If you are considering infertility treatment, chances are you’ve wondered about the cost. Even though there are a variety of methods to choose from, they all come with a price tag. Since most couples don’t have hundreds-- or thousands-- of dollars readily available, they are interested in ways to help alleviate the financial burden. Even if you have access to comprehensive insurance, it still might not be feasible that it will cover all your expenses.

So what are you and your partner to do? In this article we’ll cover the options available for couples looking to finance their infertility treatment including:

• Your health insurance options
• Cheaper treatments
• Interest-free loans or grants
• Crowdfunding
  

1. Check your health insurance policy

Before considering other options, it’s a great idea to take a second look at your health insurance policy. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered with regards to infertility treatment. If you need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to a company representative. If you already filed a claim and it was rejected, also contact the insurance company and speak with someone or file an appeal. This way your claim will at least get a second look.

If yours or your partner’s insurance is through your workplace, talk to the Human Resources department about opportunities to purchase supplemental insurance. Sometimes treatments and tests not covered under the general policy can be covered with an additional policy.

Most employer-sponsored health insurance comes with a flexible spending account (FSA), and these funds are an easy way to pay for doctor’s visits or other tests not covered under the general policy. Most employers make a contribution to their employees accounts on a yearly or bi-yearly basis, and you can spend all or only part of your limit at any time.

Before jumping into expensive-- and often invasive-- treatment options, see if you health insurance policy covers semen quality testing. Often overlooked, this could be another possible reason you and your partner are experiencing infertility. It is much less expensive than other methods and worth a try.

2. Are there cheaper options?

In addition to semen quality testing, there are other procedures-- such as minimal stimulation-- which uses oral drugs to assist with egg production. It is less expensive than traditional IVF treatment, which can range in the thousands of dollars. This less invasive method won’t produce as many eggs as the IVF treatment, but it is another option to try before.

It may also be worth looking into what clinical trials are available for infertility treatment. If there is a trial that meets your specifications, then that is a great way to get access to treatment without breaking the bank. Trials always have the potential to offer a new treatment for whatever condition is preventing you and your partner from becoming pregnant.

3. Interest-free loans or grants

Loans are never the ideal way to pay for things, but sometimes they are a necessity. Most infertility clinics want their payment up front, which would require you taking out a loan with interest. This maybe not be such a good idea since you’ll not only have to use the loan to pay for treatment but you’re also responsible for the interest. That is a lot of money to spend on something that may not even work for you.

A better option is to look for an interest-free loan or even a credit card with a low or zero interest rate. There are organizations available that offer interest-free loans, but you might have to do a little digging. If you have a relative or close friend who can loan you the money instead, that is another alternative to taking a loan out at the bank.

Believe it or not, there are some clinics and organizations that offer grants to couples undergoing infertility treatment. This option may be worth investigating further, and it certainly can’t hurt to fill out their application.

4. Crowdfunding

The rise of crowdfunding with sites like GoFundMe  have helped many people pay for necessary medical treatment they could not afford otherwise. If you think this a viable option, try it out. You will have to broadcast your very personal situation to the world, but as long as you and your partner are ok with that, go for it. Make sure to read the fine print, however, and know what kind of contract you’re signing with the funding platform.

If you’re interested in alleviating some of the financial burden imposed by infertility treatment, be sure to check some of these options out. Maybe not all of them can help your personal situation, but perhaps one or two can. Try to research these as much as possible, and then you’ll feel ready to make an informed decision.