Medical expenses usually account for only 70% of the total costs. By calculating non-medical expenses in advance, we can avoid having to add additional costs along the way.
Taking a round of third-generation IVF as an example, the total cost can be roughly divided into two parts.
Medical aspects: preliminary examinations, drugs used for stimulation, egg retrieval and culture, embryo biopsy and testing, transplantation procedures, anesthesia and related supplies. Among these, the prices of drugs and testing items vary significantly; the difference in prices between different institutions can reach 15% to 30%.
Non-medical expenses: Round-trip air tickets, accommodation costs (usually for 20-30 days), local transportation, translation and escort services, visas and insurance, as well as various catering and other expenses. These expenses are often underestimated; in reality, they can account for about 30% of the total budget.
There are three items that are prone to being overlooked in the reporting process: anesthesia fees, the initial storage fee for frozen embryos, and PGT biopsy fees, which are charged per specimen. Please confirm individually before signing the contract whether these items are included or not.
It’s also important to clarify the rules regarding refunds and schedule changes: What happens to the fees already paid if the treatment is canceled due to poor embryo development? And whether the package can be partially refunded in case no embryos are available for transplantation.
Budget recommendation: It is recommended to reserve a 15% buffer on top of the institution’s quoted price, afin to accommodate any necessary adjustments or extensions to the stay period.