Embryo Storage Fees in Thailand: What to Expect Per Year

Understanding Embryo Storage Fees in Thailand

If you are considering IVF in Thailand and planning to freeze embryos for future use, one of the practical questions is: what will it cost to store them each year? Embryo storage fees are separate from the initial IVF cycle and embryo freezing procedure. They cover the ongoing cryopreservation (freezing) and maintenance of your embryos in a laboratory’s storage tanks.

In Thailand, annual storage fees vary by clinic and by the number of embryos stored. While exact prices depend on the clinic and your specific situation, understanding how fees are structured can help you plan financially and avoid surprises.

At a Glance: Key Points About Embryo Storage

• Annual storage fees are typically charged per year, often per embryo or per batch.
• Fees usually cover laboratory storage, monitoring, and administrative costs.
• Contracts may include terms about payment schedules, renewal, and what happens if fees are not paid.
• Ask about discounts for multi-year prepayment or if you store multiple embryos.
• Confirm whether the fee includes any future handling, such as thawing or transfer preparation.

How Embryo Storage Fees Are Structured

Clinics in Thailand generally structure embryo storage fees in one of two ways:

• Per embryo per year: You pay a set amount for each embryo stored annually.
• Per batch or per cycle: You pay a flat annual fee for all embryos from one IVF cycle, regardless of how many are stored.

Some clinics may also charge an initial setup or documentation fee when you first freeze embryos, but this is usually part of the IVF package. The annual storage fee is what you will pay each year to keep your embryos in the lab.

What the Annual Fee Typically Covers

While the exact inclusions vary, annual embryo storage fees generally cover:

• Storage in cryopreservation tanks with liquid nitrogen.
• Monitoring of storage conditions and temperature.
• Security and backup systems to protect your embryos.
• Administrative record-keeping.

Some clinics may include a yearly review or communication about your storage status. However, the fee usually does not include future procedures like thawing, genetic testing, or embryo transfer. Those are separate costs you will incur when you decide to use your embryos.

Contract Terms and Renewal Policies

Before you sign a storage agreement, ask about the contract terms. Key points to clarify include:

• Billing cycle: Is the fee charged annually in advance? When is the renewal date?
• Payment methods: Can you pay by bank transfer, credit card, or in person?
• Renewal reminders: Will the clinic notify you before your storage period ends?
• What happens if you miss a payment? Some clinics may have a grace period, while others may require you to sign a consent form for disposal if fees are not paid.
• Transfer of embryos: If you move to another clinic, what is the process and cost for transporting your embryos?

It is important to keep your contact information up to date with the clinic so you do not miss renewal notices.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay Storage Fees?

If you stop paying storage fees, the clinic will typically try to contact you. Policies vary, but common practices include:

• A grace period (e.g., 30-90 days) to make the payment.
• If no payment is received, the clinic may ask you to sign a form to discard the embryos or donate them for research or to another couple, depending on your prior consent.
• In some cases, the clinic may continue to store embryos but charge late fees.

Because policies differ, it is critical to read your storage agreement carefully and ask about the clinic’s specific procedure for non-payment.

Questions to Ask Your Clinic About Storage Fees

When comparing clinics or before signing a storage agreement, ask these questions:

• What is the annual storage fee per embryo or per batch?
• Are there any additional fees for the first year, such as an initial setup fee?
• Does the fee include any future handling, like thawing or preparation for transfer?
• Is there a discount for paying multiple years in advance?
• What is the clinic’s policy if I miss a payment?
• How will I be reminded to renew my storage?
• Can I transfer my embryos to another clinic, and what are the costs?
• Are there any long-term storage limits?

Getting clear answers will help you compare costs and avoid unexpected charges.

Budgeting for Long-Term Storage

Embryo storage is often an ongoing cost that you may need to budget for over several years. When planning your finances, consider:

• How many embryos you plan to store.
• How long you expect to store them (e.g., until you complete your family).
• Potential future costs for using the embryos, such as thawing and transfer.
• Whether your insurance or any package covers storage (most do not).

Some clinics may offer package deals that include a certain number of years of storage with your IVF cycle. Ask about such options.

Next Steps: What to Do Now

1. Contact your IVF clinic or potential clinics to request their current embryo storage fee schedule.
2. Ask for a written copy of the storage agreement and review the terms.
3. Clarify all costs, including any additional fees for handling or disposal.
4. Set up a reminder for your annual renewal date.
5. Keep your contact details updated with the clinic.

For more information on IVF costs in Thailand, see our IVF cost guide. If you need help understanding your options, visit our patient resources or contact us.

Frequently asked questions

How much does embryo storage cost per year in Thailand?

Annual embryo storage fees in Thailand vary by clinic and by the number of embryos stored. Some clinics charge per embryo, while others charge a flat fee per batch or cycle. Exact prices depend on the clinic's policy and your specific situation, so it is best to request a current fee schedule directly from the clinic.

Are embryo storage fees included in the IVF package?

Some IVF packages may include the first year of storage or a limited storage period, but ongoing annual storage fees are usually separate. Check your IVF package details and ask the clinic if any storage is included and for how long.

What happens if I don't pay my embryo storage fees in Thailand?

If you do not pay storage fees, the clinic will typically contact you and may offer a grace period. If payment is not made, the clinic may ask you to sign a consent form to discard or donate the embryos, depending on your prior instructions. Policies vary, so it is important to understand your clinic's specific terms.

Can I transfer my embryos to another clinic in Thailand?

Yes, it is usually possible to transfer embryos to another clinic, but there may be costs for preparation, transportation, and the receiving clinic's storage fees. Contact both clinics to understand the process and any requirements.

Continue your research

• Embryo storage cost and contract guide
• IVF cost planning
• Patient resources

Medical information notice: This article is educational and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling or treatment advice from a licensed clinician. Provider services, availability, fees and policies should be verified directly before booking.