Many fertility clinics offer package plans or “guarantee” programs that allow patients to bundle the cost of multiple treatment cycles at a discounted per-cycle rate.
When patients purchase a package, they are essentially paying for several cycles and embryo transfers up front, often at a lower total cost than if they paid for each treatment individually.
However, unused cycles are not refunded, meaning if success comes early, part of the investment may go unused.
Because many patients need more than one cycle to achieve pregnancy, these programs can be valuable. Yet, many still end up paying for services they never use. For instance, a FertilityIQ survey found that two-thirds of patients succeed on their first egg retrieval, and over half succeed on their first embryo transfer from that retrieval.
Below are examples of how bundles can differ, assuming an average retrieval and lab cost of $15,000 and $3,000 per transfer.
Cost: $20,000 for one retrieval and unlimited transfers.
If the patient becomes pregnant after the first transfer, they effectively overpay by $2,000, since the retrieval plus one transfer would typically cost $18,000.
However, if three transfers are needed, the patient saves $4,000, as that same number of services would otherwise total $24,000 ($15,000 + $9,000).
(Note: these examples simplify additional costs like monitoring, anesthesia, or lab add-ons, which are generally included in retrieval fees.)
Cost: $25,000 for two retrievals and two transfers, which would normally cost $36,000.
If success occurs during the first transfer of the first retrieval, the patient overpays by $7,000 ($25,000 – $18,000).
If a second retrieval and transfer are needed, they save $11,000 ($36,000 – $25,000).
Cost: $35,000 for three retrievals and three transfers, normally worth $54,000.
If success comes early (first transfer of first retrieval), the patient overpays by $17,000 ($35,000 – $18,000).
If all three cycles are used, they save $19,000 ($54,000 – $35,000).
This program mirrors the 3-cycle bundle but includes a refund guarantee—if the patient doesn’t achieve a live birth after three cycles, they receive their entire program cost back.
In essence, the patient receives up to $54,000 worth of treatment at no cost if they’re unsuccessful. This structure compensates patients for the most disappointing outcome (no baby) with the greatest financial protection, which makes refund programs appealing despite their high initial price.
Because package and refund programs often include complex fine print, it’s crucial to ask the right questions before committing.
Although bundles are advertised widely, not all patients qualify. Clinics often limit access to younger patients with lower BMI, no history of miscarriage, normal lab results, and no prior treatment failures.
Ironically, the people who would benefit most financially may be excluded.
If a clinic denies participation, it may indicate concern about the patient’s prognosis. Conversely, being accepted into a program may reflect the clinic’s confidence in your likelihood of success early on.
Eligibility for further treatment ends when “success” is achieved. However, definitions vary. While most patients define success as bringing home a baby, some programs define it as a positive pregnancy test or reaching the first trimester.
Since 10–30% of IVF pregnancies don’t result in live births, it’s important to understand what the clinic considers a “successful outcome.”
Most bundle programs only cover half of the total treatment costs. Add-ons like medications, ICSI (used in 80% of IVF cycles and costing $3,000–$5,000), and PGT testing are usually not included.
Therefore, patients often pay more out of pocket than the advertised price. Asking your clinic to include more add-ons in the package can provide better overall value.
Bundles typically have an expiration period, often around one year. If you take time off or postpone treatment, you could lose eligibility for unused cycles.
Since it’s common for patients to pause between rounds to recover emotionally or financially, it’s wise to negotiate a longer usage window for added flexibility.
Our job is to listen, to connect the dots between your needs, and to determine how we can best help you have your baby. If you’re asking how much does it cost for a surrogate, we’ll walk you through every step of the process to ensure there are no surprises.
To make an appointment with one of our counselors or physicians, please call (212) 661-7673 or email info@surrogacy4all.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
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