinic can offer a 100% guarantee of success.
Like many other medical procedures and treatments, the cost of having IVF varies considerably between practitioners and individual centres. There is no one consistent fee between every fertility clinic in Australia, with each setting their own fee structure for services provided. However, Medicare sets very clear guidelines on the amounts which can be claimed back to patients and the percentage of fees for which Medicare will provide a financial rebate.
If you are considering having IVF treatments, it would be wise for you to organize your health insurance cover first and to ensure this covers fertility assistance as well as other services. Pathology, radiology, hospital and ancillary cover is also important so that you are not faced with a large unexpected bill for services you cannot claim at the end of your treatment. In addition, ensure that childbirth is covered in your health insurance. After all, the whole point of embarking on IVF is to have your own baby at the end of it all.
It is also important to ensure you are registered with Medicare Australia and fit the criteria for eligibility to hold a Medicare Card.
In the interests of transparency, fertility clinics need to state their fees for services very early in the consultation process. Some provide written quotes if the treatment plan is clear, but this isn’t always the case.
Although most clinics have very well designed and comprehensive internet sites, cost explanations are frequently prefaced by very positive statements regarding the quality of the services they provide as well as their conception success rate. The information can also be confusing, especially to parents who may not understand all of the medical technology or treatment descriptions.
Most practices have nurse coordinators and reception staff who are experts in explaining how different treatment components are charged and what percentage of rebates apply. Most clinics have payment/fee structures which match specific times in the treatment program. For example, pre-payments before the cycles begin, at the time of collecting medication to stimulate ovarian follicles and when the embryo is transferred.
Most couples tend not to do individual research into fertility clinics unless they are particularly interested or they are aiming to minimise cost as much as possible. There is some financial competition amongst different clinics, so satisfy yourself that you are getting good value for money.
Generally, a couple’s GP will refer them to a particular fertility clinic which the GP practice has had prior dealings with. Remember, you need to be an active participant in your own care, so don’t be afraid to request a referral to a clinic which you may prefer and which may better suit your individual budget.
Medicare rebates cover a portion of the cost of each treatment cycle by estimating a percentage of the fee which is to be paid back. This is normally 75% of the standard fee charge. However, most doctors don’t charge the standard fee and the gap between what is charged and what patients can claim is frequently very large.
There were changes to the Medicare Safety net early in 2010 which now means that couples are entitled to an additional refund of up to 80% of out of pocket fees for those items/treatments which were conducted out of hospital and have a Medicare item number. This amount varies between individuals and the extent of their treatment. Check www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or ring 132 011 for more specific information.
For couples who require many rounds/cycles of IVF, this change in funding structure has eased a lot of potential financial burden. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aging is also a major player in the decision making around funding rebates for assisted reproductive technologies. For more information check their “web-site”: www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/News-20091224-Assisted-Reproductive-Technologies
There is no limit to the number of cycles which can be claimed through Medicare. Likewise, there is no means test applicable to qualify for Medicare rebates. All IVF and Artificial Fertility Treatments are eligible for some percentage of financial rebates.
Each treatment cycle can be different and involve different processes. So avoid budgeting too specifically and not allowing for some variation between cycles. Final out of pocket costs add up and the Medicare Safety Net Rebate only applies once the safety net threshold has been reached.
Most fertility clinics provide a range of services, which are ultimately designed to assist in successful conception. These are unique and require significant expertise with medical, nursing, scientific and pathology staff as well as equipment.
Understandably, not all couples will require the full suite of services offered, or need to pay for services their individual situation does not warrant. Typical services are:
N.B. The following chart is only an approximate indication of cost. Each fertility clinic outlines their own fee structure and these can vary significantly. Ask for brochures, pamphlets and hard copies of information to take away from your initial consultation. It can be very difficult to remember specific costing without some reminders.
| 1st Consultation | From $180-$250 May cost more if additional testing is necessary | Up Front payment is necessary | Semen Analysis and testing will incur additional costs |
| Subsequent Consultation | Around $90-$170 dependent on tests which are required | Up Front payment is necessary |
A counselling appointment and fee may be necessary |
| Day 7 of treatment | Approximately $7,000 | ||
| Drug Therapy | Approximately $2,000 | Advance Payment may be necessary |
|
| Additional Drugs | Approximately $1,000 | ||
| Fee on Day of Trigger | Approximately $3,200 | ||
| TOTAL | Around $10,000 |
This depends on the individual clinic but generally, the main costing areas in IVF treatment are: