You and your spouse have been busy. Since college you’ve both been focused on career and travel. As you move further into your thirties, you realize it’s time to start a family. But one thing you never planned for was the difficulty of becoming pregnant AND the high cost of infertility treatments.
In the media we hear of celebrities having babies in their late 30’s and now 40’s. Having a baby later in life sounds easy because no one shares what may be involved.
Most insurance companies will cover the initial evaluation of the cause for infertility. But then insurance coverage varies by state and insurance company on what they will cover for treatments.
Basic fertility treatments, such as artificial insemination, may cost around $1,000. But monitored injectable follicle stimulating hormone cycle may cost $2,000+.
Then there’s advance fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, which averages $11,500. With donor eggs, the cost increases to $28,000.
Before starting this emotional journey, think about how much you are willing to spend on infertility treatments. Would you consider adoption when you reach a certain point?
When looking for ways to pay for infertility treatments, consider these options:
1- Shift spending in some areas of your lifestyle to pay for treatment. Maybe you forgo your annual vacation.
2- Ask family/friends in lieu of gifts to give you money towards infertility treatments.
3- Find a part-time job for additional income.
4- Sell things you no longer use for additional cash. Try using the Letgo app.
Ideally if you know you will postpone pregnancy until later in life, start saving now by following these suggestions:
1- Maximize contributions to your health savings account (HSA). This tax-advantaged medical savings account is available if you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. Most employers have shifted to these type of plans to allow employees additional ways to save for health care expenses.
For 2016, an individual may contribute up to $3,350 to an HSA. A family may contribute up to $6,750. If you end up not needing this money for infertility treatments, you can use your HSA contributions towards other non-reimbursable health care expenses throughout your life.
2- Save more than you spend. Take a look at your spending and find ways to shift money towards saving for infertility treatment. It may start as simple as reducing the number of times you buy lunch.
If you don’t need infertility treatment later in life, then you can use this money towards raising your child. The average cost of raising a child born in 2013 up until age 18 for a middle-income family in the U.S. is approximately $245,340 (or $304,480, adjusted for projected inflation), according to the latest annual “Cost of Raising A Child” report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Aug 18, 2014.
Deciding to have a family can be an exciting time. But if you need infertility treatments, your joy may be overshadowed by emotions and financial limitations. If you need money now for infertility treatments, seek out a Certified Financial Planner™ professional to help you find ways to pay for treatment. If you intend to have children later in life, start saving now just in case you need infertility treatments down the road.
Yes – I want more tips about money + life >
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”