What is an IVF loan?
IVF loans are personal loans for individuals or couples pursuing fertility treatment. These loans help cover expenses related to in vitro fertilization, which can be a costly endeavor.
Like most other personal loans, IVF loans are unsecured. The amount for which you can qualify will depend on your credit score, income and outstanding debts, among other things.
Costs of IVF: $17,800-$21,000
A single cycle of IVF treatment typically ranges from $12,000 to $14,000, according to Bob Huff, chief technology officer for Imagine Fertility in San Antonio. But that’s not including medicines and other related costs. Huff also said most should plan to pay for at least two cycles.
Success rates vary by age and other factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 24% of the 284,385 assisted reproductive technology cycles (the main type is IVF) performed in 2017 resulted in live births. Clinic costs can vary as well, said Claire Tomkins, CEO and founder of Future Family.
When considering loans for IVF, you should look at the various costs of financing the treatment.
You also need to consider possible additional costs, such as genetic testing fees. Tomkins said testing can cost an extra $5,000 to $7,000.
Can you get an IVF loan with bad credit?
IVF financing is available to people with low credit scores, but interest rates and other charges will likely be very high.
Consider alternatives before taking out a high-interest loan for IVF treatment. You might:
- Borrow money from a relative or friend
- Use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA)
- Use a credit card if your interest rate is lower than what you’re being offered via an IVF loan (though you need to use an abundance of caution if you go this route)
- Apply for a grant or other program to help cover the cost.
Grants and IVF programs
Both Huff and Tomkins say it’s worth checking into various grants and funding programs if you know you’ll need help affording IVF. Grants and IVF programs are often based on financial need, notes Huff. But since each program has its own guidelines, there is no set limit on how much you can earn and still get help.
Firms may even consider your total financial picture before approving you for aid. If you’re applying for an IVF grant but just financed a new car, for example, Huff says you might not be approved for help, even if your income is low.
Before you consider borrowing money for IVF, it’s worth considering the grants and aid that is available. Here are some of the most popular grants and programs you may want to apply for:
The Footsteps for Fertility Foundation, which hosts fundraisers across the country, has awarded 166 grants since 2012. To qualify, you must:
- Meet the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology’s definition of infertility
- Complete an application and pay the associated fee ($65 for the application and event registration)
- Comply with all terms and conditions
- Attend a local event
The foundation’s grants are typically $5,000, but they could be less depending on the treatment you’re seeking. The 5K Race Grants are awarded by random selection, though the foundation sometimes provides grants outside of these events.
The Los Angeles-based Baby Quest Foundation issues grants to women and couples who can’t conceive naturally and who are in good health with the ability to financially support a child, among other criteria.
You’ll need to submit a personal story with your application and a $50 nonrefundable fee by the deadline to be considered. If you’re selected, you may also be required to pay for a background check.
The foundation typically offers grants twice a year, but the amount offered varies.
Cincinnati-based Parental Hope, which is led by those personally impacted by infertility, offers IVF grants to cover the cost of a standard cycle of treatment.
You’ll need to submit a video essay and a $60 nonrefundable application fee, along with proof of income and other information.
Your application will be reviewed by Parental Hope’s board of directors.
The Kevin J. Lederer Life Foundation, which is based in Chicago, provides financial assistance grants of up to $10,000 to cover eligible expenses associated with fertility treatment.
The foundation also provides donated services for uninsured patients to undergo an IVF cycle through one of its partner practices, as well as oncofertility grants for women who need emergency IVF treatment before undergoing cancer treatment.
To be eligible, you must live in one of the following states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Wisconsin
You must also have an annual household income of less than $150,000.
The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation’s Family Building Grant provides up to $10,000 for fertility treatment costs. Applications are reviewed twice a year.
To be eligible, you need to be a U.S. citizen and have an infertility diagnosis. There is a $50 nonrefundable fee to complete an application.
The Owings Mills, Md.-based organization has funded treatments for 106 families.
FAQ: IVF loans
If you can afford the monthly payment offered by a lender and you want to start a family, getting an IVF loan might be worth it to you. But keep in mind that the treatment may not be successful, so you should be prepared to stop or have the ability to borrow more for another cycle.
The offers highlighted above range from 5.99% to 35.99%, but interest rates vary based on your credit score, income and outstanding debt.
Yes, but some lenders will charge prepayment penalties. If you expect your income to rise significantly before the loan term ends, you should choose a lender that will let you pay early.
Look for a credit card with a solid 0% introductory APR. If you think you’ll be able to pay back the cost of IVF treatment relatively quickly, this could be a great option for you.