IVF Cost in California

In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be a life-changing medical procedure, but it also comes with a hefty price tag—especially in California. Whether you’re exploring IVF for the first time or already knee-deep in fertility treatments, it’s important to understand the full picture of IVF costs in the Golden State. In this guide, we’ll break down everything from the basics of IVF pricing to lesser-known associated costs, including medications, surrogacy, and genetic testing. Let's get into the numbers, the reality, and how to plan for it all.

How Much is IVF in California?

The average cost of a single IVF cycle in California ranges from $12,000 to $18,000, and that’s just the base cost. When you include medications, lab work, consultations, and potential add-ons like embryo freezing or genetic testing, the total can easily reach $20,000–$30,000 or more. And most couples need more than one cycle to achieve a successful pregnancy.

The wide price range is due to several factors: clinic reputation, location, the age and fertility status of the patient, and which services are bundled vs. charged separately. It’s crucial to look beyond the headline price and ask for a full breakdown when shopping for a fertility clinic.

IVF Costs Broken Down

IVF Treatment

Standard IVF treatment includes:
• Initial consultation
• Monitoring (ultrasounds, bloodwork)
• Egg retrieval
• Fertilization
• Embryo culture
• Embryo transfer
Typical cost: $12,000–$15,000 per cycle

Natural IVF Cost

Natural IVF involves no or minimal stimulation drugs, relying on the single egg naturally selected by the body each cycle.
• Fewer medications = lower costs
• Lower risk of complications like OHSS
• Lower success rates per cycle
Estimated cost: $5,000–$7,000

Mini IVF Cost

Mini IVF (also called mild IVF) uses low-dose hormonal stimulation to produce a few high-quality eggs rather than a large quantity.
• Fewer drugs and lower costs
• Less physical strain
• Often recommended for women with diminished ovarian reserve
Estimated cost: $7,000–$10,000

Conventional (Traditional) IVF Cost

Conventional IVF is the most common approach, involving high-dose hormone stimulation to retrieve as many eggs as possible.
Estimated cost: $12,000–$18,000, not including medications

IVF Egg Retrieval Cost

Egg retrieval alone can cost $3,000–$5,000, depending on the anesthesia, lab fees, and facility charges.
• Some clinics charge this separately
• Others bundle it into the full IVF cycle price
• Ask your clinic how they structure this fee

IVF Fertility Medications

Medications are a major cost driver in IVF. These drugs stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• Common meds: Follistim, Gonal-F, Menopur, Lupron
• Medication costs vary based on dosage, brand, and patient response
Estimated cost: $3,000–$6,000 per cycle

Additional Fertility Treatment Costs Associated With IVF

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, often used in cases of male infertility.
• Increases fertilization rates
• Not always included in the base IVF package
Cost: $1,000–$2,500

Gestational Surrogacy Cost

Gestational surrogacy is when another woman carries the pregnancy but is not genetically related to the baby.
Base surrogacy program cost in California: $90,000–$150,000+, including:
• Agency fees
• Legal fees
• Surrogate compensation
• IVF procedures and medications

Preimplantation Genetic Testing and Screening Cost

Genetic testing of embryos before transfer helps reduce the risk of miscarriage and inherited conditions.
• PGT-M (PGD) – single-gene disorders: $4,000–$7,500
• PGT-A (PGS) – aneuploidy screening: $3,500–$6,000
• PGT-SR – structural issues: $4,000–$7,000
For more info, visit CDC and NIH.

Paying for IVF Treatments

IVF Insurance

California does not mandate IVF coverage, but some insurance providers may offer partial fertility benefits.
• Diagnostic testing is more likely to be covered
• IVF and medications often are not
• Always ask for a written list of what's included in your plan
More insurance info is available at CMS.gov.

IVF Financing

Fertility clinics and third-party lenders now offer several financing options:
• Personal loans
• Credit cards with medical promotions
• Clinic payment plans
• Fertility-specific financing programs
• HSA or FSA funds for qualifying IVF-related expenses
More on healthcare accounts: IRS.gov

Conclusion

The cost of IVF in California is nothing short of intimidating—but it’s not insurmountable. By breaking down the full spectrum of potential expenses—from basic treatment to medications, testing, and surrogacy—you can make better-informed decisions and prepare financially for your fertility journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all price tag, but knowledge is your best financial ally.

When considering IVF, choose a clinic that’s transparent about costs, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about every item on your bill. With careful planning, smart financing, and the right support, IVF can be a reality—not just a dream.