Choosing to start or grow your family through in vitro fertilization is a major step in any fertility journey. It’s a process filled with equal parts hope, emotion, and complexity, not to mention the financial considerations involved. Understanding the cost of IVF, the various IVF procedures, and how factors like insurance coverage and fertility treatment costs impact your decisions is essential for any hopeful parent navigating this path.
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we understand the many emotions and decisions you’re managing. Whether you’re a couple facing repeated IVF failures, a single parent planning a journey with donor sperm, or an LGBTQ+ couple using egg donation, this guide is designed to walk you through the overall IVF cost landscape in California in 2025, with clarity and compassion.
What Is IVF Treatment and How Does It Work?
IVF treatment, or in vitro fertilization, is one of the most advanced and widely used forms of fertility services today. It is often recommended for individuals experiencing conditions such as low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, poor sperm motility, or blocked uterus and fallopian tubes, among many others. It’s also used by those with certain genetic diseases or specific genetic disorders they don’t wish to pass to their children.
Understanding the IVF Process
The IVF process includes multiple steps that span several weeks:
- Ovarian stimulation: Fertility drugs, such as clomiphene citrate, are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle. This step increases egg production and improves the chances of success.
- Blood tests and ultrasounds: These monitor hormone levels and track follicle development.
- Egg retrieval: A surgical procedure performed under sedation to collect mature eggs.
- Fertilization: Eggs are combined with sperm in a lab using conventional IVF or techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), particularly when male factor infertility (like poor sperm motility) is involved.
- Embryo development: Embryos are cultured for several days, during which preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be done to screen for birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Embryo transfer: A selected embryo is implanted into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Some families opt for natural IVF, which uses a woman’s natural cycle without heavy hormone use. While natural IVF typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 per cycle, it’s important to note that fewer eggs may be retrieved and success rates are often lower than traditional IVF.
IVF in California: What Is the Estimated Cost?
Base Price of IVF
The cost of IVF in California can vary depending on location, clinic reputation, and patient needs. On average, the estimated cost for one IVF cycle is $12,000 to $25,000. This base price does not include IVF medications, testing, or advanced techniques such as PGT or ICSI.
Associated Costs of IVF Procedures
Here’s a breakdown of associated costs beyond the base procedure:
- IVF medications: $3,800–$6,000 per cycle
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): $1,000–$2,500
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): $3,000–$4,500 + biopsy fees
- Frozen embryo transfer (FET): $4,950+
- Blood tests, ultrasounds, and monitoring: $500–$3,000
- Anesthesia and lab fees: Vary by clinic and region
These fertility treatment costs can drive the overall cost of IVF per cycle well above $30,000, especially when combined with optional add-ons like egg freezing, genetic testing, or repeat attempts.
Cumulative Costs Over Multiple Cycles
It’s important to understand that multiple cycles are often required to achieve a successful pregnancy. Most intended parents undergo at least two or three IVF cycles, pushing the total cost to $40,000–$70,000 or more depending on individual factors.
Mini IVF and Natural IVF: Cost-Saving Alternatives
Some families opt for alternatives to traditional IVF to reduce fertility treatment costs. Mini IVF involves lower doses of medications, minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a rare but serious side effect. Natural IVF follows the body’s rhythm without intense stimulation, making it less invasive and often more affordable.
While natural IVF typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000, success rates may be lower, and fewer embryos are produced. These methods may be more suitable for younger women or those with religious or health concerns related to hormone use.
