Advice --- looking to get a loan

[rcdunford]

My hubby and I are looking to do our first round of IVF but will need a loan first. Any advice on who's out there and what the interest rates are like? Any help would be great, so far the cheapest interest rate I've found was 6.99%. I've heard about some going as low as 1% - that would be ideal!

Thnx!

[wannaova]

Well, if you have a health savings option at your office and you can repay the loan over the course of the year, it would basically be interest free, and a 20-30% discount since it's taken from your pre-tax income. However, you can only put in $5500 per year (which may not be enough for IVF) and you pay 1/24th or 1/26th out of your check each pay period. You'll have to wait for open enrollment for next year and start in January. If you need a longer term loan, I haven't heard of anything but sometimes RE offices can provide a list of banks.

[olorioyedele]

We just found out we have to do IVF too and we're looking at healthone-financial.com and medicalfinancing.com. The interest rate varies depending on credit but we plan on paying ours back by feb 2010 so right now we're just going for anything but u can check it out. GL

[cboytitan]

you might want to see about your credit union; and just getting a personal loan for it. They generally have better rates than a bank would.

[Ovrwaytcycster]

Hi Ladies, How much does IVF typically cost without insurance? I never knew having a baby could cost so much $$!!

[wannaova]

It depends on the doctor and the state (some states have mandated IVF insurance coverage), but I have seen anywhere from $8500 to $11000 for one cycle. Some doctors provide a guaranteed pregnant or your money back program for like $20,000 for 4 IVF cycles -- this might be the same as a "shared risk" program.

[MaraJ2005]

It depends on the doctor and the state (some states have mandated IVF insurance coverage), but I have seen anywhere from $8500 to $11000 for one cycle.

It also depends on what your IVF protocol is and how many meds you need.

Some doctors provide a guaranteed pregnant or your money back program for like $20,000 for 4 IVF cycles -- this might be the same as a "shared risk" program.

Yes, that is a shared risk program. I did one. But then of course you need even more money up front. It worked in my case on the first try, but essentially that means that we overpaid for one cycle. I went through Integramed. They also do loans, but it says the lowest interest rate is 7.24%.

If you have an FSA or HSA, it is a good idea to max it out. You could use it for the meds and have to borrow less.

[harleymaggiemae]

I've not looked into it myself, but I heard Capital One has some very low interest rates, though I'm sure you have to jump through hoops to qualify.

Good luck!

[TiffanyTully]

How do You and Dh feel about international IVF? The Czech Republic has a clinic that charges around 6,500 ish. It is run by a man who also practices medicine in The united states. I forget but he might be american who went to Czech or other way around. Go to http://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/fo...hp?board=347.0 They have tons of threads of information. If me and Dh do not get our BFP by Febuary then we are going to go over the summer. Alot of women get ivf and have a relaxing vacation too. And if it turns out it doesnt work well atleast you had a great vacation lol. Also British Airways is one of the best priced airlines out there. Im in Italy right now so the 6500 is with my tickets. the ivf itself is less but its still far less then you will get in the states

[rcdunford]

Thanks everyone for your help. Anything would be better than putting it all on the credit card!

Ovrwaytcycster

and as for the question on the cost, look into research studys. I found one really close to me, it's a Stage 4 Research study on PCOS and IVF. If all goes well, I'll get the IVF at half the cost (~$5500)
--- I found the research study thru IntegraMed

[katers]

rcdunford - is this study in Indianapolis?

[gsn1202]

Not sure how it works exactly as I haven't used it myself but my RE accepts Carecredit which I believe is like a credit card that is used for all kinds of medical procedures. If I'm not mistaken the financing varies depending on where you go. I know some places offer 24 months 0% financing. Again I'm not sure of the details but maybe something to look into.

[Pnksunflrws4ever]

If you'd like a no-bank loan, i've used Prosper.com.... it's people to people lending. I had used it for some last minute expenses and you pay it back on a 3 year term. Plus, you choose your interest rate and people bid on it. Check it out.

[rcdunford]

Katers - the study is in being done by Fertility Centers of Illinois. They have 2 offices, one in Chicago and another in Highland Park (closer to WI)