In vitro fertilization costs between $10,000 and $15,000, and insurance companies almost never pay for the procedure, which implants fertilized eggs directly into a woman's uterus, because it is an elective expense. However, while the federal government probably won't help you pay for IVF, you might be able to get help paying for the surgery through a private grant. Some such grants have stipulations you may or may not find agreeable.
Identification
Grants for IVF treatment are scarce. A nationwide program is the IVF scholarship program funded by The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination. Another possibility is the Embracing Hope $10,000 Fertile Dreams Grant. In each case, the foundation asks that you apply and provide supporting documentation of your financial and medical need for IVF, such as tax returns and a medical history. The Embracing Hope grant requires an essay explaining why you should receive the award.
Considerations
If you receive a grant for IVF treatment, you might have to sign a waiver agreeing to let the foundation use your likeness and story for public campaign purposes. The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation, for instance, awards $10,000, but may use you in media stories. In addition, almost all couples chosen for media purposes are heterosexual and married, which means nontraditional couples may be at a disadvantage in the application process, according to ConceivingConcepts.
Tips
Even if you think you may not qualify or get a grant for IVF treatment, apply for the grants anyway, because otherwise your chance of receiving one is zero. Not having any children or a surgery that reduces fertility, such as a vasectomy, improves your chances of receiving a grant. Also, go to a reproductive endocrinologist who will vouch for whether you absolutely need IVF to conceive.
Financing IVF
When an IVF grant does not cover all of your expenses, or you cannot get one at all, consider financing the treatment. You could use a home equity loan, which generally carries a low rate because it is a secured line of credit, or ask your IVF doctor about a medical loan. You will need medication, so look for generic brands and ask your insurance company what costs it might cover, such as diagnostics. Some couples go abroad to countries where they can find cheaper treatment.
