Thinking about IVF or egg freezing? Here’s what these fertility options really cost in Singapore today.
Deciding when, or whether, to have children is deeply personal. What has changed is the range of medical options now available to support fertility, from early fertility checks to egg freezing and assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.
In Singapore, these options became more visible after elective egg freezing was legalised in 2023, giving women greater flexibility over their reproductive timelines. However, while technology has expanded choice, it has also introduced a reality many couples only discover later. Fertility treatment can be expensive, unpredictable, and rarely a one-time process.
This guide breaks down the costs of fertility checks, egg freezing and IVF, including subsidies, hidden expenses, success rates, and what insurance does, and does not, cover.
Fertility check-ups
Fertility check-ups are often the starting point, particularly for couples trying to conceive naturally.
When are fertility checks recommended?
Doctors generally recommend fertility testing if:
- The woman is aged 35 or below and has been trying to conceive for one year without success.
- The woman is above 35 and has been trying for six months.
Some couples choose to test earlier for peace of mind or future planning.
What’s usually included?
A fertility assessment may include:
- Pelvic ultrasound scan
- Pap smear (if due)
- Blood tests to assess ovarian reserve and hormone levels.
- Semen analysis for male partners.
- Consultation with a fertility specialist to review results.
How much does it cost?
- Private hospitals and fertility centres: Packages typically range from S$400 to S$600, depending on the clinic and tests included.
- Public hospitals (KKH, SGH, NUH): There is no fixed package. Costs vary based on the tests required, but subsidised rates are available with a polyclinic referral.
For many couples, starting with a public hospital assessment helps keep costs manageable.
Costs and considerations of egg freezing in Singapore
Egg freezing has gained attention as a way to preserve fertility, especially since egg quality tends to decline more significantly after age 35.
Who can freeze eggs?
From 2023, women aged 21 to 37 can freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons. Previously, doctors only allowed egg freezing for medical indications, such as before chemotherapy. Women can later use frozen eggs for IVF, subject to prevailing regulations, including marital requirements at the point of use.
What does the egg freezing process involve?
The process typically includes:
- Ovarian stimulation: Hormonal injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
- Egg retrieval: Doctors collect the eggs under light sedation.
- Cryopreservation: Clinics freeze and store the eggs at ultra-low temperatures.
Before starting, doctors usually conduct blood tests and infectious disease screening to assess suitability.
How much does egg freezing cost?
One egg freezing cycle cost could go up to approximately S$10,000 to S$15,000 at private clinics. This usually includes specialist, anaesthetist, and laboratory fees.
One cycle typically yields 10 to 15 eggs, but not all eggs survive freezing and thawing. Many women choose to undergo two to three cycles to improve their chances of future pregnancy.
Egg storage fees range from S$500 to S$1,000 per year, depending on the clinic. While eggs can remain frozen for many years, long-term storage costs should form part of your financial planning.
Read more: Should You Have Kids? Tips for Young Couples in Singapore
IVF and assisted fertility treatment costs
When you decide to use frozen eggs, clinics thaw, fertilise, and transfer them as part of assisted reproductive treatment.
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most common forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). It involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus.
IVF typically involves:
- Hormonal injections to stimulate egg production
- Egg retrieval under sedation
- Fertilisation in a laboratory
- Embryo culture for several days
- Embryo transfer into the uterus
- A pregnancy test around two weeks later
Do note that while women can freeze their eggs regardless of marital status, the use of frozen eggs for IVF in Singapore is subject to legal conditions. Under current regulations, IVF using frozen eggs can only be carried out if the woman is legally married at the point of treatment, and the spouse’s consent is required. Single women are therefore not able to use their frozen eggs for IVF within Singapore unless they are married at the time of use.
IVF costs in Singapore
IVF costs vary depending on age, medication needs, and whether the cycle is fresh or frozen.
| Item | Estimated cost |
| Consultation and scans | S$500 – S$1,500 |
| Fertility medications | S$3,000 – S$6,000 |
| Egg retrieval procedure | S$2,000 – S$4,000 |
| Laboratory and fertilisation fees | S$2,500 – S$4,000 |
| Embryo transfer | S$1,000 – S$2,000 |
| Total (private hospitals) | S$12,000 – S$20,000 |
| Total (public hospitals) | S$10,000 – S$15,000 |
Note: These costs apply per cycle, and many patients require more than one cycle.
Government subsidies and MediSave usage
Singapore provides some financial support for assisted fertility treatments, though elective egg freezing itself is not subsidised.
