At a glance
A practical method for turning differently structured IVF quotations into a side-by-side comparison, so you can see what is included, what is charged separately, and what still needs confirming.
Quotations from different clinics are rarely written in the same order or use the same wording. One may show a single package figure; another may list twenty lines. The reliable way to compare is not to compare totals first, but to rebuild each quotation into the same set of categories, then compare like with like.
Start by normalising every quotation into the same categories
Take each quotation and sort every line into one of these groups. If a line does not fit, keep it in an “other” column rather than ignoring it.
| Category | What it usually covers | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation and planning | Initial consultation, review of history, treatment planning | Is a follow-up consultation included or charged again? |
| Monitoring | Scans and blood tests during stimulation | Is there a set number included, and what happens if more are needed? |
| Laboratory | Embryology work, culture, handling | Is this bundled into a package or itemised per step? |
| Retrieval | Egg collection procedure | Is anaesthesia listed separately? |
| Fertilisation | Standard insemination or ICSI | Is ICSI included by default or an add-on? |
| Embryo culture | Growing embryos to a defined stage | Is there a day limit after which extra charges apply? |
| Transfer | Embryo transfer procedure | Is one transfer included, and what is the cost of a further transfer? |
| Medication | Stimulation and support drugs | Is medication included, estimated, or excluded entirely? |
| Genetic testing | Embryo biopsy, analysis, reporting | Is it optional, and is it priced per embryo or per cycle? |
| Freezing and storage | Cryopreservation and ongoing storage | Is the first year included? What is the renewal period? |
| Administration | Registration, records, coordination fees | Are there charges that only appear at the end? |
Once every quotation sits in the same categories, differences in structure stop hiding differences in coverage.
Identify what is bundled and what is separate
A lower total often reflects a narrower scope rather than a cheaper service. For each quotation, mark each category as included, separate, estimated, or not stated. “Not stated” is not the same as “included” — treat it as an open question until the clinic confirms it in writing.
Pay particular attention to items that are commonly separated out: anaesthesia, ICSI, medication, genetic testing, freezing, and storage renewal. If one quotation bundles these and another lists them separately, the headline figures are not directly comparable.
Check the assumptions behind each figure
- Per cycle or per attempt? Confirm whether the quoted figure covers one stimulation cycle, one retrieval, or one transfer.
- What triggers a further charge? Ask what happens if the cycle is cancelled, if no embryos reach transfer, or if a second transfer is needed.
- Is medication a fixed price or an estimate? Medication needs vary between patients, so an estimate may change.
- Are there conditional charges? Ask which items are only billed if a certain step is reached.
- What is excluded? Ask for a written list of exclusions, not just inclusions.
- How long is the quotation valid? Ask whether prices are held for a defined period.
Build a side-by-side comparison table
Use the categories above as rows and one column per clinic. In each cell, write the amount if given, or one of: included, separate, estimated, not stated. Add a final row for “questions still open”. This keeps the comparison honest and shows you exactly where information is missing before you decide anything.
If a clinic will only give a single package figure, ask them to break it down into the same categories so it can be placed in the table.
Questions to ask each clinic
- Can you send the quotation as an itemised list rather than a single total?
- Which of these items are included, and which are charged separately?
- Is the figure per cycle, per retrieval, or per transfer?
- What is excluded from this quotation?
- Which charges are conditional, and what triggers them?
- Is medication included, estimated, or excluded?
- How are freezing and storage charged, and for how long?
- How long is this quotation valid?
Next step
If you would like help organising quotations into a consistent format, or coordinating records and questions with clinics before you compare, you can contact us to discuss what support fits your situation. Scope and fees are confirmed individually. For general cost context, see our IVF cost in Thailand page, and for preparation materials, see patient resources.
Frequently asked questions
Why do IVF quotations from different clinics look so different?
Clinics structure fees differently. Some bundle laboratory work, medication, and monitoring into a package figure, while others list each step separately. This means a lower headline total may simply reflect a narrower scope rather than a lower overall cost. Rebuilding each quotation into the same categories is the fairest way to compare them.
What does 'not stated' mean in a quotation?
It means the quotation does not say whether an item is included or charged separately. Treat it as an open question and ask the clinic to confirm in writing before you rely on it. Assuming an unstated item is included can lead to unexpected costs later.
Prepare a written quotation
Turn the estimate into clear questions.
Bring the quotations you are comparing and the items you want to ask about, from inclusions to payment and change terms.
