How much does IVF cost in Australia?
It depends on your clinic, your state and the treatment you need, but it adds up. Canstar puts the average out-of-pocket cost of a first IVF cycle at roughly $6,700, with the total cycle cost around $12,400 before Medicare rebates. Later cycles tend to cost a little less.
Those are averages, so your clinic’s estimate is the figure to plan around — and the one IVF loans are sized to. Costs also tend to arrive in stages rather than as one bill.
| Cost | When it usually comes up |
|---|---|
| Specialist consults and initial tests | Before treatment starts |
| Stimulation medications | Early in a cycle |
| Egg collection (day surgery, anaesthetist) | Mid-cycle |
| Laboratory and embryology fees | After collection |
| Genetic testing, if part of your plan | Before transfer |
| Embryo transfer | After the lab stage, or later if frozen |
| Freezing and storage | Ongoing, billed by your clinic |
How do IVF loans work?
An IVF loan is usually an unsecured personal loan with regular repayments over a set term. You receive the funds upfront, then pay your clinic as each part of treatment falls due.
- 1
Get your clinic’s estimate
Ask for an itemised estimate showing expected Medicare rebates and your likely out-of-pocket cost.
- 2
Choose your breathing room
Borrow for one cycle, or add a buffer for medications, storage or a further transfer.
- 3
Tell us in about 2 minutes
Our short form asks what the money is for and a little about your finances — no medical details.
- 4
We find the fit
We search 60+ lenders and explain your options plainly. A credit check only happens if you apply, and we’ll tell you first.
- 5
Funds settle
The money is ready for your clinic’s bills — paid to you or, with some lenders, straight to the clinic.
What does Medicare cover for IVF?
Medicare rebates can help with part of the cost of eligible fertility treatment when you have a referral, but they don’t cover everything. The gap is the part to plan for — Canstar’s averages suggest a first cycle can cost around $12,400 in total, with roughly $6,700 of that out of pocket.
Private hospital cover may also help with in-hospital parts of treatment, such as egg collection, depending on your policy and waiting periods. Questions worth asking before you choose a loan amount:
- What’s my estimated out-of-pocket cost after Medicare?
- Does my hospital cover apply to egg collection or transfer?
- Are medications included in the estimate or billed separately?
- How and when are storage fees charged?
How to finance multiple IVF cycles
There’s no single right answer. Some people borrow for one cycle and reassess, while others prefer a buffer so they aren’t applying again at a tender moment.
| Approach | Can suit you if | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow for one cycle | You’d like the smallest possible loan to start | A new application may be needed later |
| Borrow with a buffer | Your specialist has discussed further transfers or cycles | You repay what you borrow, so size it thoughtfully |
| Loan plus savings | You have savings but don’t want to empty them | Keep some aside for everyday life |
Can we apply for IVF finance together?
Yes. Many lenders accept joint applications, where both incomes are assessed and you’re both responsible for the repayments. Combining incomes can sometimes make a larger amount more manageable.
Fertility finance isn’t only for couples, either. Solo parents by choice, same-sex couples and people using donors all use IVF loans — lenders assess finances, not family structure.
Already juggling a few credit card balances? It may be worth looking at debt consolidation first, so treatment isn’t competing with several repayments.
What you’ll need
- Your clinic’s itemised estimate, including expected Medicare rebates
- Health fund details if you have hospital cover
- Photo ID for each applicant
- Recent payslips for each applicant, or tax returns if self-employed
- A list of existing debts, including buy now pay later
- Your usual monthly living costs
- Rough timing for when treatment will start
Who it usually suits
- Each applicant aged 18 or over
- Australian citizens or permanent residents; some lenders consider visa holders
- Regular income for one or both applicants, employed or self-employed
- Repayments that stay comfortable alongside everyday costs
- Credit histories are assessed individually, and imperfect records may still be considered
