So you’re thinking about how much does it cost to freeze your eggs—and honestly, it’s a smart question to ask before diving into fertility preservation. The reality? Egg freezing isn’t cheap, but understanding the full breakdown helps you make an informed decision about your reproductive future.
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Initial Consultation Costs
Before you commit to the full egg freezing cycle, you’ll start with consultations. Most fertility clinics charge between $200–$500 for an initial appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist. Some clinics waive this fee if you move forward with treatment, while others don’t. Think of it as your entry fee to understanding what you’re actually looking at financially.
During this visit, you’ll get bloodwork done (around $300–$800) to check your hormone levels and ovarian reserve. This helps determine how many eggs you might produce and what dosage of medication you’ll need. It’s not optional—it’s essential intel for your fertility journey.
Stimulation & Medication Expenses
Here’s where the costs climb fast. Ovarian stimulation medications typically run $3,000–$7,000 per cycle. These injectable hormones (FSH, LH, GnRH agonists or antagonists) are the backbone of egg freezing. You’ll be injecting yourself daily for 10–14 days, and the pharmaceutical companies aren’t exactly offering bulk discounts.
The exact cost depends on your body’s response and which medications your doctor prescribes. Some women need lower doses; others require higher amounts. Generic versions can save you 20–30%, but they’re not always available. Pro tip: call around to different pharmacies—prices vary wildly, sometimes by hundreds of dollars for the same medication.
You’ll also need trigger shots (hCG or GnRH agonist) to finalize egg maturation before retrieval, adding another $300–$500 to the tab.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
The actual egg retrieval surgery is a significant chunk of your bill: $8,000–$15,000. This is an outpatient procedure done under sedation where a needle guided by ultrasound removes eggs directly from your ovaries. It takes about 15–20 minutes, but the facility fees, anesthesia, and surgical supplies add up fast.
You’ll need pre-operative bloodwork and screening ($300–$600), and post-operative monitoring is included in most quotes. Some clinics bundle this into a cycle package; others itemize it separately. Always ask for an itemized estimate upfront—no surprises.
Freezing & Storage Fees
Once your eggs are retrieved, they need to be frozen and stored—indefinitely, if that’s your plan. Freezing itself costs $500–$2,500 per cycle (a one-time fee). Then comes annual storage: expect $300–$1,200 per year depending on the clinic and how many eggs you’re storing.
Do the math: if you freeze eggs at 32 and use them at 40, you’re looking at $2,400–$9,600 in storage alone. Some clinics offer multi-year payment plans to make this less painful. Others have prepayment discounts if you pay 5–10 years upfront.
Hidden Costs That Add Up
Nobody likes surprises on their bill, but egg freezing is full of them. Ultrasound monitoring during stimulation might be $100–$200 per scan (you’ll have 3–5). Lab work beyond initial screening adds $200–$500. Genetic testing (PGT-A) if you want to screen embryos later: $500–$2,000 per batch.
Travel costs matter if you’re not local to a clinic. Fertility tourism is real—some people travel for better pricing or specific expertise. Factor in flights, hotels, and time off work. Medications forgotten at home? Overnight shipping isn’t cheap. Parking at the clinic for multiple visits? It adds up.
There’s also the psychological support angle. Therapy or counseling during the process (highly recommended) might not be covered by insurance and could run $100–$300 per session.
Insurance Coverage Options
Here’s the frustrating part: most insurance plans don’t cover egg freezing for non-medical reasons (like social egg freezing). However, if you’re freezing eggs due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions, coverage is more likely. Some states mandate fertility coverage, which can include egg freezing.
A handful of employers (mostly tech companies) now offer egg freezing as a benefit, covering $10,000–$20,000 of costs. Check your employee benefits handbook. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you might be able to use pre-tax dollars for some fertility expenses.
Some clinics offer shared risk or refund programs where you pay upfront for multiple cycles with a money-back guarantee if you don’t get a certain number of eggs. These can save 15–25% if you’re confident in your ovarian reserve.
