Fembryo Fertility & Gynaecology Clinic
Financial Matters
Every patient’s situation is unique which affects the testing and treatment plan, therefore, costs vary from patient to patient.
Financial matters related to treatments at Fembryo Fertility Clinic
The price of IVF and other fertility treatments can be daunting.
The cost of fertility treatment depends on the type of treatment done, the amount of medication required and whether additional procedures are necessary, such as donor eggs or sperm, an embryo biopsy or embryo freezing.
In South Africa, Medical Aids generally cover surgeries but most do not cover IVF and other assisted reproduction techniques, however there are a few exceptions.
The good news is that options are available to those who might need to start their families with Assisted Reproductive Therapies (ART).
Payment Processes at Fembryo Clinic
What to expect with regard to payment processes at Fembryo Clinic.
Each treatment option is considered according to the patient or couple’s individual situation.
We therefore encourage patients to get in touch with our accounts department prior to starting their treatment program, where the costing of the cycle can be explained as well as how the different treatment components are charged.
Each program has a specific payment structure, matching specific times in the program:
- A deposit payment is required before the cycle starts
- The balance payment is required before the procedure is done
Why addressing infertility is important?
“Every human being has a right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Individuals and couples have the right to decide the number, timing and spacing of their children. Infertility can negate the realisation of these essential human rights. Addressing infertility is therefore an important part of realising the right of individuals and couples to found a family.”
The World Health Organisation
Medical Aids
Why it took so long for medical schemes to cover ART
“Despite infertility being classified as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) condition, medical aid schemes used a loophole in the classification to exclude infertility treatment from cover. The vast majority of schemes in South Africa still do not cover fertility treatment.
According to the PMB classification code 902m, only the medical and surgical management of the infertility has to be covered by all schemes. To be eligible for PMB benefits, the diagnosis of infertility must be supported by an ICD code of 902M by a qualified medical professional. As a result, procedures and interventions, such as endoscopic procedures, semen analysis and blood tests are paid from the PMB benefit.
Associations, including the South African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Genealogical Endoscopy (SASREG) – Fembryo’s own Dr. Danie Botha was a past president of SASREG – picked up the baton more than a decade ago. They’re actively negotiating with all medical aid schemes to provide cover for infertility treatment.
The SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIETY of REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE AND GYNAECOLOGICAL ENDOSCOPY (SASREG) as well as The INFERTILITY AWARENESS ASSOCIATION of SOUTH AFRICA (IFAASA) have been instrumental in negotiating funding by Discovery and negotiations with other medical aids is an ongoing process.
Their view is that the neglect of the burgeoning number of scheme members battling with infertility amounts to unfair discrimination.
Finances & Fertility
Medical Aids
fertility treatments in South Africa.
Discovery Medical Aid
Discovery is one of the first medical aids in South Africa to provide a benefit for ART fertility treatments.
- Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) consultations, ultrasound scans and medicine
- A defined list of pathology
- Oocyte (egg) retrieval
- Embryo transfer and freezing
- Admission costs, including the laboratory fees
- Embryo and sperm storage relating to the approved assisted reproductive therapy procedures.
Camaf
The Chartered Accountants Medical Aid Fund (CAMAF), which was established in 1951, was originally designed for accounting professionals and offers superior benefits to qualifying members.
As the fund focuses on a niche market, it is able to provide a range of benefits that significantly surpass those offered by most open schemes.
CAMAF strongly values innovation, and covers many procedures performed with the very latest technology. It also has a distinctly holistic focus, combining excellent healthcare benefits with an actively managed wellness programme.
Camaf offers best in class infertility funding on the Double Plus, Double Network, Alliance Plus & Alliance Network options.
Finances & Fertility
Medical Financing
An overview of financial services that support fertility treatments in South Africa.
Medifin
Medifin specialises in the financing of medical procedures, and fertility treatments are no exception.
They know exactly how stressful IVF treatments and procedures can be, and they don’t want you to worry about how you’re going to finance it as well.
Medific has a Loan Calculator for more options, or contact us to speak to a consultant.
For more information, see their IVF information page:
Mediwallet
Mediwallet is another option that could be used to finance aspects of your ART procedures.
MediWallet is a flexible and affordable payment solution for many South African’s who are unable to afford medical aid, or in this case to help cover medical procedures not part of the PMB and therefore not offered by most South African Medical Aids.
MediWallet is not a medical scheme and the cover (benefits and contributions) is not the same as that of a medical scheme. You can build your own cover to suit your pocket using a combination of Health Insurance, 3 months interest free Medical Credit and Medical Vouchers to send to loved ones.
Ovajoyed
Ovajoyed knows that fertility treatments can be very expensive. They would like to take care of the financial stress, so you can focus on what matters most.
Teaming up with them gets you more than just a loan; they’re on call to support you through the process.
Their personalised loans will get your fertility treatment started while their team will be there to support you the rest of the way. They even offer a “Friends/family” loan option allowing someone else to take out a loan on your behalf.
Their loans range from R10 000 to R100 000 per round of ART with payment terms between 12 – 24 months. The payment plan will fit your specific needs and treatment cost.
