Does Your Insurance Cover Cancer-Related Fertility Preservation?

Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, and while survival rates continue to improve thanks to advances in medicine, many patients face long-term consequences—including infertility. Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can damage reproductive organs, leaving survivors unable to conceive naturally. Fertility preservation—such as egg freezing, sperm banking, or embryo cryopreservation—offers hope, but the big question remains: Does your insurance cover it?

The Growing Need for Fertility Preservation

Cancer treatments are aggressive by design, targeting rapidly dividing cells—unfortunately, that includes eggs and sperm. For young adults diagnosed with cancer, the possibility of infertility adds emotional distress to an already overwhelming situation. Studies show that many cancer survivors regret not being informed about fertility preservation options before treatment.

Who Is Most Affected?

• Young adults (ages 18-35) – Many haven’t started families yet.
• Pediatric patients – Parents must make decisions on behalf of their children.
• Those with hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast, ovarian, testicular) – Treatment often directly impacts fertility.

The High Cost of Preserving Fertility

Fertility preservation isn’t cheap. Here’s a rough breakdown of costs in the U.S.:
- Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation): $10,000–$15,000 per cycle
- Sperm banking: $500–$1,000 initially, plus annual storage fees
- Embryo freezing: $5,000–$8,000 per cycle
- Ovarian tissue freezing (experimental but growing): $10,000+

For cancer patients already facing medical bills, these expenses can feel impossible.

Insurance Coverage: A Patchwork System

Unlike some countries with universal healthcare, the U.S. has no federal mandate requiring insurers to cover fertility preservation for cancer patients. Coverage varies wildly by:
- State laws (some, like New York and Illinois, have fertility preservation mandates)
- Insurance provider (some offer partial coverage, others none at all)
- Employer-sponsored plans (larger companies may include it as a benefit)

States Leading the Change

A handful of states have passed laws requiring insurers to cover fertility preservation for iatrogenic (treatment-induced) infertility:
- California – Covers standard fertility preservation for medically necessary treatments.
- Connecticut – Mandates coverage for egg/sperm freezing if treatment risks infertility.
- New Jersey – Requires coverage for medically induced infertility.

Still, many states offer zero protection, leaving patients to shoulder the cost.

How to Advocate for Coverage

If your insurance denies fertility preservation, don’t give up immediately. Here’s how to fight back:

1. Appeal the Decision

Insurance denials are common, but appeals can work. Gather:
- A letter from your oncologist stating fertility risks
- Medical studies supporting preservation
- Documentation of state laws (if applicable)

2. Seek Financial Assistance

Nonprofits like Livestrong Fertility and The Samfund offer grants to help cover costs. Some fertility clinics also provide discounts for cancer patients.

3. Push for Legislative Change

Advocacy groups (e.g., Resolve: The National Infertility Association) lobby for better laws. Contacting your state representatives can help push for mandates.

The Future of Fertility Preservation

As survival rates improve, the conversation around life after cancer is growing. More oncologists now discuss fertility risks upfront, and researchers are exploring less invasive preservation methods. Insurance coverage, however, still lags behind.

For now, the best defense is being informed. Check your policy, ask questions, and explore all options—because surviving cancer shouldn’t mean sacrificing the chance to have a family.