Mako, I'm going to make a huge assumption that because you are in Newcastle, you are using the SIVF clinic up there? It's the only one I know of, anyway. I've just checked their web site, and the initial out of pocket cost for IUI is listed as $1,316.45, but after the 80% medicare rebate it's only $168.80. It seems that those figures include day hospital fees which would be covered by private health insurance, not medicare. How far would it be for you to travel to the Central Coast? The IVFAustralia clinic there lists a $850 up front fee, with out of pockets costs of $155 after the safety net has been reached. Although, with the price of petrol, anything you save on the treatment, you may end up spending on travel costs! I used to live in Newcastle myself, and I still have a lot of friends and family up there. I was originally very upset about us needing to move to Sydney for work, but with all the medical problems I've had (as well as the infertility issues), I'm now very glad we are here. Although, I do hope to get back to Newcastle permanently one day.

BW