IVF Refund or Guarantee Program – Cost, Risk, Pros and Cons

What are IVF refund or IVF money-back guarantee programs?

IVF Refund Program is a term used for financial IVF programs. They give the patient access to two or three IVF cycles for a single payment. Usually, fresh embryo transfers and extra frozen embryo transfers are included in the price. The cost of IVF Refund programs in Europe ranges from €15,000 to €25,000 depending on the type of the IVF Refund program and the country.

To help you explore your options, we’ve created a Table of IVF Refund and Money-Back Guarantee Programs by Country. This table highlights the various programs available across different countries, so you can easily compare details such as costs, included treatments, and expected outcomes.

Next, we’ll explore what these programs usually include and the associated costs.

IVF refund program means that the treatment continues until the desired result. It may refer to either a clinical pregnancy or a live birth – or until all of the program’s cycles are completed. If the IVF Refund program ends successfully, the clinic will not return your money. However, if you don’t achieve your goal, you can count on a partial or full refund of the costs, usually 100% refund is offered.

You may be interested in reading: Number of oocytes and embryos guarantee in egg donation

IVF refund program specifications and costs

IVF refund guarantee program – at a glance:

• The average cost of IVF Refund program – €20,000
• Usually, there are 3 IVF cycles included in the package
• Expected outcome (success rate) of the program: 85-99% meaning that almost all patients will achieve the expected outcome
• Consultations, ICSI, blastocyst culture and 5th-day transfer, embryo freezing, frozen embryo transfers are usually included in the package
• IVF Refund is for patients with BMI < 35, age of woman up to 55 (depends on country), other tests for qualification are reguired
• Usually, the expected outcome is defined as a pregnancy / 12th week or a live birth
• Usually, a 100% refund is offered if the program is not successful
• Usually, no refund is offered if the program is successful

Voice from Our Experts:

What is the cost of an IVF refund guarantee program with donor eggs compared to traditional IVF with donor eggs?

As with the cost of IVF with own eggs, if you calculates the individual costs of all cycles and transfers, patients would be better off with a refund guarantee programme. Given that on average patients need 2 cycles to succeed, we feel it is financially savvier to enrol in a refund programme than to pay as you go.

– answered by Dimitris Kavakas, Redia IVF

IVF refund or IVF money-back guarantee – what exactly is guaranteed?

IVF treatment with a “guarantee” is becoming more common. It is, however, worth noting that despite their increasing popularity, the terms and conditions attached to such programs can sometimes be complicated and sometimes confusing.

As we all know, there are no “guarantees” in medicine – every doctor can attest to that fact. Thus, the only guarantees we can talk about are financial in nature, that is, a “refund guarantee” in case the IVF program does not end with the desired result.

Clinics don’t advertise IVF guarantee programs using the phrase “success guaranteed” anymore. These days, you’re more likely to encounter these types of treatment under any of the following terms:

• IVF Guarantee – this name is the most misleading and shouldn’t be used
• IVF Refund
• IVF Money Back Guarantee
• IVF Shared Risk/Shared IVF Success Program

Why are IVF refund programs increasing in popularity?

There are many reasons why IVF refund programs are becoming increasingly popular. Reasons include:

• the possibility of detailed treatment cost planning on the part of the patient
• and the possibility or a “guarantee” of receiving a full or partial refund in case of failure.

Both are valid reasons to consider an IVF Refund program.

Voice from Our Experts:

How does the IVF refund guarantee program impact the treatment approach?

In general, the IVF refund guarantee programme does not impact the treatment approach as this is agreed by the clinic’s medical team and we do not interfere with medical decisions. The programme is compatible for additional treatments, paid directly to the clinic, such as PGT-a testing. However, there are restrictions and treatment approaches that are not compatible with the refund guarantee programmes. This is because the programme has a requirement to complete the transfer of all embryos in a given cycle before moving to the next cycle, so embryo batching for example is not compatible with the programmes.

– answered by Dimitris Kavakas, Redia IVF

Types of IVF refund and IVF money-back guarantee programs

IVF Refund programs and IVF Money Back Guarantee options can be further divided into:

• Programs that aim to achieve a clinical pregnancy, usually defined as reaching the sixth, seventh or twelfth week of pregnancy
• Programs in which the main goal is the live birth of a child
• IVF Refund programs in which the patient doesn’t receive a refund if the treatment is successful
• IVF Refund programs in which the patient receives a partial refund if the treatment is successful

It is also worth noting that refund IVF programs are available both for treatment using the patient’s own eggs, as well as donor eggs – egg donation. Using a sperm donor is always an available option – paid separately.

IVF refund program – is it for me?

