Egg Donation Costs
Egg donation increases the likelihood of successful fertility treatment for women with a diminished ovarian reserve, and makes fertility treatment possible for gay male couples. Using donor eggs, these individuals are able to undergo IVF treatment to pursue their dream of becoming a parent.
At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, our fertility specialists frequently work with patients who are undergoing fertility treatment with the assistance of an egg donor. When egg donation is necessary for our Los Angeles, Tarzana, and Bakersfield, CA, patients, it is common for them to have questions about egg donation costs. Although each situation is unique, we are happy to provide an overview of potential egg donation expenses, and offer solutions that may make fertility treatment more affordable for our patients.
Potential Egg Donation Costs
It is not possible to know exactly how much egg donation will cost, since there are many different variables to consider. Each expense associated with egg donation can vary based on the agency and/or fertility clinic that the patient is working with, as well as where the patient resides and where the egg donor resides. Potential fees associated with a single cycle with a fresh egg donor include:
- Egg donor agency fee (typically between $5,000 and $10,000)
- Egg donor compensation (between $5,000 and $10,000–but can be higher for repeat or in-demand egg donors)
- Legal fees (around $2,000)
- Egg donor insurance coverage (approximately $300)
- Psychological screening and/or genetic counseling for egg donor (usually between $500 and $1,000)
- Escrow account management fee ($350 or more)
In addition to these fees, patients may need to cover travel expenses for the egg donor and a traveling companion. If the donor needs to travel for treatment, donor recipients are expected to cover the costs of airfare, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation, as well as provide a per diem.
It is also important to note that egg donor fees do not include the costs of fertility treatment. Costs associated with the IVF procedure are separate, and are collected by the fertility clinic, as opposed to the donor agency.
Managing Egg Donation Costs
Egg donation costs can total $20,000 or more, and that does not include the costs of IVF treatment. There are a few things that egg donor recipients can do to manage egg donation costs so that they stay within a reasonable range.
First, individuals should carefully research egg donation agencies and fertility clinics prior to starting treatment. It is important to check that the fees being charged by donor agencies and clinics are comparable to other clinics in the area.
Second, if possible, donor recipients should consider working with an egg donor who lives close to themselves and the fertility clinic. This will cut back, or eliminate, travel expenses, and lower the overall cost of egg donation.
Finally, patients may want to consider working with frozen donor eggs, rather than going through a fresh egg retrieval cycle. Donor agencies often offer frozen donor eggs for costs that are slightly lower than a fresh egg cycle.
Covering Costs of Egg Donation and Fertility Treatment
Even when individuals are careful about managing egg donation expenses, it can be difficult to cover the costs of egg donation and fertility treatment. Fortunately, there are options available to those who need help financing the cost of IVF with an egg donor. Potential financial services include:
- Insurance coverage (some insurers provide at least partial coverage for fertility treatment)
- Fertility grants
- Personal or medical loan
- Credit card
- In-office financing and/or payment plans
Contact the Center for Fertility and Gynecology
The best way to get an accurate idea of egg donation costs and the expense of fertility treatment is to schedule a personal consultation with the fertility specialists at the Center for Fertility and Gynecology. To get started, contact our fertility clinic online, or call us at (818) 881-9800.