Americans Seek IVF Abroad as U.S. Costs Soar
Americans are traveling to countries like Greece for cheaper IVF treatments, as U.S. costs can exceed $29,000 per cycle, despite experts warning of risks.
A growing number of Americans are traveling abroad for in vitro fertilization treatment to escape prohibitively high costs at home. The trend is particularly pronounced in Greece and Spain, where clinics offer packages that combine medical care with tourism.
President Donald Trump's administration has made fertility treatment a focus, proposing a rule in May 2024 to ease employer coverage and launching TrumpRx to offer discounted medications. The White House projected savings of up to $2,200 per IVF cycle through this program. However, these potential savings are offset by a 90% rise in IVF medication costs since 2014, according to the prescription service GoodRx.
A July study from Axene Health Partners and the Women's Reproductive Health Foundation found the overall cost for one IVF cycle was over $29,000, or 35% of the median U.S. annual household income. With genetic testing, storage, and pregnancy care, the total can exceed $54,000 per IVF birth. The average patient needs two to three cycles for success.
The Cost Comparison
| Location | Typical IVF Cost (Not Including Medication) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States (Florida example) | $40,000 | Quote for one round received by one couple. |
| Greece (general) | $3,000 to $4,000 | Using patient's own eggs. |
| Serum IVF Clinic, Athens | Just under $6,000 | Does not include embryo freezing. |
| Pelargos IVF, Athens (total treatment) | About $12,000 | Includes medication, fertilization, storage, and transfer for one couple. |
| CNY Fertility (U.S., 18 locations) | Around $8,000 | Does not include embryo storage. |
Infertility affects nearly 7 million people in the U.S., but the American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates only 24% of treatment needs are met due to cost and insurance gaps. More than 100,000 babies were born via IVF in the U.S. in 2024, a record. Meanwhile, the chair of the European Fertility Society, Jakub Dejewski, reported a more than 37% increase last year in Americans choosing European clinics.
Treatment and Tourism
Emilie and Justin Solomon traveled to Greece for treatment after being quoted $40,000 in Florida and fearing proposed state personhood laws. Their total treatment at Pelargos IVF Medical Group in Athens cost about $12,000, not including travel. They combined medical appointments with island-hopping tours, visiting Milos and Croatia. "It was one of the best summers that we've had," Emilie said.
Jakub Dejewski stated Americans choose Greece for affordability, faster access, and support for international patients. Penny Ampatzi, co-founder of Serum IVF in Athens, said her clinic sees about a dozen American patients monthly, offering personalized plans and airport pickup. "You consider that you have a good possibility of success, plus you don't pay that high amount of money, and you also have combined the treatment with holidays," she said.
Patients must navigate Greek legal restrictions, including time-limited embryo storage, donor anonymity, and limits on sex selection and surrogacy for nonresidents. Understanding these differences is crucial, as is managing documentation for moving embryos between countries.
Risks and Market Pressures
William Kiltz of U.S. based CNY Fertility said, "IVF is almost a treatment that only the top 1% can afford reasonably." He attributed high U.S. costs to inflation, an embryologist shortage, post-pandemic demand, and private equity ownership. CNY's model charges around $8,000 per cycle to keep costs low, with over half its patients traveling from out of state.
Kiltz warned the emotionally driven market carries risk. "People will do just about anything."
Tarita Pakrashi, a fertility doctor at CNY, highlighted the difficulties of vetting overseas clinics, language barriers, and transporting temperature-sensitive medication. "It's almost like a full time job trying to play regulatory expert and inspector all at the same time, while you're a patient," she said. Patients often return struggling to transfer records or repeat tests.
For the Solomons, the logistics were worthwhile. Their one cycle of IVF and two trips to Greece resulted in a healthy baby boy this summer.
