For hopeful parents who are struggling to conceive, the costs of pursuing fertility treatment can often seem insurmountable. Though assisted reproductive technology (ART) makes it possible for many people experiencing infertility to become parents, the emotional and financial stakes are high. 

The Cost of Infertility 

If you’re considering fertility treatment for the first time, it’s important to understand the financial hurdles you may be facing. However, there are ways to manage or lower the costs so you can move forward on your path to becoming a parent. In this article, we’ll explore some of the financial options available to intended parents pursuing ART and how we at Alto can help. 

If You Have Health Insurance, Start There

Unfortunately, not all insurance plans cover fertility treatments. As you dig into your plan’s details, you may find that some options are covered with contingencies, while others are not covered at all. It’s best to contact your insurance provider for an in-depth explanation of your fertility coverage. 

Be prepared to ask questions about whether your plan covers diagnostic testing, medications, treatments, and consultations. Ask if there is a cap on coverage or a waiting period required to try certain treatments. You want to walk away with a comprehensive understanding of what your out-of-pocket costs might be.

Several states have enacted legislation that requires insurance providers to cover infertility treatments. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine maintains this online database with information by state.

Consider Fertility Financing

Many fertility clinics now offer no- or low-interest financing. As you seek out the clinic that’s right for you, inquire about what cost-assistance services are available. It’s perfectly reasonable to seek out a clinic that makes you feel confident and fits your budget.

There are also companies that provide personal loans specifically for fertility treatments, with flexible monthly payment options. At Alto, we’ve worked with companies like Lending Club, CapExMD and Origin Finance to help our customers get the fertility medications they need. (Great news: the Origin application fee is waived for Alto customers!)

Most companies allow you to apply online and some even provide budgeting tools on their websites so you can get an idea of what your monthly payments might be. 

Apply for Grants

There are grants available through government programs, nonprofits, and private companies that can help cover fertility treatment costs. Many are designed to benefit intended parents who demonstrate financial need while others were created to support specific groups, such as veterans or the LGBTQ+ community. There are even some that will award money to those willing to share their infertility story. 

These grants won’t usually cover all of your costs, but they can provide a significant boost. CoFertility keeps a database of fertility grants and other funding opportunities, as does RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. 

Save on Your Fertility Medications

Fertility medications can represent a significant portion of your total treatment costs. At Alto, we’ll always advocate for you to ensure you get the lowest possible prices on your medications. We’ll run a thorough insurance benefits investigation and if your insurer requests a prior authorization, we can support your doctor's office through the PA process, as allowed by your insurance plan. Plus, we’ll remind you to collect any available manufacturer rebates with a monthly email.

If you’re uninsured, we can help you apply for income-based assistance programs like the Compassionate Care Program offered by EMD Serono. Even if you are still in the planning stages of your fertility journey, the earlier you can apply to the program, the better. Ideally, you will want to have approval before your fertility prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy. 

We accept ACH (direct) payments and offer a one percent discount for anyone who prefers this option over using their credit card. And don’t forget—with Alto, delivery of your medications is always completely free.

With mail-order pharmacies, you usually have to order your fertility medications all at once to ensure your precisely timed doses don’t get hung up in the mail. Because it’s difficult to predict exactly how much medication you will need, you often end up ordering excess. Not only will these leftovers add to your out-of-pockets costs, but you’ll also end up with wasted medication that you'll have to dispose of when you're done with treatment.

When you fill your prescriptions with Alto, we’ll hand-deliver your medications from our local fulfillment centers. That means we can deliver your medications every few days, avoiding overorders and minimizing how much you spend. 

Finally, we know that your time is the most valuable resource you have, so we’re focused on giving as much back to you as we can. Send us a simple message through the Alto app when you have a question, and keep all your medication information—plus expert advice—at your fingertips using our mobile app. You can also schedule refills and track your shipments from our pharmacy to your doorstep in real time. If you suddenly need to add a day of injections, there’s no need to stress or go running to the pharmacy. We’ll handle the details and coordinate delivery to your doorstep. 

If you’re interested in learning more, you can request a price quote online. Our care team and fertility specialists would be happy to answer your questions about navigating fertility medications. We know that the start of your ART journey can feel full of uncertainty, but we’re here to do whatever we can to make the process easier and more affordable. 

For more on choosing the right fertility pharmacy for your journey, read, “What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy.”

Creating Your Treatment Roadmap

While it’s not always possible to predict the course of your fertility treatment, it can be helpful to set goals and parameters. Is there a maximum number of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles you’re willing or able to try? Are there other options you’d like to pursue first, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI)? What are the scenarios where you might try using donors or a gestational carrier, or consider fostering or adoption?

Once you have an idea of your budget, coverage options, and potential out-of-pocket costs, create a roadmap that outlines your treatment goals in relation to your financial, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Remember—dealing with infertility issues can take an emotional toll, especially if some options feel out of reach financially. Know that you are not alone, and there is a community of other hopeful parents you can lean on. Support groups like RESOLVE and The Fertility Tribe offer virtual meetups and online community groups. It’s also essential to lean on loved ones for emotional support during this time. The journey you’re taking isn’t easy, but you certainly won’t be walking it alone. 

Would you like to learn more about how Alto can help you manage your fertility treatment costs? Visit alto.com/fertility or give us a call at 1-800-874-5881. Our team is available 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends. We’re ready to be your partner through it all, from your first cycle to your last.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.