IVF Cost in Singapore

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a complex fertility treatment and an often expensive process, but for many couples who have tried to conceive naturally and failed, it is a vital source of hope. If you are considering it yourself, understanding the costs associated with IVF in Singapore can help your plan and prepare for the journey ahead.

What is IVF?

IVF stands for in-vitro fertilisation and involves several steps. First, the woman’s ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, creating embryos. The healthiest embryo is selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus, where it may implant and develop into a pregnancy.

IVF can be an option for a variety of fertility issues, including blocked fallopian tubes, male infertility, or unexplained infertility.

Base IVF cycle costs

The cost of an IVF cycle in Singapore will depend on the clinic, the specifics of the treatment, and the patient's needs. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a single IVF cycle.

Medication

Medication is a significant portion of the IVF cost. Fertility drugs are used for ovary stimulation, to produce multiple eggs for retrieval. The medication cost can range from SGD 3,000 to SGD 8,000 per cycle, depending on the patient's response to the drugs and the medication prescribed.

Ultrasound scans and blood tests

Throughout the IVF process, regular monitoring is necessary to monitor egg and hormone development. Ultrasound scans and blood tests are essential for this purpose. These monitoring sessions can cost between SGD 2,000 and SGD 3,000 per cycle.

Egg retrieval procedure

The egg retrieval process is a minor surgery performed under sedation. It can cost around $12,000 but this price can vary based on the clinic and the complexity of the procedure.

Embryo culture

After the eggs are retrieved and fertilised in the lab, the embryos are cultured for several days. The cost of embryo culture is typically included in the overall IVF package, ranging from SGD 4,000 to SGD 6,000.

Embryo transfer

The embryo transfer is the last step of an IVF cycle, where one or more embryos are placed into the uterus. The cost of this procedure can range from SGD 3,000 to SGD 5,300.

Additional IVF costs

In addition to the base costs of an IVF cycle, there are several other potential costs that couples may need to consider:

Semen analysis

A semen analysis may be required to assess the quality and quantity of sperm. This test is essential if male infertility is a factor. The cost of semen analysis typically ranges from SGD 150 to SGD 200. For a more in-depth evaluation, a sperm function test may be conducted. This can cost more and evaluates oxidative stress index levels, percentage of sperm-DNA breaks, proportion of mature sperm and other functions related to fertility. The cost of a sperm function test typically ranges from SGD 600 to SGD900.

Genetic testing

Genetic testing can be performed on embryos or parents to screen for genetic disorders before implantation. This testing is optional but can add SGD 3,000 to SGD 7,000 to the overall cost, depending on the type and extent of the testing.

Assisted hatching

In some cases, assisted hatching may be recommended to increase the chances of implantation. This technique involves making a small opening in the embryo's outer layer to help it "hatch" and implant into the uterine lining. The cost of assisted hatching can range from SGD 1,000 to SGD 2,000.

Frozen embryo storage

Excess embryos can be frozen and stored for future use if you have them after a successful IVF cycle. The cost of freezing and storing embryos typically ranges from SGD 800 to SGD 1,500 per year.

Multiple IVF cycles

If the first IVF cycle is unsuccessful, additional cycles may be necessary. The cost of multiple cycles can add up quickly, with each cycle costing roughly the same as the first. Some clinics may offer bundled packages for multiple cycles.

IVF costs for Singaporeans and foreigners

For Singaporeans and permanent residents

If you are a Singaporean or a permanent resident, you are eligible for subsidies at a public hospital, where the government co-funds part of your IVF costs. Given the longer waiting time at public hospitals, though, you may prefer going to a private clinic like Daniel Koh Clinic, where you can get treated quicker and receive specialised attention.

It should be noted that even at a private clinic you can offset the total costs of treatment using your MediSave fund. Couples can withdraw up to SGD 15,000 from their MediSave for Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP), with specific limits for each cycle:

1st IVF cycle: SGD 6,000
2nd IVF cycle: SGD 5,000
3rd & subsequent cycles: SGD 4,000

However, ACP has a lifetime withdrawal cap of SGD 15,000 per patient.

For foreigners

If you’re a foreigner, you can only qualify for co-funding if you are married to a Singaporean. If not, you would have to pay the full cost of IVF treatment. This applies to both public and private hospitals. You may choose the latter considering that you would get personalised care and receive treatment quicker.

If you and your partner are both foreigners, it is advisable to get a detailed cost breakdown from your chosen clinic.