What is the Average Infertility Treatment Cost in India?

On average, infertility treatment can cost between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh per cycle. However, the final cost may be higher or lower based on your medical condition and treatment plan. Besides, the cost of treating infertility tends to be higher in Tier 1 cities than in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

When it comes to IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), the cost per cycle ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹2.5 lakh. While a basic IVF cycle would range between ₹70,000 and ₹1 lakh, an advanced form of IVF that includes techniques like ICSI, frozen embryo, or donor egg would cost between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh. On the other hand, the average cost of an IUI in India ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹35,000 per cycle.

Below is a tabular representation of the estimated cost range for various infertility treatments:

City Category Estimated Treatment Cost
Tier 1 ₹1 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh or more
Tier 2 ₹1.25 lakh to ₹2.80 lakh or more
Tier 3 Cities and Smaller Towns ₹80,000 to ₹2.20 lakh or more

Disclaimer: The figures above are indicative estimates only. Actual treatment costs may differ.

Cost Breakdown of Infertility Treatments in India

The overall cost of infertility treatment in India is dependent upon the nature of treatment recommended, medications, and whether there are any other procedures that need to be conducted. While many centres offer packages for all services, some charge separately for consultations, medications, laboratory procedures, and advanced fertility techniques.

Check out the infertility treatment cost breakdown in the table below:

Treatment Component Estimated Cost
Stimulation medications (if charged separately) ₹60,000 - ₹1.2 lakh
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) ₹30,000 - ₹50,000
Embryo freezing ₹25,000 - ₹40,000
Annual embryo storage ₹10,000 - ₹20,000
PGT-A genetic testing ₹50,000 - ₹1.5 lakh
Laser-assisted hatching ₹15,000 - ₹25,000
Donor eggs ₹70,000 - ₹1.5 lakh
Donor sperm ₹30,000 - ₹60,000
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle ₹50,000 - ₹90,000
Blastocyst Culture ₹10,000 - ₹25,000

Disclaimer: The above costs are approximate and may vary depending on the city, fertility clinic, doctor's expertise, treatment plan, medicines prescribed, and any additional procedures required.

Before beginning infertility treatment, doctors usually recommend a few diagnostic tests to understand the cause of infertility and plan the most suitable treatment.

On average, pre-IVF diagnostic investigations can cost approximately ₹10,000 to ₹35,000, depending on the tests required and the fertility centre. Moreover, IVF injections in India cost between ₹2,500 to ₹70,000 per cycle.

Infertility Treatment Cost by Stage

Infertility treatment is carried out in several stages, with each step serving a specific purpose in the journey towards pregnancy. Understanding the costs at each stage can help you estimate your treatment expenses and better plan your finances. 

The following table shows the estimated cost for different stages of infertility treatment: 

Treatment Stage Estimated Cost
Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Tests ₹15,000 - ₹30,000 or more
Stage 2: Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring ₹50,000 - ₹90,000 or more
Stage 3: Egg Retrieval and Fertilisation ₹90,000 - ₹1.4 lakh or more
Stage 4: Embryo Transfer and Follow-up ₹30,000 - ₹50,000 or more

Disclaimer: The costs mentioned above are indicative and may differ in reality.

Factors that Affect Infertility Treatment Cost

The cost of infertility treatment varies from person to person. Knowing what influences the overall cost can help you prepare financially and make informed decisions during your treatment. Some of the factors affecting infertility treatment costs are:

  1. Type of Fertility Treatment Required The recommended treatment by your infertility specialist is a big factor affecting your overall cost. While basic treatments such as ovulation induction are less costly, more advanced treatments like IVF, ICSI, and donor assistance procedures require specialised lab work and result in high costs.

  2. Fertility Medications Infertility injections and drugs are a significant part of the infertility treatment cost. The total cost will depend on how much of the drug you need to take, the duration of treatment, and whether Indian or imported drugs are used. Besides, some clinics include medicines in their package, while others charge for them separately.

  3. Age and Medical Condition of the Couple Age is a crucial factor when it comes to infertility treatment. Young women who have low ovarian reserve or a couple having complicated infertility problems require higher doses of drugs or advanced treatment, which can increase the overall cost.

  4. Number of Treatment Cycles Needed Conception does not occur in the first treatment cycle for all couples. In cases where pregnancy does not happen, further IVF or IUI cycles might be recommended. Because each treatment cycle requires consultations, medications, and procedures, the treatment cost will rise accordingly.

  5. Additional Fertility Procedures Based on the problem, the patient might need other fertility procedures to be done, including ICSI, embryo freezing, frozen embryo transfer (FET), laser-assisted hatching, genetic testing (PGT-A), or the use of donor eggs or donor sperm. All these procedures are billed separately and have a significant effect on the cost of treatment.

