how much to save?

[Lulliloo]

so we have been ttc for almost 2 yrs now(in jan).
if i am wanting to start the fs train how much money should i initially save?
say for the app, tests and possibly first round of any drugs?
just a ball park
i don't have private health cover either so i wont get any of that back.

thanks ladies.

[Mollie89]

Lulliloo - Do you have medicare? For my appts, I pay about $120 - $140 depending on what the appt is for, and get some of it back from Medicare. I am just about to start Clomid and that depending on the pharmacy is anywhere between $30 - $50.
The only test that I have had done that cost me anything was my HSG test, and I think it was about $200 but i got alot of that back from Medicare. Every other blood test and what not I havent paid anything because it is covered under Medicare..
I know this is much info but HTH

[Lulliloo]

thanks mollie..
yeah i do have medicare, i just wanted to know the upfront costs coz thats how much i will need to have
thats not too bad with the costs really. mmmmmm time to save some more.

[Mollie89]

I save about $100 a fortnight, so that when I have an appt coming up I dip into that to pay for the appt, and the money I get back from Medicare goes straight back into the savings. But I have been saving since we started TTC just in case we had to go down the IVF track...

[Elocin]

I can totally recommend my guy... Although he's expensive to start off...

$260 for the initial appt
$105 for subsequent appts

Less whatever amount from Medicare - I can give you firm figures if you need them

SA is about $120, less x amount from Medicare

All BTs are a bulk billed...

Let me know if you need some more info xo

[~TT40~]

we havent started yet...but have booked our first appointment and they gave me costs so i knew what i needed.
(yes she even sperated it for me)
dh's part = $70 (which she said he will get back on medicare)
my part = $221

not sure why his is cheaper than mine...esp seen as its him with the problems...could it be because he has a referal? and i dont?? i dont know...
we dont have to get a SA either cause he already did one...

its actually cheaper than i expected (this part atleast - i know there will be more costs...and on going, but im not freaking that there goes our life savings)

[Elocin]

not sure why his is cheaper than mine...esp seen as its him with the problems...could it be because he has a referal? and i dont?? i dont know...

my FS was the same... My initial appt was $260 and if DH came to the appt it would've been another $70 odd, which we would've got straight back from Medicare...

[Lulliloo]

thanks ladies.
elocin did you go to your app by yourself? mmmm i though dh would have to go along.
i will try to save $500 to start off then i think.. that should get me started at least.

[Mum2SweetCs]

Hi there,

mine FS is $190 every visit and i only get about 65 back from medicare. She bulk bills the blood tests for me though. Thank goodness!

Like the PP said, if you start on clomid which is me, thats another approx $34 for a box which lasts 2 months if you are on 50mg one.

GL, hopefully you dont need an appointment as you will be UTD before then. FX

[Elocin]

The very first one (my first FS, back in Feb) DH came with me and every other appt I went alone. The guy I see now only met DH because he came with me to get my stitches out after my op.

He doesn't have to go as such...

[Mrs P]

Just to give you an idea of ballpark should you need full IVF, our upfront cost for our last full stim cycle was around $8000, I think out of pocket was about $2500 - hopefully you won't need that much FS assistance and your journey will be a short one Obviouly IVF clinics vary greatly in their costs though, a lot more than just for OI, IUI etc.

[Lulliloo]

thanks mrs p. i really hope i wont need ivf either. we really would not be able to afford that without some serious help.

given me a bit to think on... elocin can you pm me who you see?