Paying for Fertility Preservation

Some cancers and cancer treatments affect fertility (the ability to bear children). This is particularly true for individuals with cancer caused by an inherited genetic mutation because they are more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier age before family building has been completed.

National guidelines recommend that young people diagnosed with cancer explore fertility preservation before starting treatment. Patients and their oncologists are encouraged to discuss family-building preferences, plans for having children and options for fertility preservation before any treatment or surgery.

Private Insurance

There is no federal mandate for insurers to cover fertility preservation, which is not typically covered by insurance. However, several states have passed fertility preservation coverage laws. The insurers covered and eligibility criteria vary by state. Some states only cover fertility preservation (sperm or egg retrieval), while others cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility services. Deductibles, coinsurance and copays apply.

Religious employers may request an exclusion if coverage conflicts with their beliefs and practices. Even in states where coverage is not required, some self-insured employer health plans offer coverage for fertility preservation. It is important to check with your insurer to determine whether you have coverage, and if so, for what procedures.

If you do not have insurance coverage for fertility services, you should ask about discounts or grants. Many clinics provide significant cost reductions for patients who need fertility preservation procedures. Some hospitals, as well as adolescent and young adult (AYA) programs, have charitable funds available to help offset the costs of sperm banking and other preservation procedures.

Medicare and Medicaid

Although infertility may be caused by cancer treatment or surgery, federal law does not require health insurers to cover fertility preservation or related treatments. Several states have fertility preservation coverage laws; some apply to individuals with Medicaid.

If you do not have insurance coverage for fertility preservation, you should ask about discounts or grants. Many clinics significantly reduce costs for patients who need fertility preservation and related procedures. In addition, some hospitals, as well as adolescent and young adult (AYA) programs, have charitable funds available to help offset the costs of sperm banking and other fertility preservation procedures.