How much does IVF cost?

There are three main types of costs for your fertility treatment:

• Pre-treatment expenses
• IVF cycle costs
• Advanced science costs

1. Pre-treatment expenses

Your first appointment and initial tests

Before you see your Hunter IVF fertility specialist for the first time, make sure you have a valid referral on behalf of both partners from your GP or Obstetrician.

You need to have a valid referral at all times during your treatment with us to be eligible for Medicare rebates and the safety net.

• GP referrals typically last 12 months or they can be marked ‘indefinite’
• Specialist referrals are only valid for three months so you will need to update it

During your first appointment, your specialist will assess your medical history and determine an appropriate treatment plan. Further investigations, such as blood tests, semen analysis or ultrasound tests, may be required.

If your fertility specialist recommends fertility treatment you will be asked to read and sign consent forms  and the timing of your treatment will be arranged including:

• counselling appointment for both partners, to help you consider any issues that may arise in your upcoming treatment.
• a new patient orientation session with a nurse who explains the IVF cycle (with any specific treatment your doctor has ordered for you), teaches you injections techniques and discusses your medications.
• an administration session to explain the costs associated with your treatment, payment plan options, estimated Medicare rebates, and the role of private health care insurance.

2. IVF treatment cycle costs

The following costs are estimates only, as your out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on your individual circumstances. Private health insurance rebates may reduce your out-of-pocket costs further.

These figures are an example of the Medicare rebate and out-of-pocket costs for a couple who have already reached the Medicare Safety Net threshold in the calendar year in which they are undertaking fertility treatment, and who have private health insurance.

Click here to view Hunter IVF's Treatment Cycle Costs...

The quoted treatment cycle costs cover all aspects of treatment, including specialist/nursing consultations, ultrasound scans, blood tests, standard laboratory scientific techniques, ongoing supportive counselling (while on treatment), embryo transfer procedure, pregnancy test and early pregnancy care support.

There are some costs not covered by the above, including:

Medication - Some IVF medications are not covered by Medicare; allow up to $450 for medication for each treatment cycle, although it could be significantly less.

Day surgery fees - Such as hospital bed fees and anaesthetist costs. If you have private health insurance check with your health fund to see if they cover some or all of these. Quote item numbers 13212 and 13215 for day patient procedures as an IVF patient.

If you don’t have private insurance, your day surgery fees will vary depending on the private hospital and the anaesthetist. A Medicare rebate will apply to anaesthetist’s charges.

3. Advanced science costs

If your treatment involves advanced diagnostics or analysis, there are additional costs. These procedures are carried out in our own state-of-the-art laboratories: