Although, Infertility is not a fatal medical condition, it brings lots of emotional trauma and distress. India has seen a remarkable rise in infertility cases in couples with prevalence of primary infertility being 16.8%. It may arise due to a plethora of factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, age-related problems or some genetic issues as well.
To treat the problem of infertility and help the couple conceive, IVF specialists perform various types of assisted reproductive technology (ART), one of them being In-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The average cost of IVF treatment in India ranges between INR 2,50,000 and INR 4,00,000 for Indian patients. For international patients, the cost ranges between USD 4200 and USD 6500. This cost includes evaluation tests, doctor’s fees, medical consumables, and a hospital stay for 1-2 days.
In recent times, the demand of IVF in India has surged with more than 2,00,000 IVF procedures being performed annually.
The capacity to conceive and deliver a baby is referred to as fertility. Due to some genetic defects or physical issues, some couples are unable to conceive. In medical terms, when a couple is unable to give birth despite trying for a year without contraceptives, it can be referred to as infertility.
This problem may arise in any of the couples, both male and female, and is usually associated with improper functioning of reproductive organs.
Failure to conceive and inability to become parents can be frustrating. In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) provides a solution to this problem and is suggested for patients who can’t conceive naturally.
In-vitro refers to something happening outside the body. During IVF, sperm and ovum are retrieved from both the male and female, respectively. After this, they are allowed to fertilise under laboratory conditions. IVF involves controlled ovarian stimulation, monitored egg retrieval and then embryo transfer.
Since 1978, when IVF was first introduced in India successfully, various advances have been made in this technique to bring the best outcome for each patient and provide comprehensive care to them. Based on the approach, IVF treatments are of the following types:
Based on the specific fertility diagnosis, medical history, and individual circumstances of the couple, the IVF procedure is decided and implemented which affects total IVF cost in India. Each procedure focuses on achieving a healthy pregnancy while addressing fertility issues.
Being aware of the cost factors affecting IVF procedures helps the couple avoid financial strain or unexpected expenses. It allows them to plan ahead, explore cost-saving strategies, and manage the risk of financial instability resulting from medical bills or healthcare expenses. Some of the factors which significantly affect the cost of IVF treatment in India are as follows:
The decision for couples to consider an IVF procedure is typically made when the natural conception method is difficult or impossible due to infertility issues affecting one or both partners. Advances in technology have led to the generation of various techniques to make this procedure successful. Doctors decide on the appropriate method based on the patient’s requirements, which impact the IVF price in India.
| Type of Procedure | INR (Min-Max) | USD (Min-Max) |
|---|---|---|
| IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) | 1,50,000-2,00,000 | 3500-4000 |
| IVF with Donor Eggs | 2,60,000-3,20,000 | 5500-6000 |
| IVF with Donor Sperm | 2,90,000 | 5000 |
| IVF with Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) | 23,800 | 400 |
When IVF procedure is performed, it is important to ensure that women produce viable eggs at specific times to ensure successful pregnancy. Some drugs are also administered to regulate and induce ovulation. Based on the individual needs, some patients may have to consider some hormonal medication which triggers the number of eggs to be produced during each cycle. These medications may impact the cost of IVF treatment in India.
In recent times, freezing techniques have been utilised to minimise the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Freezing embryos also help preserve future fertility. Though some IVF laboratories provide discounts and packages if storage has to be done for a longer duration, it may incur additional costs to the IVF treatment procedure.
Before starting the IVF procedure, the IVF specialists perform various screening tests to evaluate the reproductive health status of both male and female. Afterwards, the morphological structure and efficiency of male and female reproductive gametes are examined and plan the IVF procedure. After the procedure.
IVF is a profound experience that brings hope and uncertainty throughout the journey. Once the IVF procedure is over, it is crucial to take extra care. IVF procedure is not successful until the female delivers a healthy baby. To ensure the IVF procedure is effective, some care has to be taken by the couples which are as follows:
Considering that IVF is not a medical necessity, most of the health insurance plans in India don’t cover IVF treatment procedures. However, some maternity insurance plans may cover the procedure of IVF with some additional cost, since it covers all the expenses related to childbirth up to a specific period. Hence, some other insurance policies provide partial coverage for IVF treatment.
Thus, before proceeding with treatment, it is essential to ensure whether your policy covers IVF.
Once your doctor has recommended IVF, it’s essential to check the policy’s eligibility criteria. Understanding the coverage areas and limitations associated with the policy you’re considering is a key step in being prepared for the potential costs of IVF treatment.
If there are any discrepancies, you may need to cover the cost of IVF treatment yourself.