How did you pay for IVF?

Question

Those of you with no infertility insurance coverage, how did you pay for IVF? Did you finance? Save for months or years? Borrow money from family? Did you already have that much money saved up?

After 2 failed IUIs, our doctor is suggesting IVF. We planned on doing 3 but, he believes IVF will be the only thing that works for us. I'm waiting for tomorrow for more information but, I'm just overwhelmed with stress, worry, and wonder right now.

Share your story.

Answer

We used the money we had saved up for the down payment on our dream home. After seven years of TTC, seven IUIs, one IVF, and three FETs, we are finally expecting a baby boy in June! We're also house hunting for a more modest house. Having a baby instead of our dream home is worth it 100 times over! 😊 It's tough to spend all that money, and it was very stressful during the TTC process, but now that baby's on the way we don't even think about the TTC struggle anymore. I wish you all the best for a successful IVF and a happy and healthy baby in the near future!!!

Answer

We decided to loan money out of my Retirement. I'm nowhere near retirement, so I will pay that money back with interest before I need it. Also, all the interest I pay goes back into my retirement. We did a frozen embryo transfer, which we were told has better results. So we were able to get 4 embryos. We transferred one and it took! I'm current 22 weeks with our little girl! And we have three more embryos that can wait up to 25 years to be transferred. And that will be much less money than doing the whole process again. Also, I felt the frozen transfer was better because it gave my body a break to recover from all of the drugs from the retrieval process. I think it gave us a better chance for success. Good luck with your journey!

Answer

Hi Kylie, I can understand your feelings of being overwhelmed. I too have experienced 2 failed IUI's this year. We were told IVF was it for us. We got a 2nd opinion with a new RE with the anticipation of proceeding with IVF, and I'm so glad we did he's much more affordable than our first. The financial stress is intense, but planning has helped. #1We have an extremely tight budget (we follow Dave Ramsey) so that's helped us realize where we can sacrifice for IVF. #2 We do have some money saved up to offset the costs, but not enough to pay for IVF in full. #3 We're having a HUGE yard sale next month to help cover the medications I will need.

Baby dust to you. ♥

Answer

We also only did two IUI before moving on to IVF. We are also completely OOP. 
We borrowed from my husband's 401k, started a GoFundMe, used our tax returns and my bonus, applied for the discount my clinic offers, and got donated meds from some friends who previously went through IVF on a high-stim protocol. We never thought we could come up with it, but here we are, on day 3 of stims! You'd be surprised what you can dig up you have to, and people can surprise you with how generous they can be.

Answer

We tried 4 iui's before trying ivf. I would take your doctor's advice and do ivf. We put our bodies thru a lot doing iui's. It is an expensive process but completely worth it! We financed our ivf. I also suggest saving as well.

Answer

I switched insurance and got covered for most of it but we originally planned to borrow money from my husband's parents for the first round and then borrow or cash the 401k. I am glad we didn't have to do that though. We have had savings but my family unfortunately has hit hard times and a lot of our money this past year ended up going to them.

How did you pay for IVF?

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