The Cost of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in South Africa

A look at the variables that affect the treatment plan; the stages involved in IVF; and the possibility of multiple treatment cycles; will provide a more realistic view of what costs may be involved.

Variables that affect the fertility treatments required

Each patient is unique. The fertility treatments that may be required varies from patient to patient and testing and treatment plan recommendations are based on individual circumstances.

For example, a diagnosis may be relatively easy to make, or may require extensive investigative procedures, and some couples may require a wider range of the services offered by a fertility clinic than others.

This makes the initial consultation with your fertility specialist so crucial – an accurate diagnosis is paramount to subsequent success.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, you and your partner’s first consultation with one of our highly qualified and experienced fertility specialists will entail an extensive review of your medical history, a comprehensive infertility work up and in-depth explanations and answers to all your questions.

During this first appointment, you and your partner will spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour with one of our fertility specialists, who will:

* take a detailed history
* review any previous tests you may have had
* do a physical exam
* examine a broad range of fertility treatment options
* conduct female blood tests
* answer any questions or concerns that you may have
* order additional testing
* evaluate of ovulation and hormonal assessment of egg quality
* assess sperm quality and sperm parameters
* evaluation of uterine health
* develop a personalised fertility treatment plan that fits you best

The cost of an initial consultation is currently R2,920.00 (prices valid until 31 January 2023) and does not include the cost of investigations and tests. However it does include a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound.

Certain investigations and tests will be required, depending on your unique circumstances. For example, blood tests are necessary to measure hormone levels, such as a FSH which will provide an indication of ovarian function, and the measurement of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) which will provide an evaluation of ovarian reserve.

During your initial consultation, further testing may be ordered by your specialist. Below is a brief overview of some of the investigation costs.

Investigation Costs

* Female blood tests: Up to ±R4,936.56 (depending on the tests requested)
* Male blood tests: Up to ±R2,058.48 (depending on the tests requested)
* Semen Analysis: R2081.00
(Prices valid until 31 January 2023)

Similarly, the specific procedures required in terms of your personalised protocol will also depend on your unique, individualised treatment plan.
However, below are some estimated costs for the common procedures.

Procedures

* Intrauterine Insemination / IUI / AI Husband/external donors: R9,431.76
* Husband Sperm Wash: R1,672.00
* Intrauterine Insemination / IUI / AI Medfem Donor: R17,284.75
* IVF/ICSI Treatment: ± R91,672.00
* IVF/ICSI Treatment (Medfem Fertility Clinic):
– ± R108,275.00 (PGT-A: Chromosomal testing excluded)
– ± R123,780.00 (PGT-A: Chromosomal testing included)
(Please note that Next Biosciences Laboratory will do further testing on the embryos and send a separate invoice of ±R4000.00 per embryo).
* Egg Freezing Program: ± R67,834.00
Please contact Medfem Fertility Clinic for additional pricing.
(Prices valid until 31 January 2023)

Medication

There are medications and fertility injections that accompany these processes. The medications required will also vary from patient to patient, as will the cost.

Procedures Involved in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

In addition to the processes already discussed above – such as the consultation and the testing – in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment involves five basic stages. This means that you need to prepare yourself for around one month of treatment including medications, a number of procedures and testing.

Stage 1: Ovarian stimulation and monitoring
Stage 2: Egg (oocyte) retrieval
Stage 3: Fertilisation and Embryo development
Stage 4: Embryo Transfer
Stage 5: Luteal phase support

The process from commencement of ovarian stimulation in Stage 1 up to the embryo transfer in Stage 4 usually takes just under three weeks.

Multiple Treatment Cycles

The success rate of IVF is high, but for the majority of couples multiple treatment cycles may be necessary. For example, women who are in better physical and emotional shape have a better chance of success with IVF.

At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we are proud of our IVF pregnancy rates of around 50 percent, well above the standard success rates in South Africa. However, not every IVF treatment is successful, and women may need to undergo more than one cycle of treatment and, in many cases, several.

Will medical aids cover the cost of IVF treatment?

Fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are not covered by most open medical aids in South Africa. Most medical aids in South Africa also do not cover the cost of the initial appointment. However, there are medical aids that will pay for part of the costs and many that pay for treatment of issues related to infertility, for example surgical procedures for blocked fallopian tubes, the removal of cysts in the womb and endometriosis treatments. There are also certain medical aids that do cover fertility treatments on selected plans, subject to cover limits.

Ask your medical aid to confirm which costs related to the treatments required will be covered.

Is there finance available for the cost of IVF treatment?

Since assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are often not covered by medical aid schemes, patients must pay “out-of-pocket”, which can lead to increased stress as well as long-term financial burdens.

Fortunately, there is finance available for fertility treatment through companies such as Incred Medical Finance.

Do your research

The cost of IVF treatment – like with other medical procedures and treatments – varies considerably between individual specialists and clinics, as each have their own fee structures. Some clinics might create a “package” price for fertility treatments, while others may, for example, not include the cost of IVF medications.

For this reason, it is important to confirm all costs before proceeding with any treatments. Research the services different clinics provide, as well as what is included in standard charges and what separate or additional fees apply. Ask your fertility specialist to explain the costs of different treatment components and whether certain payments need to be made at a specific time, such as pre-payments before treatment begins. A written quote for a clear treatment plan will ensure you have a full view of the cost implications.

Given the costs involved in receiving IVF treatment, be sure you choose the right fertility clinic and the best fertility specialist, to give yourself the best chance for a higher than average success rate. Also, make sure that the clinic you choose is accredited by the Southern African Society for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (Sasreg).

The next step

Once you have made your choice of fertility clinic, the next step is as simple as contacting us. To book an initial consultation, click here or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.

We look forward to meeting you!
At the first consultation, you will meet one of our four specialists, and start to plan your journey to parenthood.