MOH co-funding (public hospitals only)
You may qualify for subsidies if:
- At least one partner is a Singapore Citizen
- Treatment takes place at a public hospital
The maximum subsidy per cycle can reach up to S$7,700, depending on:
- Citizenship of both partners
- Type of cycle (fresh or frozen embryo)
- Type of procedure (IVF or IUI)
MediSave usage
Patients can use MediSave to offset IVF costs:
- S$6,000 for the first cycle
- S$5,000 for the second cycle
- S$4,000 for subsequent cycles
This is capped at S$15,000 per patient. While elective egg freezing is not subsidised, IVF using frozen eggs may qualify for subsidies later.
Read more: How MediShield Life Changes Will Affect Your Healthcare Costs
Hidden and unexpected costs many people don’t budget for
Beyond headline figures, IVF often comes with additional expenses:
- Multiple IVF cycles
- Extra medications for weak ovarian response
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- Frozen embryo transfers (FETs)
- Repeat blood tests and ultrasounds
- Time off work and emotional burnout
- Transport, parking, and frequent clinic visits
These costs can quietly add several thousand dollars over time.
Success rates and the real “cost per baby”
IVF success rates depend largely on age.
| Age group | Approx. live birth rate per IVF cycle |
| Under 35 | 40 to 50% live birth rate per cycle |
| 35 to 37 | 30 to 40% |
| 38 to 40 | 20 to 30% |
| Over 40 | <20% |
As a result, many couples require two to four cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy.
While one IVF cycle may cost S$15,000, the real “cost per baby” can reach S$30,000 to S$60,000 or more, particularly without subsidies. This is not meant to discourage IVF, but to help set realistic expectations.
Is IVF covered by insurance?
In most cases, no.
- Standard health insurance and Integrated Shield Plans do not cover IVF.
- Insurers classify fertility treatments as elective rather than medically necessary.
- Some maternity plans may cover pregnancy complications, but not conception.
This makes personal savings and MediSave planning essential.
However, it’s important to understand how maternity insurance fits into the picture. Maternity insurance does not cover IVF, egg freezing, or fertility treatments themselves.
Instead, these plans typically provide coverage after conception, such as for pregnancy-related complications, hospitalisation, or delivery costs.
As a result, while maternity insurance can help manage costs during pregnancy, it does not reduce the upfront expenses of fertility treatment. Couples planning IVF should rely primarily on personal savings, MediSave, and available government subsidies, rather than insurance, to fund treatment.
Read more: The Comprehensive Guide to Buying Maternity Insurance in Singapore
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is egg freezing subsidised in Singapore?
No. Elective egg freezing is not subsidised in Singapore, and women must pay the full cost of the procedure and annual storage fees. However, IVF treatment using frozen eggs at a public hospital may qualify for government subsidies and MediSave usage if eligibility criteria are met.
How much does IVF cost in Singapore?
IVF in Singapore typically costs between S$10,000 and S$20,000 per cycle, depending on whether treatment is done at a public or private hospital. Public hospitals generally offer lower costs due to government subsidies, while private clinics charge more but often provide shorter waiting times.
How many IVF cycles are usually needed to get pregnant?
Most couples need two to four IVF cycles to achieve a successful pregnancy. The number of cycles required depends largely on age, egg quality, sperm quality, and underlying fertility issues. IVF success rates are higher in younger patients and decline with age.
Can MediSave be used for IVF in Singapore?
Yes. MediSave can be used to pay for IVF treatment in Singapore, including cycles that use frozen eggs. Patients can withdraw up to S$6,000 for the first cycle, S$5,000 for the second, and S$4,000 for subsequent cycles, capped at S$15,000 per patient.
Is IVF covered by insurance in Singapore?
No. Most insurance plans in Singapore do not cover IVF or fertility treatments, as insurers classify them as elective procedures. Integrated Shield Plans and standard health insurance policies exclude IVF, though some maternity plans may cover pregnancy complications after conception.
What is the best age to freeze eggs?
The best age to freeze eggs is before 35, as egg quality and quantity decline more rapidly after this age. While women aged 21 to 37 are eligible to freeze eggs in Singapore, earlier freezing generally results in higher success rates when the eggs are used later.
Are fertility checks required before IVF?
Yes. Fertility checks are necessary before starting IVF, as they help doctors identify underlying issues and determine the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, fertility assessments may reveal that less invasive options than IVF are suitable.
Final thoughts
Medical advances have made fertility assessments, egg freezing and assisted reproductive treatments more accessible than ever. Fertility checks can help you make informed decisions about timing and family planning, while egg freezing offers an option for preserving future fertility.
Understanding the full cost allows you to plan, save and invest realistically towards your family goals.
Read more: Maximising Support for Working Mothers in Singapore
