High Fertility Costs Push Americans Abroad for IVF Treatment

In 2024, a couple named Emilie and Justin Solomon embarked on a covert expedition in Greece. The couple, known for their love of travel, were actually in the country seeking specialized medical care. They had turned off their phone locations to conceal their visits to a Greek clinic where they were undergoing fertility treatments.

The Solomons are part of a rising trend of Americans traveling abroad, primarily to Greece and Spain, to circumvent the high costs of fertility treatments in the United States, where such procedures are often not covered by insurance. These treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF), which involves ovulation stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in a lab, and embryo transfer into the uterus.

Other less invasive medical therapies also address infertility issues. Emilie Solomon recounted that they were quoted $40,000 for a single round of IVF in Florida. The Solomons decided to forego their summer vacation plans and instead opt for a more affordable alternative in Greece. The cost of a round of IVF in Greece, excluding travel expenses, was approximately $12,000.

This figure is a stark contrast to the 90% increase in IVF medication costs since 2014, according to GoodRx, a prescription discount service. A study by Axene Health Partners and the Women’s Reproductive Health Foundation revealed that the total cost for a cycle of IVF in the U.S. exceeded $29,000, accounting for 35% of the median annual household income.

Genetic testing, embryo storage, pregnancy care, and delivery costs can push the total expenditure over $54,000 per IVF-conceived birth. An average patient typically requires two to three cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy, resulting in even higher costs for many. Infertility affects nearly 7 million people in the U.S., but only about 24% of the treatment needs are met due to prohibitive costs and limited insurance coverage, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Infertility rates are believed to be on the rise due to delayed childbearing and environmental factors such as pollution. Despite these challenges, more than 100,000 babies were born via IVF in the U.S. in 2024, marking a record according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. A growing number of individuals seeking parenthood are turning to Europe: The number of Americans opting for European clinics increased by over 37% last year, as reported by Jakub Dejewski, chair of the European Fertility Society, which tracks data on fertility treatment in Europe.

The Solomons' decision to seek IVF treatment in Greece was driven by the prohibitive cost and uncertain legal landscape in Florida, where they reside. They were particularly concerned about the potential impact of "personhood" legislation in Florida, which could jeopardize their control over their embryos. The Pelargos IVF Medical Group in Athens proved to be a more affordable option.

During the first of two trips, Emilie underwent ovulation stimulation and egg retrieval. The total treatment cost amounted to about $12,000, not including travel expenses. The couple chose to spend a weekend between doctor appointments exploring the Greek island of Milos, enjoying the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Despite the emotional and physical strain of the IVF process, the Solomons found solace in their temporary escape to a new country.

In Greece, the cost of a single round of IVF, including medication, ranges from $3,000 to $4,000, significantly lower than the U.S. prices. Even with travel expenses, the cost remains a fraction of what patients pay in the United States. Jakub Dejewski, chair of the European Fertility Society, commented that Americans choose Greece due to its more affordable, faster, and well-supported treatment options for international patients.

However, Greek patients face certain legal restrictions: embryo storage is time-limited, donor anonymity is standard, and sex selection is prohibited.