What does egg freezing cost?

One cycle, item by item

These are averages of published U.S. clinic prices. The first three lines repeat with every cycle; the first visit and the first year of storage are paid once. Your own clinic may be lower or higher, and some quote a single package price that bundles several of these lines.

Cycle monitoring (ultrasounds, labs)

$1,500–$2,500

Medications

$3,000–$5,500

Egg retrieval and freezing

$8,000–$11,000

One full cycle

$13k–$19k

Paid once: first visit and fertility assessment

$300–$700

Paid once: first year of storage

$500–$1,000

Why the total is often higher

The number of eggs collected in one cycle varies widely and tends to fall with age. Many women are advised to do more than one cycle to bank the number of eggs their doctor recommends, and monitoring, medication and the procedure are paid again each time.

Medication is the least predictable line. The dose depends on how your ovaries respond, so two women at the same clinic can pay very different amounts.

The costs that come later

Storage is billed every year after the first, for as long as you keep the eggs. And freezing is only the first half. If you use the eggs, they are thawed and fertilized, and an embryo is transferred to your uterus. Those steps are priced separately, at that time.

When you compare clinics, ask about both.

Insurance and employer benefits

Some employers now offer fertility benefits that cover egg freezing, and some states require insurers to cover certain fertility services. Coverage for freezing by choice, rather than for a medical reason, varies a great deal. Check with your plan administrator or insurer before you assume either way.

Ways to pay

People pay from savings, with clinic payment plans, with medical loans, or with a subscription. She’s well plans start at $249 a month for 60 months, about $14,940 in total, with zero down. The plan bundles the procedure, medications, labs and the first year of storage, and your price is confirmed with your clinic before you start.

Whichever way you choose, get the full number in writing first.

Five questions to ask any clinic

Clear answers to these will make every quote comparable.

• What exactly is included in your cycle price, and what is not?
• Is medication included? If not, what do your patients typically pay?
• What is the storage fee after the first year?
• What would a second cycle cost?
• What does it cost to use the eggs later?