Financing & Payment Plans
Most clinics offer payment plans breaking costs into monthly installments with little to no interest. Some partner with third-party lenders offering 0% financing for 12–24 months. Apps like Affirm or Klarna work with some fertility centers too.
Fertility-specific loans and grants exist. Organizations like the Freeze Foundation and Progyny offer financial assistance to eligible candidates. Some clinics have in-house financing with rates around 8–12% APR.
Credit cards with introductory 0% APR periods can work if you’re disciplined about paying before interest kicks in. Just don’t let this become high-interest debt—it defeats the purpose of planning ahead.
Comparing Clinic Prices
Prices vary dramatically between clinics and regions. A full egg freezing cycle in New York City might cost $18,000–$25,000, while the same procedure in a smaller market could be $12,000–$18,000. Don’t assume higher price = better quality. Some of the best outcomes come from mid-range clinics with excellent track records.
When comparing, look at success rates (SART data is public), number of eggs retrieved per cycle, and patient reviews. Ask about package deals—many clinics offer “egg freezing bundles” that include consultation, medication, retrieval, and freezing at a discounted rate.
Get quotes in writing from at least three clinics. Include everything: medications, facility fees, anesthesia, freezing, and first-year storage. Don’t compare apples to oranges—make sure each quote covers the same services.
Long-Term Financial Planning
Egg freezing is just the beginning. If you use those eggs later through IVF, you’re looking at another $12,000–$20,000 for the transfer cycle, medications, and embryo transfer. Genetic testing, if desired, adds another $500–$2,000.
Build a realistic timeline and budget. If you’re freezing at 30 and planning to use them at 35, factor in 5 years of storage. If it’s 10 years, that’s $3,000–$12,000 in storage alone. Some women freeze multiple times to increase their egg bank, multiplying costs.
Consider your “Plan B.” If egg freezing doesn’t work out as planned, are you prepared emotionally and financially? Having a backup plan—whether that’s adoption, donor eggs, or childlessness—helps you approach this with realistic expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the total average cost for one egg freezing cycle?
The average total cost for a single egg freezing cycle in the US ranges from $10,000–$20,000, including consultation, medications, retrieval, and freezing. Some clinics bundle services for $12,000–$18,000 all-in. Location, clinic reputation, and individual factors (like medication dosage) affect the final bill.
Does insurance ever cover egg freezing?
Coverage is rare for social egg freezing but more common if you’re freezing due to cancer treatment or medical conditions. A few states mandate fertility coverage, and some employers offer it as a benefit. Always check your specific policy—don’t assume coverage without asking.
How much does storage cost per year?
Annual egg storage typically costs $300–$1,200 depending on the clinic and number of eggs. Some clinics charge a flat rate; others charge per egg. Ask about multi-year prepayment discounts—paying for 5–10 years upfront can save 20–30%.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for egg freezing?
HSA funds can cover egg freezing and related fertility expenses (medications, procedures). FSA coverage is more limited and varies by plan. Check your plan documents or call your benefits administrator. Receipts and documentation are required for reimbursement.
What if I don’t get enough eggs?
This is a real concern. If retrieval yields fewer eggs than expected, some clinics offer refund programs or discounted repeat cycles. Others don’t. This is why “shared risk” programs exist—you pay more upfront but get money back if outcomes don’t meet specific thresholds. Always ask about this before committing.
Are there cheaper alternatives to freezing eggs?
Egg donation is sometimes cheaper upfront (though ethically complex), but you lose genetic connection. Freezing sperm (if you have a partner) is $1,000–$3,000 total. Freezing embryos (if you’re doing IVF anyway) is similar cost to egg freezing. For detailed comparisons, consult a reproductive endocrinologist or visit resources like FamilyHandyman.com for general life planning or ThisOldHouse.com for budget management strategies.
What happens to frozen eggs if I don’t use them?
You decide. Options include using them later, donating them to research or other couples, or allowing the clinic to discard them. Some clinics charge a “disposition fee” ($100–$500) if you choose to discard. Plan ahead and document your wishes in writing.
