IVF Costs in California

IVF in California can cost $15,000–$30,000 for a single cycle before medications. With medications, genetic testing, embryo freezing and storage, total costs can reach $25,000–$45,000+.

What you pay can vary considerably depending on your clinic, treatment needs and where you receive care in California. For intended parents considering surrogacy, these embryo creation expenses should also be planned separately from future surrogacy costs.

Fill out our contact form to discuss your IVF and surrogacy plans and get guidance on preparing for the next stage of your journey.

IVF Costs in California Breakdown

The base price of IVF does not always reflect everything your treatment may require. Medications, testing and embryo storage can add significantly to your final cost. Typical IVF expenses in California include:

• Base IVF Cycle ($14,000–$20,000): Typically includes monitoring, egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization and embryo transfer. Exact inclusions vary by clinic.
• Fertility Medications ($4,000–$10,000): Injectable medications stimulate the ovaries before retrieval. Costs vary based on dosage and your treatment protocol.
• ICSI ($1,500–$3,000): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg to assist fertilization. It may be recommended for certain sperm or fertilization concerns.
• PGT-A / PGT-M ($3,000–$6,000): PGT-A screens embryos for chromosome abnormalities, while PGT-M tests for specific inherited conditions. Biopsy and laboratory fees may be separate.
• Embryo Freezing ($1,000–$2,500): Vitrification preserves embryos for future transfers, including embryos created for surrogacy. Embryo freezing costs vary by clinic and storage plan.
• Annual Embryo Storage ($600–$1,200): Covers continued cryogenic storage of frozen embryos until they are needed for transfer.
• Donor Eggs ($15,000–$35,000+): Costs may include donor compensation, screening and related services. Donor eggs may be recommended when using your own eggs is not possible or advisable.
• Donor Sperm ($500–$1,500+ Per Vial): Costs generally include screened donor sperm, while shipping, storage and clinic handling may be charged separately.

Ask each clinic for an itemized estimate before comparing prices. This makes it easier to identify which services are included and what could increase your total.

Why IVF Costs Vary Across California

California’s size and large fertility market create significant differences in IVF pricing throughout the state. Local cost of living, demand for treatment and the number of clinics available can all influence what you pay.

Major markets such as Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area have many fertility clinics and specialists, but also higher operating costs and strong demand. Other parts of California may offer different pricing, although patients can have fewer clinics nearby to compare.

IVF Costs in California vs. Arizona

Intended parents may also compare California clinics with options in neighboring Arizona, where IVF can sometimes cost less than in California’s major metropolitan areas.

Lower treatment prices can make traveling appealing, but compare the full cost before choosing a clinic. Medications, monitoring, airfare, lodging and time away from work can reduce or eliminate the savings of receiving IVF outside California.

Does Insurance Cover IVF in California?

IVF coverage in California depends heavily on the type of health plan you have. Recent changes to state law expanded fertility benefits for many Californians, but coverage is still not universal.

How California’s IVF Insurance Mandate Works

Beginning in 2026, California’s SB 729 requires qualifying large-group health plans to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF. Small-group plans must offer fertility coverage, although employers are not required to purchase it.

For qualifying large-group plans, coverage includes up to three completed egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers when medically appropriate. Covered fertility services can also include medications, ICSI, genetic testing and embryo cryopreservation. Some plans fall outside these requirements:

• Self-Funded Employer Plans: These plans are generally regulated under federal law rather than California’s insurance mandates, so IVF coverage depends on the employer’s benefits.
• Small-Group Plans: Insurers must offer fertility coverage, but small employers are not required to select a plan that includes it.
• CalPERS Plans: Implementation of the fertility coverage mandate is delayed until July 1, 2027.
• Medi-Cal: SB 729 does not apply to Medi-Cal plans, and standard IVF is not generally covered. Certain medically necessary fertility preservation services may be covered in specific circumstances.

Even with IVF coverage, your out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan. Deductibles, coinsurance, provider networks and services outside your benefits can all affect what you ultimately pay.

Review your plan documents and request a detailed benefits explanation before beginning treatment so you know which IVF expenses remain your responsibility.

Fertility Clinics in California

California has a large fertility market, giving intended parents many clinics to compare. Look beyond price to consider experience, success rates, laboratory quality and available services.

• Spring Fertility (San Francisco, Silicon Valley): Offers IVF, IUI, egg and embryo freezing, genetic counseling, donor options and gestational carrier coordination. Pricing varies by treatment plan and additional services.
• Southern California Reproductive Center (Los Angeles Area): IVF cycles typically range from $12,000–$18,000 before medications and optional laboratory services. SCRC provides IVF and other fertility and third-party reproduction services.
• San Diego Fertility Center (San Diego, Temecula): IVF typically costs $14,000–$18,000+, with genetic testing and frozen embryo transfers priced separately. Services include IVF, egg freezing, egg donation and surrogacy treatment.

When comparing clinics, ask for an itemized estimate and review success rates, laboratory services and embryo storage and shipping policies.

IVF Financial Help in California

Even with expanded insurance coverage in California, IVF can still leave intended parents with significant out-of-pocket expenses. Several financial resources may help make those costs more manageable:

• Fertility Loans: Specialized financing can spread IVF expenses across monthly payments. Compare interest rates, repayment terms and eligible treatment costs before choosing a loan.
• IVF and Surrogacy Grants: Some nonprofit organizations offer grants for fertility treatment or family-building expenses. Eligibility requirements and award amounts vary by program.
• HSA and FSA Funds: Pre-tax funds may be used for eligible fertility treatments, medications and other qualifying medical expenses.
• Employer Fertility Benefits: Some employers provide fertility benefits that may cover or reimburse IVF, medications, genetic testing and other eligible treatment expenses.

