Highlights
- Specialist day procedures include egg retrieval, egg freezing and ovulation induction.
- Getting private health cover will depend on your budget, but it is advantageous.
- Once you’ve reached your Medicare Safety Net threshold, you’ll start getting higher Medicare benefits.
"The overall cost of IVF in Australia varies depending on clinics (whether they're bulk-billed or private) and state. The rough estimate is between $8,500-$10,000. The estimate is based on bulk-billing clinics here in Sydney for people who carry a Medicare card. Without Medicare, total cost would be around $13,000-$14,000."
GP Angelica Logarta-Scott breaks down the costs you need to consider should you decide to go through IVF.
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Specialist day procedures
Specialist day procedures are outside the cycle itself. These include egg retrieval, ovulation induction and egg freezing. They are private procedures and have separate fees.
"Let's say your base price is $8,500, your out-of-pocket costs could be anywhere between $2,400-$3,500. Specialist day procedures are included in the out-of-pocket costs, but medications are not."
Typically these are the costs of the following specialist day procedures:
Ovulation induction - $250
Embryo transfer - $350
Freezing facility fee - $300
Ongoing freezing - $600
Egg collection, day surgery and anaesthetist - $1500-$2000
Should I get private health cover?
Private health cover has its pros and cons, but will heavily depend on your budget.
"It certainly is advantageous. Depending on your plan, specialist day procedures and consultation fees are covered; so sometimes, my patients would choose top tier coverages including maternity cover in case they get pregnant and deliver.
"The con of private health cover though is the waiting period; but from what I gather, it's generally worth getting."
Medicare safety net thresholds
Angelica shares that she advises to take note of your Medicare safety net threshold.
"With both bulk billing and private, the assumption is that the patient has already reached the threshold; but if the patient has not, out-of-pocket costs will be a bit more, maybe $1000 more.
When the threshold is reached, what is covered is the intrauterine insemination cycle which costs $1,246, $700 of which is the out-of-pocket cost for the patient.
"Other specialist day procedures previously mentioned are not rebatable because they are private fees."
Preparation
Before undergoing IVF, Angelica advises to prepare yourself in every way.
"Make sure you are prepared not only financially but mentally and emotionally. Make sure you have plenty of support around you.
"Remember that going through IVF is a rollercoaster ride. It will take you through a lot of emotions - excitement, frustration, doubt. It needs a lot of patience. Sometimes it doesnt take just one cycle. It may take several cycles before it becomes successful."
