Seeking fertility treatment involves significant financial considerations. In-vitro fertilisation (IVF), the most common procedure in Singapore, can cost between SGD 10,000 and SGD 15,000 per cycle, not including the additional SGD 2,000 to SGD 5,000 for medications. The cost of other procedures, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), varies based on how complicated the process is. Fertility testing, consultations, blood work, and embryo storage fees are examples of additional costs. Given the varying success percentages each cycle, patients seeking treatment at an SG fertility clinic should budget for ongoing expenses if numerous cycles are needed.
Payment Plans Offered by Fertility Clinics
Many fertility centres, including those classified as an IVF clinic, provide structured payment plans to ease the financial burden. These plans are typically instalment-based, allowing patients to divide the total cost of treatment over several months. Some fertility centres offer package deals, which bundle consultation fees, procedures, embryo transfer, and follow-up appointments into a single payment. There are also cycle-based packages, where patients can pay for multiple cycles upfront at a discounted rate. This plan is commonly used by patients who anticipate the need for more than one cycle. Clinics may also collaborate with financial institutions to provide medical loans or financing options for patients. Terms vary depending on the clinic’s policy and the lending institution’s conditions. However, patients should know that interest rates may apply, and not all applicants may qualify for financing.
Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments
Insurance coverage for fertility treatments in the city-state is limited. Most general health insurance policies do not cover fertility treatment costs from a standard fertility centre or an IVF clinic in Singapore. However, there are specific insurance products that may partially cover related procedures, such as surgery for underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids, which are sometimes required before starting fertility treatment. Patients should check whether their health insurance covers diagnostic tests, hospitalisation, or complications arising from fertility procedures. Medisave, the region’s compulsory medical savings scheme, can be used for fertility treatments. Under the Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP) scheme, patients can withdraw up to SGD 6,000 for the first cycle, SGD 5,000 for the second, and SGD 4,000 for the third and subsequent cycles, capped at SGD 15,000 per patient. This service provides partial relief but does not fully cover the costs associated with IVF or other advanced fertility procedures.
Government Grants and Subsidies
Patients undergoing fertility treatments at public hospitals or fertility centres associated with public healthcare may be eligible for co-funding under the Ministry of Health’s Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) Subsidy. This grant is available for Singaporean couples undergoing IVF, ICSI, or other ART treatments. Eligible couples may receive up to 75% co-funding for fresh cycles and up to 75% for frozen cycles, subject to caps of SGD 7,700 for fresh cycles and SGD 2,200 for frozen cycles. At least one partner must be a Singapore citizen, and the treatment must be conducted at a public fertility centre or a participating IVF clinic to qualify. Co-funding is not available at private clinics. Patients also need to meet clinical eligibility criteria. This grant applies up to three fresh and three frozen cycles. Some fertility centres may assist patients with the application process, but approval is subject to the Ministry of Health’s assessment.
Important Considerations for Patients
Patients should conduct a thorough review of payment options, insurance benefits, and available grants when planning for treatment at a fertility centre. Combining Medisave, ART co-funding, and clinic-specific payment plans can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. However, limitations exist, especially for those who prefer private clinics. Comparing different IVF clinic options is also necessary to understand which combination of financing methods is most suitable. It is advisable to consult the financial counsellors available at fertility centres to clarify the full extent of available financial support and to properly budget for the entire treatment journey.
In conclusion, treatments at a fertility clinic are surely expensive, but to lessen the financial strain, patients can still make use of government grants, Medisave withdrawals, and payment plans. Understanding the available financial options and carefully planning the budget are essential steps before starting treatment at any IVF clinic.
Contact The O&G Specialist Clinic and let us help you begin your fertility treatment with clarity and confidence.
