7 steps to help you budget for fertility treatment

Embarking on the journey of fertility treatment can be quite daunting – the emotional rollercoaster coupled with the financial implications can make it all feel quite overwhelming.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be, if you take the right approach, do your research and talk to the right people.

Follow these seven steps to get you going and to help you budget for the fertility treatment process:

1. Get a professional opinion: Seek help as soon as you become concerned about your fertility. Choose a reputable clinic for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Some problems, such as hormonal issues, can be detected and addressed easily.
2. Check with your medical aid: Review policies and contact the provider to understand the extent of coverage and associated conditions or limits.
3. Investigate your employee benefits: Some employers – generally larger companies and multinationals – offer fertility treatment benefits as part of their staff healthcare packages.
4. Assess your financial situation: Evaluate your financial status, including income, monthly expenses, and savings. Determine how much you can realistically allocate towards fertility treatments without compromising your essential needs.
5. Create a dedicated fertility fund: Open a savings account specifically for fertility treatment costs. Set up automatic transfers from your main account to ensure consistent savings.
6. Explore clinic options: Compare prices at various clinics to find the most cost-effective options without compromising quality. Some clinics allow you to pay off treatment costs over time.
7. Plan for the long term: Be prepared for the possibility of needing multiple treatment cycles. Factor in costs such as travel, accommodation, and time off work.

Contact Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy for more information and JustMoney for more financial tips.

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Source: The Citizen