I had my IUI done at Fertility Specialist South (FSS) Perth last year:

1st cycle with Clomid $215
2nd cycle with Clomid $215
3rd cycle with Clomid $215

1st IUI $1000 out-of-pocket costs
Item no. Fee Refund
13209 Management...referred patient by specialist $ 220 $67.20
13221 Preparation of semen-assisted reproductive $ 135 $41.00
13203 Ovulation monitoring service $1190 $393.70
$1545 $501.90
subsequet IUI $224 out-of-pocket costs
(*Medicare Safety Net threshold reached)
Item no.
13209 Management...referred patient by specialist $ 220 $174.05
13221 Preparation of semen-assisted reproductive $ 135 $116.20
13203 Ovulation monitoring services $1190 $1030.75
$1545 $1321


My first IVF this year was with Concept, Perth:

I have just changed fertility clinics, as IVF appeared cheaper at Concept Fertility. However. Like most medical things, there isn't a*clear-cut and easy comparison, as there is no "standard IVF".

As I soon discovered, there are different protocols and drugs for IVF - short, long, down, flare ... and a "basic IVF"*= eggs + sperm. But they don't tell you about blastocyst culture, assisted hatching, which I guess are fairly common these days, but are not part and parcel of your "basic IVF" cost. They are optional, just as freezing surplus embryos, but you might as well do it if you believe in technology and want to have the best chance of success.

What else isn't included?

> semen preparation
- How the hell does one do IVF without semen preparation???

> certain medications* (eg. Lucrin and Synarel)
- Again, how does one do IVF without certain drugs to help regulate your hormones???

>*assisted hatching ($400)

>*embryo freezing ($500)

>*blastocyst culture ($750)

The cost for IVF must also take into account egg retrieval and egg transfer fees, which are done as an inpatient (ie hospital cover), and require your fertility specialist and an anaesthetist. Depending on your level of private health insurance cover, you may incur some out-of-pocket (gap) costs.

A very quick comparison of "basic IVF" cost in Australia seems to be in the range of $5500 - $7500 upwards. You can search for Medicare*item numbers to get an idea of what your out-of-pocket costs will be.

Regarding our 1st IVF cost from Concept Fertility in Perth: their "basic IVF" cost is $5750, but we had blastocyst culture ($750) and embryo freezing ($500) included, both of which are NOT covered by Medicare.

Our out-of-pocket (gap) expenses totalled $3795

inpatient hospital, 2 stays - $500 private health insurance excess

From Dr.G
Item no. Fee Medicare / Safety net Private health refund
13209*Management...referred patient by specialist $ 85 $68 $0
13212* Oocyte retrieval for ..assisted reproduction $430 $251.25 $83.75
13215* Transfer of embryos ....... $130 $78.75 $26.25
Total....... $645 $398 $110


From anaesthetist
Item no. Fee Medicare / Safety net Private health refund

17601* Pre-anaesthesia consulation $ 76 $30.45 $10.15
20943* Anaesthesia transvaginal assisted reproductive $180 $56.10 $18.70
23031* Anaesthesia time - 31-35 minutes $135 $42.10 $14.00
Total....... $391 $128.65 $42.85


*Inpatient

From fertility clinic
Item no Fee Medicare refund / Safety net Private health refund
13200*Assisted reproductive services* $7000 $2870.90 / $1550 $0
-******** Semen preparation* $80 $0 $0
-*********Lucrin medication* $265 $0 $0
Total....... $7345 $4420.90 $0


Note:
Private health insurance only covers in-hospital stuff
In-Hospital stuff is not covered by the Medicare Safety net benefit

Tip: Keep all your receipts and make copies before sending to Medicare. Do not claim anything back until you have received and paid for your first IVF/ART service. That way, you are considered over the Medicare Safety Net threshhold, and will receive more back for every medical expense, even if not related to IVF.