Many consumers out there are concerned about the cost of IVF. How much will it cost, will my medical aid pay for it. Truth is that in South Africa, medical aids do not pay for IVF or any other fertility treatment. In fact in most countries this is not covered by fertility treatment. So what are the options?
Sure, so your gynea can keep you on cycles of Clomid, and you may even go through a procedure or two of artificial insemination, but if you need IFV, how long do you wait? There have been stories of specialists not referring patients early enough to fertility clinics, but that’s another story altogether. But once referred, what are the options? What are the costs? How much is a cycle of In Vitro Fertilization?
Well, the costs per cycle will differ, depending on which clinic you go see. There are only 4 or 5 real fertility clinics in SA, which perform the 6000 -7000 cycles per year. The average seems to be around R35000 per cycle, but also depends on amounts of medication required. If a doc quotes you R18000, you should be worried. If he quotes you R50 000, I would ask questions.
But in any event, the cost is significant, and on average, a patient requires 2 or 3 cycles of IVF. Never mind the cost, its an emotional journey, and often patients require emotional assistance also. The practice of having to undergo daily injections and other medicine is taxing. So be prepared.
Many patients in SA use First Health Finance for financing fertility treatment, , as its a more personal service than a normal bank, and FHF understand the process the patient is going through. FHF also has relationships with all clinics in SA. Visit the website and apply online, or call a consultant on 0800212537. Good Luck