Remember that no matter what the IVF refund program offers and whatever it’s called, what the clinic actually offers is a refund “guarantee” in case the treatment does not conclude with satisfactory results. Should you then use such a program? Simply put – if finances are an important aspect of your IVF treatment, if you can afford it and if you qualify (yes qualification is necessary) then yes – you definitely should consider an IVF Refund program as an option.

IVF refund package examples in European Clinics

Please be aware of the costs as you can’t compare them easily. Costs may include different IVF techniques, different number of cycles and other services impacting the total cost. Ask clinics about their packages before comparing offers.

IVF refund program – pros and cons

The IVF refund program is a financial arrangement designed to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. These programs offer a balance of benefits and drawbacks, which are important for prospective parents to consider.

IVF refund program – pros

• A full or partial refund in case of an unsuccessful IVF treatment, which can be put towards further treatments
• The clinic is motivated to achieve success as quickly as possible – after all, a money refund is on the line
• If you use all of the IVF cycles within the program, the overall cost becomes cheaper than if you were receiving the same number of cycles outside the program, oftentimes the “ivf refund” option may turn out to be cheaper
• You can focus on your treatment instead of your finances – because you’re covered by a program and have more cycles available
• Every cycle assigned to your program will be performed at the same clinic. Often patients switch clinics after a failed attempt. That’s not always the smartest choice, as sticking with one clinic allows medical staff to hold more of an insight into your medical history.
• Financial planning of your treatment is easier since it’s easier to estimate the total cost of IVF treatment.

IVF refund program – cons

• If you achieve your desired result during the first cycle, you’ll end up paying more than you would when paying for a single cycle outside of any program (that’s why we’re talking here about ‘IVF shared risk’ finance programs).
• Not every patient qualifies for an IVF Refund program. When it comes to treatments using donor eggs (egg donation), the qualifications for the patients are relatively lax. If you’re set on using your own eggs, it becomes much harder to qualify, as the financial risk for the clinic becomes higher
• Higher entry cost for such programs

Voice from Our Experts:

What is the success rate of IVF treatment with donor eggs through refund guarantee programs?

On average patients need at least 2 cycles of IVF with donor eggs to reach their dream result, however, success rates in this treatment are significantly higher than in IVF treatment using patients’ own eggs. Whenever we feature birth rates, they refer to live birth rates as on average 20% of positive pregnancies unfortunately lead to a miscarriage. Refund Guarantee programmes provide financial peace of mind for both negative results and miscarriages. Overall, our experience is that more than 90% of patients in egg donation reach their desired result by the end of the 3rd cycle.

– answered by Dimitris Kavakas, Redia IVF

IVF refund program qualification

Patients considering signing up for an IVF Refund program will need to pass medical tests in order to qualify for treatment. Couples where men have low-quality sperm, for instance, are disqualified from partaking in such programs. Different clinics have their own criteria for judging sperm quality. Some use the latest WHO directives, while others have their own standards dictated by their own experience.

Some clinics also require a karyotype test, which isn’t cheap (average prices: Spain €300, Greece €250, Britain €600). It only needs to be performed once during a patient’s lifetime. In egg donation treatments, the female doesn’t need to undergo karyotype testing – as genetic material from the donor is used.

Is the patient’s age and BMI a factor when qualifying for an IVF refund program?

In the case of IVF treatments using donor eggs your age doesn’t play a role. However, many countries have different legislative and statutory guidelines limiting treatment based on a patient’s age – usually, this is around 50. In the case of treatments using your own eggs, however, your age will be the basic qualifying factor. Usually, the maximum age is 39 years. It also needs to be noted that patients aged 37 to 39 receive smaller refunds. Sometimes as low as 50% – when compared to younger patients using IVF Money Back Guarantee options.

An important requirement for an IVF Refund Program is an appropriate BMI (Body Mass Index). In IVF with donor eggs programs, the maximum acceptable BMI is usually 35. In cases of higher BMI values, around 35 for instance, the clinic may recommend performing additional tests.

Sample terms and conditions for egg donation IVF refund program in a Spanish clinic include

• Hormone tests
• Endometrium quality test (transvaginal ultrasound scan)
• Male partner: semen analysis and karyotype
• Maximum patient age: 50 (due to Spanish law)

Tests take place at the clinic. While the qualifying tests aren’t free of charge, their cost may be deducted from the total cost of the program if you qualify.

Ask experts regarding the Guarantee IVF packages

Dimitris Kavakas, Redia IVF

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Voice from Our Experts:

Am I eligible for an IVF refund guarantee program?

