Every couple has their own ideas about what their family planning looks like. For some, that may mean a specific number of children, spaced a few years apart, and for others, it may mean hoping for a big family. Some couples choose not to have kids at all.
No matter what your plans are, though, finding out that there are unexpected barriers can be hard, and for couples who are set on birthing a child who shares their DNA, in vitro fertilization, or IVF, is often part of the journey. That brings another round of questions, decisions, and concerns, focused on cost, effectiveness, and safety.
For some couples, this analysis results in international travel to take part in IVF treatments in another country, a practice often referred to as IVF tourism, fertility tourism or cross-border reproductive care.
The Cost Difference Of IVF Treatments Is Stunning
Shannon and Ryan Buck tell the New York Post that they decided to head to Turkey for their IVF treatments, after their research uncovered that a round would cost about $4k at their chosen clinic, compared to around $25k in the United States.
The couple took a month off work, purchased a pair of round-trip tickets, rented an AirB&B, and took off. Even counting their food costs into the total, they figure they came out about $5k cheaper compared to going through the procedure in the U.S. — and it worked out for them, resulting in a successful pregnancy and a beloved son.
Another couple, Jessica and Phillip Hodges, say they spent nearly $50k on their first IVF attempt, in the U.S., and while that was successful, they couldn’t justify repeating the expense for their second child. Instead, they went to Greece, where their total cost (including what they describe as “a 3-week vacation”) was around $10k.
Many other couples echo these experiences: IVF treatment in the U.S. is so expensive that it’s actually cheaper to spend a month in another country and have the procedure done there, instead, even accounting for lodging, travel, and other expenses.
What’s The Downside To International IVF Treatments?
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) warns patients against jumping into IVF tourism (or Cross-Border Reproductive Care, CBRC) without, at least, a serious look into all the factors.
The organization acknowledges that the procedure can be much, much cheaper in other countries, but raises concerns that other countries don’t have to comply with the same regulations as the United States. Every nation sets its own rules about lab standards and infection control, and factors like the number of embryos transferred at once.
However, there’s another concern that doesn’t directly hinge on which country is “better” or “safer” in its standards overall: the fact that travelling for IVF almost inherently means less continuity of care. The obstetrician who cares for a woman through her pregnancy may lack medical records from her IVF procedures, and in some cases, patients may even intentionally withhold information because of insurance coverage.
There’s also always a potential for complications when traveling during pregnancy, and any travel-related stress could be a barrier to conception. These aren’t necessarily the biggest potential hurdles, but are issues worth considering as part of a decision-making process.
The organization also expresses concern over language and cultural barriers, and a lack of legal recourse if a patient suffers maltreatment, misinformation, or a simple lack of transparency while seeking care in another country.
In a related concern, legal issues could arise, particularly if there is donor material involved.
What Should Couples Do Before Planning An IVF Trip?
If you’re set on heading to another country for IVF treatment, the most important thing you can do is take the time to do your research.
Speak openly and honestly to your own doctor about your concerns. Your Ob/Gyn may be able to recommend locations that other patients have used, or even connect you to any local support groups for parents who’ve turned to CBRC.
Check your insurance closely, whether this means speaking to an agent, rereading the fine print yourself, or seeking the advice of an attorney, to make sure that your ongoing care is covered, especially if any complications arise that are or may be directly related to choosing IVF.
Choose your provider carefully (as you would with any provider). If there are language barriers, consider a translator or other support to ensure that you understand all terms. If you’ve found a support group or network of other CBRC parents, you can trade stories and experiences to make sure you’re happy with the clinic and doctor you’re working with.
Plan for ongoing care. Ask for copies of any medical records produced outside the U.S., and bring them back to your doctor to ensure that they have a full record in case of any conplications or concerns.
Have contingency plans in place for surprises, including unexpected costs, changes in a medical provider’s availability, travel delays, or additional legal paperwork.
One study published earlier this year found that almost a quarter of IVF pregnancies were conceived across borders, with most medical outcomes (other than a higher incidence of hypertension in CBRC patients) quite similar to those conceived via IVF in the patient’s home country. That data seems to suggest that, while patients should definitely do their research and make the best choices for their own health and their family, traveling for IVF is working out well for thousands of parents every year.