Intended Parents

How Much Does Embryo Donation Cost?


Embryo donation can be an effective path for growing a family, especially if other fertility treatments haven’t been successful.

If you’re concerned about the cost of IVF for surrogacy, know that embryo donation can be a low-cost alternative.

If you want to learn how donor embryos may factor into the overall cost of surrogacy, fill out our form now.

From clinic fees to legal costs, here’s what you need to know about budgeting for the cost of embryo donation.

How Much Does Embryo Donation Cost?

The average cost of embryo donation varies widely, ranging from $4,000 to $15,000. Here’s a breakdown of expenses you might encounter during the process:

  • Embryo Transfer Procedure

    The actual transfer of the embryo into the intended mother’s uterus is typically around $2,500 to $4,000.

  • Donor Screening and Matching

    Depending on the clinic or bank, screening fees can range from $500 to $2,000. Matching services may also have a separate cost, averaging around $1,000 to $3,000.

  • Legal and Counseling Fees

     Legal fees for contracts and rights transfer generally cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Counseling fees may be around $500 to $1,500, depending on the provider.

  • Storage and Transport

    If the embryos are frozen or need to be shipped to your clinic, storage and transport can add $500 to $1,500.

    For those planning to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donated embryos, the overall cost may increase to between $10,000 and $20,000, including additional fertility services and medications.

    Learn more about surrogacy costs here.

    What Influences Embryo Donation Costs?

    The costs involved with embryo donation can be influenced by several factors:

    • Clinic or Bank Fees

       Clinics and banks vary in their pricing for services such as storage, matching, and counseling. Researching and comparing fees at different facilities can be a good way to manage costs.

    • Location

      Costs for embryo donation and related treatments vary by location. Major cities may have higher costs due to demand and specialized services, while some clinics in less populated areas may offer more competitive prices.

    • Insurance Coverage

      In some cases, insurance plans might cover parts of the embryo transfer process. While it’s not common, check with your provider to see if they offer coverage for embryo donation or any associated treatments.

      Is Embryo Donation Tax Deductible?

      Generally, many embryo donation-related expenses, such as medical procedures and legal fees, can qualify as deductible medical expenses if they are paid out-of-pocket and exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

      You may want to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific deductions available in your case.

      Affordable or Free Embryo Donation Options

      Finding an affordable embryo donation can seem challenging, but some organizations and programs offer financial assistance:

      Certain nonprofits provide grants to help with the embryo donation cost. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

      Some fertility clinics offer reduced fees for specific services like embryo transfer or storage, especially if you’re open to donated embryos that were not used by other families.

      NEDC offers programs with options for affordable embryo donation, including opportunities to connect with embryos that were previously created through IVF.

      For anyone who may be struggling with the frozen embryo donation cost, contacting organizations dedicated to fertility assistance can help you find the best resources.

      Embryo Donation as a Path to Parenthood

      From the costs of transfer and legal fees to finding affordable options, planning for embryo donation requires budgeting and researching which path may be right for you. Take the time to explore clinics, research financial assistance options and talk to a financial advisor about potential tax benefits.

      Considering surrogacy or other family-building options? Reach out to a professional today for guidance as you decide on the path that best suits your family goals.

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