Insurance Coverage for IVF in California (2025)
SB 729: A Game-Changer for Fertility Patients
In 2025, California passed Senate Bill 729, significantly improving insurance coverage for IVF and other fertility services. Under this law:
- Large-group insurance carriers (101+ employees) are required to cover IVF and other infertility treatments
- Small-group policies must offer at least one plan that includes IVF benefits
- Coverage applies regardless of sexual orientation or marital status
Working With Your Insurance Provider
Not all plans are equal. It’s essential to verify coverage directly with your insurance company or insurance provider. Ask about:
- Specific procedures covered
- Limits on multiple cycles
- Pre-authorization or diagnosis requirements
- Exclusions for donor eggs, egg donation, or surrogacy-related IVF
Limitations and Gaps
While SB 729 expands access, it doesn’t guarantee full coverage. Some plans exclude donor sperm, egg freezing, or embryo transfer when used in surrogacy. Review all documents carefully and consult with your HR department to avoid surprise expenses.
IVF and Gestational Surrogacy: When IVF Is Only the First Step
IVF as Part of a Surrogacy Journey
When a surrogate will carry the pregnancy, the IVF procedures remain the same, but with additional logistical and legal steps. Embryos are created using your or donor eggs and transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. This is often the best route for intended parents who cannot carry a child due to health risks or repeated IVF failure.
Surrogacy Costs and IVF
When IVF is combined with surrogacy, the overall IVF cost increases significantly due to:
- Surrogate screening and compensation
- Legal contracts
- Agency coordination
- Travel and medical insurance for the surrogate
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we help families manage these surrogacy costs while ensuring a high level of care and ethical standards. Visit our page on surrogate compensation for more details.
Fertility Clinics and Financing Options
Choosing the Right Fertility Clinics
There are many fertility clinics across California, each with different pricing models, lab technologies, and success rates. When selecting a provider, consider:
- Live birth success rates
- Access to in-house genetic testing
- Transparency in associated costs
- Clinic’s approach to stimulating egg production
- How they handle repeated IVF failures
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we work with reputable clinics that align with our standards of care and compassion.
Flexible Financing Options for IVF
If you’re concerned about affording IVF, you’re not alone. Many families explore financing options, including:
- Fertility loans (LendingClub, Future Family, CapexMD)
- Clinic-based payment plans
- Fertility assistance grants (IVF grants) from nonprofits
- HSA/FSA accounts for qualified medical expenses
These flexible financing options can help break down large fertility treatment costs into manageable monthly payments, giving families a realistic path forward.
Why Understanding IVF Costs Matters in Your Fertility Journey
Planning ahead for the financial, emotional, and physical demands of IVF is a crucial part of any successful fertility journey. When armed with the right information and support, families can make choices that align with their values and circumstances.
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we believe in full transparency, compassionate care, and helping every family feel empowered. Whether you’re just starting or you’re exploring surrogacy after repeated IVF failures, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Frequently Asked How Much is IVF in California Questions
How Much Does IVF Cost In California
The cost of IVF in California typically ranges from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle, not including medications and optional procedures like genetic testing or embryo freezing. When factoring in all associated costs, the total cost per cycle can exceed $30,000, and many intended parents require multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy.
Is IVF Covered By Insurance In California?
As of July 1, 2025, many large-group insurance plans in California are required to cover IVF and other fertility treatments under Senate Bill 729. However, coverage varies depending on your insurance provider, plan type, and specific eligibility criteria, so it’s essential to review your policy and confirm benefits directly with your insurance company.
How Many Cycles Of IVF To Get Pregnant?
Most intended parents require 2 to 3 cycles of IVF to achieve a successful pregnancy, though some may conceive on the first attempt while others may need more. Success depends on factors like age, embryo quality, sperm health, and any underlying fertility issues. Your fertility specialist can help estimate your chances based on your unique medical profile.
Conclusion
The cost of IVF in California is a major consideration, but with proper planning, support, and guidance, it becomes one step closer to making your dreams a reality. Whether you’re considering conventional IVF, natural IVF, or surrogacy, understanding the full picture, from total cost to financing options, empowers you to take control of your family-building future.
If you’re ready to take the next step or just need compassionate support, we invite you to reach out. At Made in the USA Surrogacy, your dream is our mission.
Contact us today to learn more about IVF, surrogacy, and how we can support your growing family.
