Americans Seek Affordable IVF in Greece

A growing number of Americans are traveling to Europe for in vitro fertilization to escape high domestic costs. Couples like Emilie and Justin Solomon of Florida, who were quoted $40,000 for one round of IVF at home, are seeking treatment in countries like Greece for about $12,000 total, including medication and procedures.

President Trump's administration has proposed rules to ease employer-provided fertility coverage and launched TrumpRx, a site offering discounted medications that could save up to $2,200 per IVF cycle. However, these potential savings are offset by a 90% rise in IVF medication costs since 2014. A July study found the overall cost for one IVF cycle exceeds $29,000, which is 35% of the median U.S. Annual household income. With genetic testing, storage, and delivery, the total can surpass $54,000 per IVF birth. An average patient needs two to three cycles to successfully have a child, so the costs for many patients would be even higher.

The Cost-Driven Exodus

Infertility affects nearly 7 million people in the U.S., but only an estimated 24% receive treatment due to cost and limited insurance. The condition is believed to be rising partly because of people having children later, as well as environmental factors such as pollution. The number of Americans choosing European fertility clinics grew by more than 37% last year. Greece and Spain are primary destinations.

IVF in Greece using a patient's own eggs typically costs $3,000 to $4,000, not including medication. Penny Ampatzi, co-founder and clinic director at Serum IVF in Athens, says her clinic charges just under $6,000 per cycle, not including embryo freezing. She notes the main draws are personalized treatment plans and affordability, with about a dozen American patients monthly.

Combining Treatment with Travel

For many, the lower cost allows them to combine medical procedures with vacation. The Solomons, who traveled to Athens' Pelargos IVF Medical Group, explored the island of Milos between appointments. They rented a boat and climbed white volcanic cliffs. Their clinic trips included a weekend in Milos and two days in Croatia.

Serum IVF offers airport pickup and island-hopping tours. Ampatzi said patients consider the good possibility of success, the lower cost, and the combination with holidays.

Legal and Logistical Complexities

Patients in Greece face specific legal restrictions. Embryo storage is time-limited, donor anonymity is standard, and sex selection is restricted. Surrogacy access is limited for nonresidents, and moving embryos between Greece and the U.S. Requires careful documentation.

William Kiltz, vice president at U.S.-based CNY Fertility, which offers IVF for around $8,000 at its 18 locations, warns of risks in an emotionally driven market. He stated that the strong desire for a child could lead to individuals being taken advantage of.

Dr. Tarita Pakrashi, head fertility doctor at a CNY location in Virginia, points out the difficulties of vetting an overseas clinic without speaking the language or understanding local regulations. Transporting temperature-sensitive medication is also challenging. She has had patients return from abroad struggling to transfer records or understand diagnoses, often needing to repeat tests.

The U.S. Cost Landscape

High U.S. Costs are attributed to inflation, an embryologist shortage, post-pandemic demand surges, and private equity ownership. More than half of CNY Fertility's patients travel from out of state for its lower-cost model. Kiltz says the clinic operates on minimal profit to keep services accessible, stating that IVF is almost a treatment only the top 1% can afford reasonably.

Despite the challenges, over 100,000 babies were born via IVF in the U.S. In 2024, a record. Yet for many, international treatment remains the only financially viable path to parenthood, even with the inherent risks of handling foreign healthcare systems.