Pros and Cons of Going Abroad for Egg Freezing

If you're considering egg freezing as a way to preserve your fertility, you might have thought about traveling abroad for the procedure. While going overseas for medical treatment can offer benefits like lower costs, it also comes with drawbacks. This article will help you weigh the pros and cons of egg freezing abroad, compare it to options in the U.S., and explore alternatives that might make more sense for you.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the costs and safety of international egg freezing to the logistics of shipping frozen eggs back home. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to make a decision, this guide will provide the information you need to move forward with confidence.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether egg freezing abroad is the right choice for you—and what other options might be available closer to home.

Why freeze your eggs?

Being proactive about your future is something I recommend to all young women I meet. Egg freezing is one decision that can give you greater control over your reproductive health and help you achieve your long-term life goals.

There are many reasons to choose to freeze your eggs. Maybe you want to preserve your fertility and focus on your career or personal growth, or maybe you have a health condition that can impact your ability to conceive later in life. Or, like many egg freezers, perhaps you want to give yourself more time to meet the right life partner before having kids. Whatever your reason, freezing your eggs can be a smart way to protect your options and give yourself a better chance of starting a family when you're ready. 

Which country is best for egg freezing?

While there are many countries that offer egg freezing services, the United States is often considered the best country to freeze your eggs. The United States is home to the best fertility clinics in the world, that pioneer and utilize the latest and most advanced technology for egg freezing. This ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care and the best possible chance of success.

The United States also has strict regulations and standards for fertility clinics, ensuring that patients receive safe and effective care. Clinics in the United States are required to adhere to strict guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and report their outcomes data to Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

However, the United States is also number one in cost, making medical procedures like egg freezing out of reach for many. Other countries that have well-respected clinics include Spain, Israel, and Canada. 

Can I freeze my eggs in another country?

Yes, it is possible to freeze your eggs in another country. Clinics around the world offer egg freezing services, and some people choose to travel to another country to undergo the procedure. For Americans, that reason is usually lower costs.  

However, before embarking on an international journey, you’ll want to conduct thorough research to ensure you receive safe, high-quality treatment. This includes considering the country and clinic you plan to visit and understanding their regulations, standards of care, and cultural practices surrounding fertility treatment.

Traveling abroad for egg freezing also involves logistical considerations such as the cost of travel, accommodations, and follow-up care. It's important to factor in these costs to ensure the procedure remains within your budget.

Here are the main considerations:

• Clinic Reputation: Research the clinic’s success rates, certifications, and patient reviews.
• Regulations: Understand the country’s standards for fertility treatments.
• Logistics: Factor in travel, accommodations, follow-up care, and shipping your eggs back to the US.

Pros of going abroad for egg freezing

One of the most significant advantages of going abroad for egg freezing is the cost. Many countries offer egg freezing procedures at a much lower cost than the United States. This can be especially appealing for those who don't have insurance coverage for the procedure. 

Going abroad for egg freezing can also provide an opportunity to combine the procedure with a vacation or travel experience. 

If you’d like to remain in the United States for your egg freezing experience, our Split program provides a free opportunity to do so when you donate a portion of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive. 

Cons of going abroad for egg freezing

When going abroad for medical treatment, it can be challenging to ensure that the clinic you choose meets the same standards of care and safety as those in the United States. You may need to do extra research to find a reputable clinic.

Communication can also be a significant challenge when going abroad for medical treatment. You may need to navigate language barriers and cultural differences, which can make the process more stressful and confusing.

Plus, after the egg freezing procedure, it's important to receive follow-up care and monitoring. This can be difficult to do when you're in another country, especially if complications arise.

What is the average cost of egg freezing abroad?

The cost of egg freezing abroad varies significantly depending on the country, the clinic, and the specific treatment plan. We’ve seen international clinic pricing range from $5,000 to $10,000 plus the cost of medication. This cost difference is primarily due to differences in healthcare systems, regulations, and the overall cost of real estate and salaries.

While the cost of egg freezing abroad may be lower, there will be additional expenses like:

• Travel and accommodations
• Follow-up care
• Shipping frozen eggs back to the U.S.

How does international egg freezing work?

International egg freezing is when patients travel to another country to undergo the egg freezing procedure. The process involves several steps:

1. Research and consultation: Research and select a reputable clinic in your desired country. Many will allow you to have a virtual initial consultation to discuss their medical history and determine their eligibility for the procedure.
2. Commitment and travel: Once you commit to a clinic, you’ll likely be put on birth control to coordinate the timing of egg freezing cycle. You’ll work with the clinic to determine the best window to travel to the country, where you will be for about two weeks.
3. Ovarian stimulation: Once you begin your cycle, you’ll take hormone injections for 10-14 days to stimulate egg production.
4. Egg retrieval: This is a 30-minute out-patient procedure to harvest and freeze the eggs.
5. Freezing and storage: Eggs are frozen and prepared to ship to a U.S. facility.
6. Recovery: The clinic will likely want you to stay nearby for a few days to ensure no complications.

International egg freezing requires careful planning and research to ensure quality care and a successful outcome. 

Can you ship frozen eggs internationally?

Even if you freeze your eggs abroad, you’ll likely want to safely store them in the United States which requires them to be transferred from the clinic to a long-term storage facility. 

It is possible to transfer frozen eggs to another country, but the process can be complex and may involve legal, logistical, and medical considerations. 

Transporting frozen eggs requires specialized equipment and techniques to maintain the correct temperature and ensure the safety of the eggs. You should only work with a specialized, insured courier or shipping company that has experience in transporting frozen biological samples.

While it’s relatively safe to have frozen eggs transported, there have been heartbreaking cases of hiccups and mistakes from carriers.

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Should I go abroad for egg freezing?

As we mentioned above, if the main reason to go abroad for egg freezing is cost, you should know there’s another option closer to home. At Cofertility, we’re striving to make egg freezing more human-centered and accessible here in the U.S. through or Freeze by Co program:

• Freeze for free: Donate half of your eggs to a family in need, and freeze the other half for yourself at no cost.
• Discounted options: If egg donation isn’t for you, our Keep program can help you access discounts at top U.S. clinics.

Either way, we can make the entire egg freezing process more affordable and less overwhelming. 

Final thoughts

Egg freezing is a big decision, and choosing where to do it is an important part of the process. Whether you’re considering going abroad or exploring options in the U.S., we’re here to help you make the best choice for your future.