Local experts advise on budgeting for fertility treatments

Many young adults in Clark County are waiting to start families because they are unsure about the cost. A new study from Northwestern Mutual found that about 10% of Gen Z and Millennials are putting off having children due to financial concerns. This hesitation affects long-term planning for households across the valley.

Kate Michaels, a managing partner at Northwestern Mutual, noted that money often delays family plans while fertility clocks keep running. She said couples facing infertility may turn to in vitro fertilization, or IVF. She described the process as emotionally and financially overwhelming for many families.

Michaels explained that planning for IVF involves more than just the main procedure. Couples must account for monitoring appointments and medical exams before the major costs arrive. She said it is important for partners to discuss the potential need for fertility treatments when entering a relationship.

Couples do not need to know if they will require treatment before speaking to a financial advisor. An early conversation helps prepare for a wide range of potential costs. Michaels said working with an advisor can provide peace of mind during a physically and emotionally taxing process.

She added that financial anxiety is the last thing a couple wants to feel while navigating treatment. The goal is to reduce that stress through clear planning. Couples can use this guidance to make informed decisions about their future.

Michaels recommends reviewing insurance coverage as early as possible. This step shows what the policy will and will not cover. It also highlights where out-of-pocket costs, such as travel or extra procedures, might appear.

With a clear picture of coverage, couples can estimate how much to set aside. This preparation helps them manage unexpected expenses. The aim is to have a financial buffer ready in case treatment becomes necessary.