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Frozen Embryo Storage Costs [Insights for IVF and Surrogacy]

KEY POINTS:

Embryo storage plays a key role in preserving your ability to build a family at the right time.

Embryo storage solutions are flexible depending on your fertility journey. Maybe you’re storing embryos after achieving a successful pregnancy because you’d like multiple kids.

Perhaps you created embryos so you could still have children after undergoing cancer treatment. Everyone’s path to parenthood is different, and embryo storage allows you to progress at your own pace.

In this article, we’ll explore the cost of storing frozen embryos, key factors that impact pricing and how insurance may cover these costs. We’ll also walk through how embryos are preserved and how long they can remain viable.

If you need help connecting with a fertility clinic or want more details about surrogacy, fill out our online form. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

How Much Does It Cost to Store Frozen Embryos?

The cost of storing frozen embryos varies between embryo banks and cryopreservation facilities. Typically, you can expect to pay between $350 and $1,500 per year.

Several factors can influence the total cost of storage for frozen embryos:

Some facilities charge on a per-embryo basis, which means your costs can increase if you store a larger number of embryos. If you’re planning to store several embryos, you may want to ask facilities about their pricing structures.

At many facilities, the storage cost will increase over time.  Some long-term contracts may come with frozen embryo storage cost savings. For example, Extend Fertility offers a 20% discount for five-year storage plans and a 30% discount for ten-year plans. Signing up for a longer period upfront can help you save money if you’re not ready to use your embryos right away.

Smaller, local storage facilities may have higher prices compared to large national providers because they offer more convenient access. Be sure to weigh location versus cost when choosing a facility.

Some storage facilities include shipping or other logistical services with their fees, while others charge extra for transportation. If you need to transfer embryos between facilities or to your fertility clinic, it’s important to plan for potential shipping costs.

Wondering what comes next after you have frozen embryos? Learn more about the frozen embryo timeline today.

Does Insurance Cover Embryo Storage?

Insurance may cover the cost of storing frozen embryos, but it depends on your policy, state laws and personal circumstances. Some insurance providers consider storage part of fertility treatment, while others consider it an elective service. If your plan covers fertility treatments, it’s worth checking whether storage is included.

As of 2024, 18 states have legislation around fertility preservation coverage. For example, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Rhode Island mandate that insurance companies cover embryo storage for individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. Before paying frozen embryo storage costs out of pocket, review your policy and state laws to understand your coverage options.

How Are Embryos Preserved?

Embryo storage uses a process called vitrification, where embryos are frozen at an extremely fast rate to prevent ice crystals from forming. This rapid freezing technique protects the embryos from damage, giving them the best chance of remaining viable once thawed.

After vitrification, embryos are sealed inside small straws or tubes and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. These tanks maintain temperatures below -196°C, ensuring the embryos stay frozen until they are ready to be used.

Although embryos take up very little physical space, storage facilities monitor them closely to maintain the proper conditions. Staff members routinely check tank temperatures and storage systems to ensure the embryos remain viable. This monitoring is a critical part of what you’re paying for with the cost to store frozen embryos.

How Long Can Frozen Embryos Be Stored?

Embryos can remain frozen indefinitely. In 2022, twins were born from embryos that had been frozen for 30 years. However, some facilities may place limits on how long they store embryos, so it’s important to ask your storage provider about any time restrictions.

That said, most couples and individuals don’t plan to store their embryos indefinitely. Frozen embryo storage costs can add up over time, and prices can increase due to inflation and advances in technology. As storage facilities pay more for liquid nitrogen and upgrade their equipment, they may increase the cost to store frozen embryos to offset expenses.

What Happens When You’re Ready to Take the Next Step?

When you’re ready to move forward, your embryos can be safely shipped to your fertility clinic to prepare for transfer. If gestational surrogacy is part of your journey and you already have embryos, the next step will be to find the right surrogate. Typically, the matching process takes an average of one to six months.

View available surrogacy situations.

If you’re in the process of creating embryos for surrogacy, you can contact us to learn how you can prepare for your next steps while you wait.

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