The main eligibility criteria relates to age. Women younger than 40 years of age can be eligible to enrol in an IVF refund guarantee programme using their own eggs, providing they also meet the medical criteria. Women 40 and over can enrol in our Hybrid IVF programme than includes one cycle with their own eggs and up to 2 cycles with donor eggs if the first cycle is not successful. Women younger than 45 can be eligible for the Hybrid IVF programme. Finally, all women up to the age of 50 can be eligible for our donor egg refund programme.

In addition to the age criteria, patients have to reach certain medical criteria such as ovarian reserve (for own eggs IVF), endometrium quality assessment and semen quality. Patients do the screening tests at the clinic of their choice (screening test costs are not included in the programme costs) or submit recent test results.

– answered by Dimitris Kavakas, Redia IVF

IVF refund program cost

The total costs of an IVF Refund – Money Back Guarantee program in Europe can range from €15,000 to €25,000. It does not fall within the definition of affordable fertility treatment, does it? When compared with the price of a single donor egg IVF cycle, it’s in fact much more expensive. What drives the price of such a program?

• The type of treatment – IVF using your own or donor eggs (egg donation)
• The desired result – clinical pregnancy or live birth; IVF refund programs aimed at achieving a live birth are more expensive since the success rates aren’t as high
• The number of IVF cycles, frozen embryo transfers and additional IVF Laboratory techniques covered by the refund program

Additionally, the IVF Refund Program cost is affected by the same elements that dictate the price of a one-off IVF treatment. This includes the number of donor eggs received by the patient and additional procedures in an embryological laboratory (such as ICSI, developing blastocysts etc.). Clinics which offer such programs often include additional services and procedures. Techniques which may increase the overall success rate of treatment in order to minimize the risk of failure (or the risk of a refund, if you prefer).

The cost of medications for the patient is sometimes not included in the program’s costs. These medications, which help prepare the uterus to receive the embryo, can cost up to €400, depending on the country.

Another additional cost would occur if you use donor sperm which can cost between €1,200 and €1,500 on average.

PGT-A, or as it used to be known, PGS diagnostics, are often not included in program prices either. If you’re considering signing up for such a program, make sure you ask if these additional costs are factored into the program price.

The total cost of an IVF Refund program is also influenced by the country the clinic is located in. IVF Refund Programs in Spanish clinics are more expensive than those in Greek, Czech or Ukrainian IVF clinics because the treatment costs are higher in Spain.

Voice from Our Experts:

What costs are covered under the IVF refund guarantee package?

The Refund Guarantee IVF package usually includes the stimulation costs of up to 3 cycles, all the costs of frozen embryo transfers in each stimulation cycle and the costs of embryo freezing and storage for the first year. Other costs included can be the cost of ICSI and blastocyst culture, in case the clinic charges extra for those. In egg donation treatments, the costs of the donor including donor medication are also included.

– answered by Dimitris Kavakas, Redia IVF

IVF refund and IVF money-back guarantee programs in Europe

IVF Refund programs are often offered by external companies which work directly with IVF clinics. The external company offers financing for IVF costs, while the clinic provides the treatment. While this sounds unusual, you can be assured that companies providing patients with fertility treatment financing opportunities are sufficiently experienced and enjoy a solid reputation. Once you make your payment to the external company, no further payments need to be made at the clinic itself.

Below you can find the costs of IVF Refund programs with donor eggs in Europe, North America, India and Malaysia with the expected outcome – a live birth:

IVF refund program cost using donor eggs, with a “live birth” as the stated goal

As you can see, the United States and the UK are definitely the most expensive destinations for such treatment. For this reason, a lot of American and British patients choose to sign up for IVF Refund programs in Europe. More about IVF Refund programs in the US is available here. If you’re looking for IVF Refund Program in the UK – read this article published by Guardian regarding IVF Money Back Guarantee options in the UK.

Who pays for the IVF refund program?

If we take a closer look at the financial model upon which egg donation refund programs are based, we may come to a conclusion that it’s a ‘Shared Risk’ solution.

What this means in practice is that patients who quickly achieve success in their treatment finance the treatment of those who need more time (more IVF cycles). Patients also cover the financial risk of the clinic offering such treatment. This is exactly how any shared risk program works and it is acceptable as long as you, the patient are fully informed of the process.

What is the IVF refund program in Spain?

In Spain, many top fertility clinics offer IVF refund programs. These programs typically cover multiple IVF cycles, including embryo transfers, and provide a partial or full refund if a live birth is not achieved. The specifics of the program, including the percentage of refund and the number of cycles covered, vary by clinic.

I’m interested in a refund IVF program – where to start?

Are you interested in signing up for an IVF Refund Guarantee program (aka Shared Risk IVF) and aware of the costs associated with such treatment?

We publish unique clinic profiles with a lot of information provided and reviewed by clinics’ representatives. You may contact the clinic directly and ask questions regarding the offer.