Employees are traveling abroad to afford fertility treatments, but at what cost?

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The need for U.S. companies to add comprehensive fertility and family building benefits is growing as infertility becomes an increasingly prevalent concern with 1 in 6 individuals impacted globally, making the condition more common than asthma and diabetes. In addition, 63% of LGBTIA+ individuals will rely on reproductive technology, surrogacy, foster care, or adoption to become parents, making the need for comprehensive fertility and family building coverage more essential than ever.

Unfortunately, without insurance the steep price tag of treatments like egg freezing and IVF, ranging from $21,000 to a staggering $110,000, often leaves hopeful parents taking out personal loans, adding second jobs, or depleting their savings. According to a survey from Progyny of 1,000 LGBTQ+ respondents, of those trying to expand their families, 77% shared that they are worried about the cost of doing so. This financial burden has driven some to seek fertility treatments abroad, presenting both potential health risks and demonstrating that organizations in the U.S. are not doing enough to support their employees’ desires to grow their families.