Thanks to developments in medical technology, a growing emphasis on reproductive autonomy (thank goodness), and opportunities like our Split program, egg freezing is now more accessible than ever. However, the financial commitment doesn’t stop with the initial freezing process. A key consideration is the long-term cost of storing frozen eggs, an important component of financial planning for those pursuing egg freezing.
Understanding frozen egg storage costs can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive future. Whether you're considering freezing your eggs now or managing storage costs from a previous cycle, knowing the financial breakdown can ensure better long-term planning. After all, these days, frozen eggs can be stored indefinitely.
Below, we explore the typical expenses associated with frozen egg storage and the factors that can affect these costs. One note: this article contains figures provided at the time of writing, and they may all be subject to change over time.
Average costs of egg storage
Retrieving and freezing your eggs is just the beginning. Once frozen, your eggs will need to be stored, and the cost of egg storage can vary widely depending on the facility, location, and other factors. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay for storing your frozen eggs:
Annual egg storage fees
On average, storage fees for frozen eggs can range from $500 to $1,000 per year. These fees cover the ongoing maintenance of your eggs at sub-zero temperatures in a cryobank or fertility clinic. Some clinics in major metropolitan areas may charge upwards of $1,200 per year, while smaller clinics or cryobanks in less populated regions may offer more affordable rates.
Many facilities offer discounts for pre-paying for several years of storage upfront. These long-term storage plans may reduce the yearly cost to around $400 to $700 per year, depending on the contract length. Typically, clinics offer 3-to 10-year prepaid storage options, with deeper discounts for more extended commitments.
You also have the option of working directly with a long-term storage facility. Cofertility partners with TMRW Life Sciences, which offer our members – regardless of where they froze their eggs – discounted long-term storage rates (more on that below!).
Transportation costs
In addition to the annual fees, there may be other costs to consider, such as the cost to transport your eggs to a different facility or clinic. Moving frozen eggs between storage facilities, either across town or internationally, can cost up to $1,500, depending on the logistics involved.
Factors affecting egg storage costs
Several factors influence the total cost of storing your eggs. Here's a look at the most common elements that determine frozen egg storage pricing:
Geographic location
Like most medical or cryopreservation services, egg storage costs vary significantly depending on the location of the cryobank or fertility clinic. Facilities in major cities tend to charge more due to higher operational costs. In contrast, clinics in smaller towns or rural areas may offer more affordable rates. Women freezing their eggs in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles may see storage fees at the higher end of the spectrum, while facilities in less densely populated areas might provide more budget-friendly options.
Type of egg storage facility
The type of facility storing your eggs also plays a role in the cost. Fertility clinics, dedicated cryobanks, and hospital-affiliated storage facilities all have different pricing structures. Fertility clinics often charge more for egg storage, as they may outsource the service to third-party cryobanks and tack on additional fees. Dedicated cryobanks, such as TMRW Life Sciences, may offer better deals, especially if they specialize in long-term storage. Hospitals with fertility departments may provide storage, but the costs can vary significantly depending on their resources and expertise in fertility preservation.
Storage duration
The length of time you store your eggs also impacts the total cost. As mentioned earlier, many facilities offer discounts for long-term storage commitments, with prepaid plans that can save you money over time. If you expect to store your eggs for five years or more, opting for a multi-year plan may be a smart financial decision.
Additional services
Some clinics or cryobanks charge extra fees for services like annual maintenance, insurance, or egg retrieval for future use. These services can add hundreds of dollars to your overall storage costs, so it's essential to ask about all potential fees upfront when choosing a storage facility.
One note: check with your clinic to see if the number of eggs stored (or number of cycles) will impact your annual storage fees. It generally doesn’t, but worth confirming directly.
Tips for managing egg storage costs
While egg storage costs can add up over time, there are several strategies you can use to manage these expenses more effectively:
Shop around
Don’t assume you must store your eggs at the same fertility clinic where they were frozen. In fact, many fertility clinics send eggs to third-party cryobanks for storage and may charge an additional fee for this service. It's worth researching local cryobanks and comparing their rates directly, as this could save you money. If you’re interested in learning more about storage with TMRW, Cofertilty’s team can get you connected directly.
Consider bundled packages
Some clinics offer bundled packages that include both the egg freezing process and a certain number of years of storage at a discounted rate. If you're just beginning the egg freezing process, ask about package deals that could save you money on storage costs in the long run.
Explore financial assistance options
There are several grants, financing programs, and payment plans designed to help women cover the costs of egg freezing and storage. For example, organizations like Baby Quest and the Cade Foundation offer grants for fertility preservation, while some clinics may provide in-house financing options. We’ve actually got a whole article about various ways to pay for egg freezing, which you can find here.
Our programs
We offer our members ways to help reduce or eliminate storage costs altogether. With our Split program, where you freeze your eggs for free when donating half of the mature eggs retrieved, storage is entirely free for 10 years. Alternatively, the Keep program allows you to freeze all of your eggs for your own future use, while still accessing discounted rates for storage through Cofertility’s partnership with TMRW Life Sciences.
Cofertility’s partnership with TMRW Life Sciences
We’ve partnered with TMRW Life Sciences to offer our community exclusive storage rates, helping to save thousands on frozen egg storage costs. TMRW’s state-of-the-art facility provides unparalleled transparency, safety, and accountability, using advanced digital labeling and RFID tracking technology to monitor the storage of your frozen eggs continuously.
With TMRW, you also have constant access to data about your eggs, so you can feel confident that they are being stored securely and safely.
Summing it up
Egg storage costs are an often overlooked part of the overall financial planning process when considering egg freezing. From annual storage fees to potential transportation costs, it's important to understand all the factors that contribute to the total cost of egg freezing.
By exploring different storage options, taking advantage of bundled packages, and considering innovative opportunities like our Split and Keep programs, you can manage your egg storage costs more effectively while safeguarding your reproductive future.
To learn more about our Split program and see if you qualify, click here!