What’s the average cost of Egg Freezing in India?

Egg freezing has been the talk of the town for quite some time now.

For many women, pursuing careers, educational goals, or simply waiting for the "right time" to start a family can lead to a desire to preserve their fertility.

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has emerged as a solution for women who wish to take control of their reproductive timeline.

This procedure allows women to freeze their eggs at a younger age, when they are of higher quality, and use them for future in vitro fertilisation (IVF) attempts.

However, along with the growing popularity of egg freezing in India, a crucial question arises: How much does it actually cost?

This comprehensive guide delves into the average cost of egg freezing in India, providing a detailed breakdown of the process and the expenses involved at each step.

How does egg freezing work in India?

Egg freezing is a multi-step process designed to preserve a woman's fertility potential. Here's a closer look:

1. Monitoring and pre-evaluation: At this stage, you may be evaluated for your hormones if you haven’t had a test done already. Based on your hormonal levels and individual situation, you may be given medications to regulate your menstrual cycles or asked to visit the clinic at day 2 or 3 of your next menstrual cycle (Or, you could go ahead and check it with our fertility test, and then take your appointment to go ahead with the procedure)

2. Ovarian stimulation: Once there’s a green signal after the pre-evaluation check, this process begins with stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs using hormone injections. This increases the number of eggs available for freezing compared to the natural menstrual cycle, where only one egg matures each month.

3. Egg retrieval: Once mature, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries through a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. This outpatient procedure involves collecting the eggs using a thin needle inserted through the vagina and into the ovaries (Don’t worry, you’ll be sound asleep during the procedure)

4. Egg freezing: After retrieval, the eggs are frozen using a technique called vitrification. This method prevents ice crystal formation, which can damage the eggs during the freezing process. The frozen eggs are then stored in specialised cryopreservation tanks at a fertility clinic or laboratory until they are needed for future use.

Average cost breakdown for egg freezing in India

The total cost of egg freezing in India can vary depending on several factors, including:

1. The chosen fertility clinic or centre

2. Individual medical needs

3. Any additional services or medications required

Here's a breakdown of the average costs associated with each stage of the process:

1. Initial consultation and evaluation: An initial consultation with a fertility specialist lays the groundwork. They assess your medical history, reproductive goals, and suitability for egg freezing. This consultation typically incurs a fee ranging from INR 3,000 to INR 5,000.

2. Ovarian stimulation medications: The cost of medications used to stimulate egg production varies depending on the type, dosage, and duration of treatment. On average, expect a range of INR 30,000 to INR 80,000 per cycle.

3. Monitoring and ultrasound scans: Regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasound scans is crucial throughout ovarian stimulation to track follicle growth and hormone levels. These monitoring visits and scans typically cost between INR 5,000 and INR 10,000 per cycle.

4. Egg retrieval procedure: The egg retrieval procedure itself typically includes fees for anaesthesia, facility use, medical equipment, and the services of the fertility specialist and supporting staff. The average cost of the egg retrieval procedure alone in India ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 40,000.

5. Laboratory fees: Once retrieved, the eggs undergo denudation, evaluation, and vitrification for freezing. Laboratory fees encompass the cost of egg vitrification, cryopreservation, and storage, typically ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 40,000 per cycle.

6. Storage fees: Frozen eggs require ongoing storage in specialized cryopreservation tanks at the clinic or laboratory. Storage fees are charged annually ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per year.

While the national average provides a good starting point, it's also important to consider location-specific variations. Here are the estimated costs for egg freezing across some metropolitan cities in India:

• Egg freezing cost in Mumbai: Expect a range of INR 1.7 lakh to INR 3.5 lakh per cycle.

• Egg freezing cost in Kolkata: Costs may fall within the range of INR 1.4 lakh to INR 2.8 lakh per cycle.

• Egg freezing cost in Delhi: Egg freezing in Delhi can range from INR 1.6 lakh to INR 3.2 lakh per cycle, on average.

• Egg freezing cost in Chennai: The estimated cost for egg freezing in Chennai could be between INR 1.5 lakh and INR 3 lakh per cycle.

• Egg freezing cost in Bangalore: Bangalore may see costs ranging from INR 1.8 lakh to INR 3.4 lakh per cycle for an egg freezing cycle.

Does Insurance Cover Egg Freezing in India?

While health insurance in India generally does not cover fertility treatments like egg freezing, some policies may offer limited coverage for specific procedures or diagnostic tests related to infertility.

It's advisable to review your health insurance policy for any fertility-related coverage and to consult directly with your insurance provider for clarification.

Financing options for egg freezing in India

The cost of egg freezing can be a significant investment. Here are some financing options to consider:

1. Personal savings: Many individuals utilize their personal savings or investments to cover fertility treatments. Setting aside a portion of your income specifically for healthcare expenses can help manage these costs.

2. Medical loans: Several banks and financial institutions offer medical loans or healthcare financing options specifically designed to cover medical expenses, including fertility treatments. These loans typically offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

3. EMI (Equated Monthly Instalments) Options: Some fertility clinics and hospitals may offer EMI options or payment plans. Under an EMI scheme, you can spread the cost of treatment into manageable monthly instalments over a specified period.

4. Employer Benefits: A growing number of employers in India are starting to offer employee benefits or healthcare packages that include coverage for fertility treatments like egg freezing. Check with your human resources department or benefits administrator to see if your employer offers any fertility-related benefits or reimbursement programs.

Arva: Making egg freezing in India accessible and affordable

While the cost of egg freezing can be a factor that really weighs in, it shouldn't be a barrier to achieving your family-building goals. That’s why, we at Arva are here to support you with our solutions designed to make egg freezing more accessible and affordable.

• At-Home hormonal fertility test: Consider taking Arva's convenient at-home Hormonal Fertility Test. This test measures Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, a key indicator of your ovarian reserve. Understanding your AMH levels can empower you to make informed decisions about your fertility future and the potential timeline for egg freezing.

• Fertility packages: Arva offers comprehensive fertility packages that streamline the egg-freezing process. These packages bundle essential services at a reduced cost, providing significant savings compared to paying for each step individually.

By combining Arva's at-home fertility test with our cost-effective fertility packages, you not only make your egg-freezing journey less of a complicated maze but also get to view egg-freezing as a more financially attainable option.

We at Arva are committed to empowering people women throughout their reproductive journey. We understand the importance of family planning and are dedicated to providing the information, resources, and support you need, at all stages.

We’re here with you, cheering every step of the way!