Having a child isn’t always an easy road for many couples. In India and in the world at large, IVF or In Vitro Fertilization has emerged as a ray of hope for couples suffering from infertility. But hope can also be expensive — and it’s important to know about the financial side of IVF before you begin the process.
Here, in this blog, we break down the cost of IVF; what is included, what you pay extra for, if insurance will cover it, and how you can financially prepare to afford it. But if you are about to start your journey into IVF: This one’s for you.
What Is IVF and Why Is It So Expensive?
IVF is a very technical fertility treatment in which the female partner’s eggs are extracted, fertilized in the laboratory with the male’s sperm, and later placed in the uterus. It requires hormone shots, frequent checkups, tests and medical expertise.
The cost of IVF reflects:
- The technology used
- Expertise of the fertility clinic
- Medication and injections
- Methods Lab procedures (fertilization, embryo culture, transfer)
- Diagnostic tests and scans
- Cryopreservation or embryo freezing (optional)
IVF is not a one-and-done; it is, itself, a multi-step process that takes between three to six weeks per cycle. That’s why there is such a range in cost: It all depends on your specific case and the treatment plan.
General Breakdown of the IVF costs in India
IVF is relatively cheaper in India as compared to western countries. But affordable doesn’t mean cheap.
The cost of one IVF cycle is approximately between ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs. Here is an overview of potential costs:
| IVF Component | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Consultation and Diagnostic Tests | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Ovarian Stimulation Medication | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Egg Retrieval and Fertilization | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Embryo Transfer | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Cryopreservation (Optional) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
| ICSI (if required) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Additional Charges (Anesthesia, Lab) | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
Note: These costs vary depending on the city, clinic reputation, and whether advanced procedures like ICSI, PGD/PGS, donor eggs, or surrogacy are involved.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
Yes, sometimes there are. Some clinics have what they call a base IVF package, and they tack on costs for additional procedures. Watch out for:
- Follow-up consultations
- Long term freezing of the embryo longer than a few months
- Additional hormone shots if response is sluggish
- More repetitions if the first is unsuccessful
- Newer methods (such as laser hatching or embryo glue)
Always request a comprehensive cost sheet from your clinic so there are no surprises.
Is IVF Covered by Insurance in India?
This is a popular and crucial question — and the answer is: sort of.
At present, IVF is generally not included in most health insurance policies in India as value addition to standard plans. However, things are changing:
New Insurance Plans:
Some insurance companies now also offer fertility-specific insurance riders or add-ons which offer partial coverage toward IVF, IUI, or fertility medications.
Maternity Covers:
Some maternity plans do offer for infertility diagnosis and consultation but very few also cover for complete treatment.
Employee Benefits:
A few of the corporate health plans (primarily in MNCs and startups) have started reimbursing for IVF under the wellness benefit policy.
And if you’re considering IVF, you may want to consult with your insurer and employer about any such provisions.
How to prepare financially for IVF?
Because IVF success rate per cycle is approximately 30–50%, couples may have to undergo multiple cycles. Hence, financial planning is crucial:
- Establish a separate IVF savings fund
- Inquire at your clinic about EMI options or zero-interest loans
- Compare packages — What’s included vs. an add-on-based package
- Check if you are eligible for government schemes or CSR funds
- Select a centre with clear pricing and good success rate
Are There Low-Cost or Government Funded IVF Programs?
Yes, there are some government and semi-government hospitals such as AIIMS and ESI that provide low-cost IVF treatment at means-tested prices. But waiting lists are lengthy, and few people qualify.
This led to the popularization of private IVF treatment centers, such as SCI IVF Hospital who currently offers reasonable, and clear-cut IVF packages that strives to serve fertility care to all.
Selecting an IVF Clinic – One that is Worth the Investment?
IVF is not necessarily a cost issue — it’s a value issue, a care issue, an expertise issue. When choosing a clinic, ask these questions to them:
- What’s your IVF success rate per age group?
- How many cycles have you been through?
- Do you have an easy to understand process and pricing transparency?
- What services do you provide during treatment — emotional, medical, financial?
IVF Cost vs Emotional Investment
In addition to the financial price tag, IVF can be emotionally draining. Failed cycles, hormone side effects, and the pressure of outcome can be heavy to bear. For some couples, financial stress can affect their mental health.
That’s why, our expert says, it’s key to plan not just financially, but also mentally — consult with a counselor, follow the news and lean on your support system.
Smart Ways to Save on IVF Costs
Planning for IVF? Here are some ideas for making things a little easier:
- Look for Clinics Carefully: Have consultations with several fertility centers and compare their packages, success rates, and the value they offer.
- See if Insurance Covers: Contact your insurance company to verify if any of your fertility workup, medications, and treatments are covered.
- Check the EMI or Financing Schemes: Several IVF centers provide zero interest EMI options or easy payable schemes- Take it up in advance.
- Find financial aid: A few government programs, NGOs, and trusts would offer grants or subsidies for the fertility treatment.
- Calculate Travel & Stay: If the clinic is situated in another city, then do not forget to calculate for travel, stay and follow up visit costs to your budget.
When you know in advance about all the possible expenses and payment plans and IVF insurance support agencies that can be offered to you, you can better come to estimate what your IVF process is possibly going to entail.
Through cautious financial planning, you will be ready emotionally and financially of such a big step towards motherhood.
Conclusion: IVF Is Affordable — with the Right Partner
IVF can seem daunting from a financial perspective, but with good planning and guidance, it can be navigated wisely. We realize that the path to parenthood is an emotional, private venture — and it shouldn’t be postponed for financial reasons.
At SCI IVF Hospital, our all-inclusive IVF packages priced between ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs, are flexible, transparent, and easy on your pocket to choose from among what suits you the best. With experienced fertility doctors, trained embryologists and laboratory staff, we offer not only expertise, but caring support and affordable pricing when it comes to fertility.
Because your dream of becoming a parent deserves more than a chance — it deserves the right chance, and the right team.