Review these resources alongside your insurance benefits to determine which options could help reduce your out-of-pocket IVF costs.

Traveling for IVF

California has many fertility clinics, but the best option for your treatment and budget may not be the closest. Comparing clinics elsewhere in California or out of state can give you access to different specialists, pricing and treatment timelines. Consider these factors before traveling for IVF:

• Cost Savings: Lower treatment prices may be appealing, but travel, lodging, local monitoring and missed work can reduce your overall savings.
• Specialized Care: A wider search can provide access to clinics with experience treating specific diagnoses or offering specialized laboratory and genetic services.
• Success Rates: Compare outcomes for patients with similar ages and diagnoses rather than relying on a clinic’s overall success rate.
• Wait Times: Traveling may give you access to earlier consultations or treatment when clinics closer to home have longer waits.
• Travel Burden: IVF often requires repeated monitoring and appointments, so consider how frequently you would need to travel throughout your cycle.

Consider State Fertility Laws Before Traveling

California has broad protections for assisted reproduction and fertility care, but laws can differ considerably once you cross state lines. Some states have laws involving embryo personhood, reproductive medicine or fertility treatment that could affect how clinics handle embryos.

Before choosing an out-of-state clinic, consider the laws where your embryos will be created, stored and potentially transferred. Comparing both clinic policies and the current legal environment can help you avoid complications later, especially if those embryos may eventually be used for surrogacy.

Can You Transfer Embryos to Another State?

Yes. Frozen embryos can be safely transported to another state or fertility clinic. Intended parents may move embryos when changing clinics or preparing to work with an out-of-state gestational carrier. The transportation process typically includes:

• Cryogenic Shipping: Specialized couriers use dry vapor shippers designed to keep embryos at the extremely low temperatures required during transportation.
• FDA Requirements: Clinics review applicable FDA screening, testing and donor eligibility requirements, particularly when donor eggs or sperm were used to create the embryos.
• Clinic-to-Clinic Approval: Both clinics typically review embryology records, consent forms and shipping requirements before the embryos are released.
• Chain of Custody: Identification, documentation and tracking procedures help protect embryos and account for them throughout transportation.
• Shipping Costs and Timelines: Shipping can cost $1,000–$3,500 depending on distance, courier services and insurance. Coordination may take several weeks, even when transportation itself takes only a few days.

You rarely need to relocate during a surrogacy journey. Instead, your gestational carrier travels to your fertility clinic for medical clearance and embryo transfer.

What Happens If IVF Doesn’t Work?

An IVF cycle may not lead to pregnancy for several reasons. Reviewing your results with your fertility specialist can help you understand what happened and what options may make sense moving forward. Common factors include:

• Failed Embryo Transfer: An embryo may not implant after transfer, even when conditions appeared favorable.
• Recurrent Implantation Failure: Multiple embryo transfers may occur without successful implantation.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Pregnancy may occur after IVF but end in miscarriage more than once.
• Poor Embryo Quality: Some embryos may stop developing or may not be suitable for transfer.
• Low Ovarian Reserve: A lower egg supply can reduce the number of embryos available from an IVF cycle.
• Medical Conditions: Certain uterine or health conditions can make achieving or safely carrying a pregnancy more difficult.

Some intended parents choose to create and freeze additional embryos early, particularly when surrogacy may be considered later. Having embryos available can preserve more options for future transfers without necessarily requiring another egg retrieval.

How IVF Fits Into the Total Cost of Surrogacy

Surrogacy in California can cost $130,000–$220,000+ in addition to the fertility treatment needed to create embryos. IVF expenses are generally separate from the costs included in a surrogacy agency’s program estimate.

Embryos are also typically created before matching with a gestational carrier. Completing this step early can help you better understand your available embryos and plan for the costs that come next. Your surrogacy budget may also include:

• Surrogate Compensation: Includes base compensation, allowances and other payments outlined in the surrogacy agreement.
• Agency Fees: Cover services such as surrogate screening, matching, coordination and ongoing support.
• Medical Expenses: May include the gestational carrier’s screening, medications, embryo transfer and pregnancy-related care.
• Legal Services: Cover the Gestational Carrier Agreement, separate legal representation and establishing parental rights.
• Escrow Management: Provides professional management and distribution of funds throughout the surrogacy journey.
• Insurance: May include reviewing the gestational carrier’s existing coverage and securing additional policies when needed.

IVF and surrogacy are separate financial stages, but planning for them together can give you a clearer picture of your overall family-building budget.

Surrogacy Agencies in California

California intended parents have several surrogacy agencies to consider. Comparing match times, screening practices and financial protections can help you find the right fit.

• American Surrogacy: A national agency serving intended parents in California with an average match time of 1–6 months. Its Limited Risk Program provides unlimited rematching without additional agency matching fees after qualifying disruptions and protections against certain repeat costs.
• West Coast Surrogacy: A California-based agency serving intended parents domestically and internationally. Matching can take a few weeks to several months, with surrogates screened before entering the program.
• Family Creations: A national agency with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. It provides surrogate screening, matching and case management, with a one-time agency fee divided across key milestones.

Talk With a Surrogacy Professional About Your Next Steps

Whether you already have embryos or are still planning for surrogacy, understanding your options can help you prepare for what comes next.

Fill out our contact form to connect with a surrogacy professional and start planning the next phase of your family-building journey.