  6. Choice of Hospital or Fertility Centre There is a variation in the cost of treatment at different fertility centres depending on the infrastructure, laboratories, technology, and expertise of the fertility specialist at the facility. Premium fertility centres generally charge more than smaller clinics, especially in metropolitan cities.

Does Health Insurance Cover Infertility Treatment?

Yes. Several health insurance plans in India cover the cost of infertility treatment. It pays for assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, medications and consultations, depending on the terms and conditions of the policy. In fact, a few maternity insurance plans may also cover infertility treatments, but it is not a standard feature across all policies. Moreover, a cap on the number of cycles may apply along with a waiting period of up to 3 years. 

How to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Infertility Treatment Expenses?

Infertility treatment can place a significant financial burden on couples, especially when multiple treatment cycles or advanced procedures are required. While it may not always be possible to avoid these expenses entirely, careful planning can help reduce the overall cost. Some of these ways include:

  1. Compare Fertility Clinics Before Starting Treatment Fees incurred at the clinic may differ substantially from one facility to another. Comparing consultation fees, packages, success rates, and other expenses may assist in finding a clinic that is both affordable and reputable.

  2. Understand Package Inclusions Some clinics may offer you a package covering all consultations, procedures, and laboratory fees, while others charge these expenses separately. Requesting a price estimate prior to going through with the procedure can help you avoid any surprises.

  3. Check Your Health Insurance Coverage Some health insurance plans cover infertility treatments, including specific procedures or diagnostic tests. Therefore, it is recommended to check your policy terms and conditions to see whether you have any coverage for infertility treatment and the extent of coverage.

  4. Explore Government Health Schemes and Public Hospitals Some government hospitals and medical institutions will give consultations and diagnostic procedures concerning your fertility issues at reduced prices. Depending on your eligibility and location, government healthcare programs can be beneficial in reducing the cost of your treatment.

  5. Avoid Unnecessary Add-on Procedures Advanced procedures, such as embryo freezing, genetic testing (PGT-A), laser-assisted hatching, or donor services, may not be necessary for every patient. Discussing the necessity of these add-on procedures with your fertility specialist can save you money.

  6. Go for Cashless Treatment If your mediclaim policy covers infertility treatments, check whether the fertility centre is part of your insurer's network. Doing so will allow you to avail cashless treatment, reducing the need to pay the entire amount upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q1. What is the cost of two cycles of IVF?

    Ans: Two cycles of IVF would cost between ₹1.6 lakh and ₹5 lakh in India, based on the clinic, drugs, and additional procedures required. The cost may also be higher due to certain techniques used.
  • Q2. Is IVF 100% successful?

    Ans: No, IVF does not guarantee pregnancy. There are many variables like the age of the woman, quality of egg and sperm, reason for infertility, etc., that decide the success of the treatment.
  • Q3. At what age is IVF most successful?

    Ans: Younger women, especially those under 35 years of age, have the highest chances of success in IVF treatments because egg quality and ovarian reserve are usually better at younger ages. The success rate decreases after 35 years of age.
  • Q4. Is an IVF pregnancy high risk?

    Ans: IVF pregnancy can be relatively a bit riskier than normal pregnancies, as many IVF patients tend to be older women with medical problems. Yet, with regular prenatal check-ups and monitoring, many IVF pregnancies end up being healthy and deliver healthy babies.
  • Q5. What is the cheapest infertility treatment available in India?

    Ans: Ovulation induction using fertility drugs is generally the most affordable treatment for infertility. If necessary, IUI is generally less expensive than IVF, with costs ranging between ₹10,000 and ₹35,000 per cycle.
  • Q6. Can infertility be treated without IVF?

    Ans: Yes, there are other treatment options available apart from IVF that can help a couple conceive, depending upon the reasons for their infertility problems.
  • Q7. How long does one IVF cycle take?

    Ans: One IVF cycle usually lasts for 4 to 6 weeks, which includes all the steps from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer and pregnancy testing.
  • Q8. Can lifestyle changes improve fertility?

    Ans: Yes, maintaining a healthy body, having a good nutritional intake, doing exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and addressing any illnesses you may have can improve fertility.
  • References

    • https://www.pfcla.com/blog/ivf-timeline-how-long-is-the-ivf-process-from-start-to-finish

    • https://www.indianmedguru.com/blog/infertility-treatment-cost-in-india-budget-friendly-estimates/

    • https://drnaliniguptaivf.com/ivf-cost-in-india/