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Thinking about freezing your eggs? It's becoming a pretty popular option for women who want to hit pause on their biological clock. Egg freezing gives you more time to figure things out — whether it's focusing on your career, finding the perfect partner, or feeling ready to become a parent.
But let's be real, it’s not cheap! So, whether you’re just starting or already on your journey, we’ll break down the costs to help you figure out how to make it work without breaking the bank.
How much does egg freezing cost?
On average, a single cycle of egg freezing can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000. This may or may not include the cost of medications, monitoring, anesthesia during the egg retrieval procedure, and the first year of storage — depending on your clinic. Many women also opt for multiple cycles to increase their chances of success, which can multiply these costs.
Paying a fee to store your frozen eggs is like renting a tiny, high-tech apartment for your potential future children. Costs for egg storage typically range from $500 to $1,000 annually. And you’ll continue paying as long as you keep your eggs on ice, which could be several years, depending on your life plans.
Timing is everything
So, when should you take the plunge and freeze your eggs? While some might say, "as soon as you can afford it," the decision isn't always an easy one.
"The timing of egg freezing is complex and often depends on factors such as a person's age, reproductive goals, ovarian reserve, and financial situation," explains Dr. Jacquelyn Shaw of NYU Langone Fertility Center in New York. "The substantial upfront cost of an egg freezing cycle can be a significant barrier, often causing patients to delay the procedure until later ages, at which point outcomes may become more variable."
On the other hand, patients opting to freeze their eggs at a younger age have to weigh the ongoing annual storage fees against the likelihood of actually needing their preserved eggs in the future.
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Whatever you decide, it's important to know that the younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the better quality your eggs are likely to be. This means you may need fewer cycles to retrieve a good number of healthy eggs, which could save you some serious cash in the long run.
Preserving your fertility earlier also gives you more breathing room to save up for fertility treatments you might need down the road. If you opt to use your frozen eggs in the future, you'll need to factor in the costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which can add another $15,000 to $20,000 to your total fertility bill.
Budgeting tips
If you're looking to freeze your eggs in the near (or even long) term, here are some money-smart tips to keep in mind:
Start saving early. Even if you're not ready to freeze your eggs right now, putting some money in a dedicated savings account can help you prepare for the future. Set up a recurring transfer to your savings account each month, so you're stashing away cash without even thinking about it.
Explore your financing options. Fertility clinics understand that egg freezing can be a big expense, so many offer payment plans or team up with lenders who specialize in medical loans. This can definitely make those upfront costs a bit easier to swallow. But make sure you read the fine print carefully. Interest rates and loan terms can vary, so do your homework and compare options before signing on the dotted line.
Check your insurance. Most insurance plans don't cover elective egg freezing, but there are some exceptions. It's worth taking a peek at your policy or chatting with your HR department to see what’s covered. Some companies are one step ahead and have started offering egg freezing as part of their benefits package, so it’s definitely worth looking into.
Don’t forget about grants and scholarships! Some organizations offer grants to help cover the costs of fertility treatments, including egg freezing. Just a heads up — these grants can be super competitive.
Consider your career plan. If you're expecting a big raise or a promotion soon, it might make sense to hold off on egg freezing until you've got a bit more financial wiggle room. Just remember that egg quality is key — so weigh those potential future earnings against the biological perks of freezing your eggs sooner rather than later.
It’s not all about money
Choosing when to freeze your eggs isn't solely about the money. Your own life goals — whether it's being in a relationship, advancing in your career, or prioritizing your overall health — should all factor into your decision.
It's also worth noting that egg freezing isn’t a guaranteed path to parenthood. Success rates can look different for everyone, depending on factors like how old you were when you froze your eggs and how many were retrieved. It's always a good idea to chat with a fertility specialist to get the full lowdown on your chances of success. They can provide the personalized info you need to make the best decision for you.
Egg freezing and your future
As you map out your future financial goals, think about where egg freezing fits into the bigger picture. If it's something you're seriously considering, start by checking out fertility clinics near you and booking a consultation. Many patients find their first visit is covered by insurance, which is a great time to chat about your options and get a personalized cost estimate.
Remember: there's no magic, "perfect" time to freeze your eggs. The best time is whenever it feels right for you. By thinking about egg freezing as part of your overall financial plan, you're taking control of your future and your fertility.
And don't be afraid to ask for advice. Talk to a financial advisor, a fertility specialist, or your friends and family. Making choices about your reproductive health is a big deal, but having a sound support system and a solid financial plan can make the whole journey way easier and more empowering.
Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. You can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends when she's not writing. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.