One of several challenges families face when undergoing fertility treatment is the significant financial undertaking and related money concerns. We help you understand and budget for the costs involved.
According to the World Health Organization, about one in every six people of reproductive age worldwide experiences infertility in their lifetime. Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Fertility treatment fees in South Africa vary, depending on the type and complexity of the procedures, says Sarah Nicholson, operations manager at JustMoney.co.za, a platform that helps South Africans make good money choices.
According to Dr Lizle Oosthuizen, a specialist in reproductive medicine at Cape Fertility, costs for each aspect of treatment vary according to the medication used, the duration of the cycle, the use of egg or sperm donors, and additional procedures, such as genetic testing, that may be required.
Further pricing disparity occurs with differences in location. An initial consultation and scan at Cape Fertility, for example, costs R2 560 and a sperm test costs R900.
The fertility treatments and associated costs below are a guideline only and do not indicate precisely what a patient may pay, says Dr Joanne Pottow, a board member of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG). Prices will vary depending on individual circumstances and provider rates.
Find out more about early intervention for infertility.
ovulation induction medications
These can cost between R500 and R2 500 per cycle.
intrauterine insemination
This involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus close to the fallopian tubes to increase the chances of conceiving and costs can range from R4 000 to R8 000 per cycle.
in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
During conventional IVF treatment, the woman’s eggs are collected and fertilised by mixing the eggs ‘in vitro’ (in glass) in a laboratory with tens of thousands of washed sperm. The embryo is then implanted in the uterus. This is not a once-off medical procedure, but a series of procedures taking place over several weeks. A single IVF cycle can cost around R70 000, excluding medication. IVF medications can add R10 000 to R20 000 per cycle.
Read our article on IVF for infertility.
additional procedures
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where one sperm is injected directly into an egg using a micromanipulation microscope, can cost an extra R5 000 to R10 000.
- Using donor eggs can increase costs by R20 000 to R40 000.
- sperm donation costs range from R5 000 to R10 000.
- Using a surrogate can cost at least R200 000, including legal fees and compensation for the surrogate.
medical aid
Several South African medical aids offer some level of infertility treatment cover although the specifics can vary significantly among plans. Check with your medical aid scheme what it covers – the extent of coverage and any associated conditions or limits.
state services
There is no service for infertility at primary healthcare institutions in South Africa. However, help is available at some tertiary institutions, such as Tygerberg and Groote Schuur hospitals in the Western Cape. These offer extensive investigations and treatment in their respective Infertility programmes.
A referral from a local primary healthcare facility or private healthcare provider is required. The costs will depend on the specific treatment and the individual’s situation.
budgeting for fertility treatment
Given the high costs associated with some fertility treatments, careful financial planning is essential, advises Nicholson. Here are some tips to help you plan and budget for your fertility journey.
obtain a professional opinion
Seek help as soon as you become concerned about your fertility. Choose a reputable clinic for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Some problems, such as hormonal issues, can be detected and addressed easily.
investigate your employee benefits
Some employers – generally larger companies and multinationals – offer fertility treatment benefits as part of their staff healthcare packages.
assess your financial situation
Evaluate your financial status, including income, monthly expenses and savings. Determine how much you can realistically allocate towards fertility treatments without compromising your essential needs.
create a dedicated fertility fund
Open a savings account specifically for fertility treatment costs. Set up automatic transfers from your main account to ensure consistent savings.
explore clinic options
Compare prices at various clinics to find the most cost-effective options without compromising quality. Some clinics allow you to pay off treatment costs over time.
plan for the long term
Be prepared for the possibility of needing multiple treatment cycles and factor in costs such as travel, accommodation and time off work.
Embarking on a fertility journey can be emotionally and financially taxing, and it requires careful planning, says Nicholson. Choosing a reputable clinic, understanding all the recommended procedures and costs, and budgeting carefully can help you navigate this challenging path.
Infertility treatment requires not just medical expertise, but also emotional resilience and financial preparedness. Thoughtful preparation and support are essential for making informed decisions and achieving your dream of parenthood.
