In artificial insemination, the sperm of either the patient's partner or a donor is injected into the cervix (in which case the procedure is called intracervical insemination, or ICI) or the uterus (in which case it is called intrauterine insemination or IUI) at the time of ovulation.
Because it is less expensive than in vitro fertilization (IVF), it often is tried first, unless the female has blocked fallopian tubes that do not allow an egg to pass normally, in which case IVF could be required.
Typical costs:
Artificial insemination typically costs between $300 and $500 per attempt. The typical success rate is 10 to 20 percent, so five to ten attempts could be required. However, success can vary widely by individual, age and cause of infertility; some patients never achieve a pregnancy through artificial insemination.
Although it is common for insurers to have exclusions for fertility treatments, some insurance plans cover artificial insemination. Some states mandate insurance coverage of infertility treatment, with some restrictions. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine lists states that require coverage. In most states that mandate coverage, the law applies to group insurance plans of companies with 25 or more employees; individual plans are less likely to cover infertility treatments. On FertileThoughts.com, patients share their experiences with various health insurance companies and plans.
FertilityLifeLines.com, run by an affiliate of Merck Serono, offers advice on navigating insurance benefits and a toll-free phone number 1-866-LETS-TRY, that offers help figuring out what your plan covers. The American fertility Association has a list of questions to ask your insurer.
For patients covered by insurance, it is common to pay out-of-pocket costs of copays from $10 to $30 for each visit. Some plans only cover a percentage of the cost of treatment -- usually 50 to 80 percent.
What should be included:
The clinic will strictly control the timing of artificial insemination -- either by instructing the patient to use an at-home ovulation test kit or by using fertility drugs that induce ovulation.
The artificial insemination procedure typically includes collecting the sperm from the patient's partner, washing the sperm, and injecting the sperm into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter.
Additional costs:
Before performing artificial insemination, some clinics require testing that shows that the patient's fallopian tubes are not blocked. This can cost several hundred dollars.
Before insemination, the male partner or donor sperm need to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
Sperm washing, which is always necessary for IUI, can cost about $100. IUI is the more commonly used type of artificial insemination, because it has a higher success rate than placing sperm in the cervix.
Ultrasounds, which are almost always used to monitor progress, cost up to $300 each.
If fertility drugs are used, they can cost less than $100, or up to several thousand dollars, depending on the medication and the dosage.
Shopping for artificial insemination:
The doctor you choose should be a reproductive endocrinologist, meaning they are board-certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and have had at least two to three years additional training in reproductive endocrinology.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
we had 4 eggs get fertilized and made it to blast stage ,they would only do 2 cause of health risk to my wife.they did not take.that was 16000 dollars there and they cut us a break on the second attempt and done the last 2 for 1400 plus meds.that one took the numbers were good but she lost it 3 1/2 weeks into it we found out at the first sonogram.it broke my heart.it also broke her heart and she does not want to do it again.we spent all are money on that one.and will be paying on it for the next 3 years.
My husband and I decided to try artificial insemination after he became sterile from an accident in the military. I am happy to say that IT WORKED!!!! I am currently expecting twins this december!!!
I am single over 40 and really wanted a child. I looked into adoption and Artificial Insemination, and decided on A.I. In April 2009 went for it, January 2010 had a healthy baby girl.
Planning on getting artificially inseminated in 2 years
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Tanesha in San Francisco, CA.
Posted: June 29th, 2011 10:06AM
With or Without Insurance: Without
Insurer::
I am turning 30 tomorrow and I seriously looking in to artificially inseminated by my 32nd birthday. I have read alot of different things, and honestly, it's a lot to take in and consider. Regardless, I'm really excited about doing this, and I am praying that I am successful at it.