Artificial Insemination (AI) is one of the initial and least invasive forms of assisted reproductive technology. Although the term AI is broad, the standard procedure offered at fertility clinics is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), where prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus. The cost for IUI in California is highly variable, depending on the required medical protocol and the specific clinic’s location within the state.
Core Cost Structure of an IUI Cycle in California
The baseline cost for a single, uncomplicated Intrauterine Insemination cycle in California for self-pay patients is between $1,000 and $3,000 for the core procedural fee, before factoring in medications or extensive monitoring. This price encompasses two distinct services: laboratory preparation and the clinical procedure itself. The lab component involves a sperm wash, which isolates the most motile sperm from the semen sample and concentrates them.
The clinical portion covers the actual insemination, where a thin catheter transfers the washed sperm directly into the patient’s uterine cavity. This price is heavily influenced by geography; clinics in major metropolitan areas like the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles often trend toward the upper end of the range, sometimes exceeding $2,500.
In contrast, clinics located in smaller California cities or inland regions may offer prices closer to the lower end of the spectrum. Some clinics bundle limited monitoring, such as one or two transvaginal ultrasounds, into their procedural fee. The core IUI charge represents the starting price for a cycle, assuming the patient requires minimal medical intervention beyond the insemination itself.
Factors That Increase the Total Price
The total expenditure for an IUI cycle increases beyond the baseline procedural cost when required medical add-ons are incorporated into the treatment plan. Fertility medications are a substantial variable cost, with the type of drug dictating the price difference. Oral medications, such as Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole, are relatively inexpensive, adding only about $100 to the cycle cost.
The cost escalates sharply when injectable gonadotropins are prescribed for controlled ovarian stimulation. These potent hormone medications can add an additional $300 to $6,000 per cycle, depending on the dosage and duration of the stimulation. A medicated cycle necessitates more frequent monitoring to track ovarian response and prevent complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This advanced monitoring, which includes multiple blood tests and ultrasound appointments, is often an out-of-pocket expense that can add another $500 to $1,000 to the cycle total.
The use of donor sperm introduces a significant financial cost, regardless of other medical requirements. A single IUI-ready vial purchased from a licensed cryobank costs between $1,195 and $2,400, depending on the donor’s profile and the vial’s sperm concentration. Additional fees include shipping the cryopreserved vial to the clinic, which can cost around $250 within California, and annual storage fees if reserve vials are kept for future cycles.
Navigating Insurance Coverage and Financial Assistance
Understanding the role of insurance is important, as coverage for artificial insemination in California has historically been inconsistent. State laws have long required certain large group health plans to offer coverage for some infertility treatments, but IUI often fell into a gray area of partial or no coverage. A significant change is underway with the passage of SB 729, a new law that will mandate coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including artificial insemination, for fully insured large group plans starting in 2026.
Despite this forthcoming mandate, many patients currently face self-pay costs, as the law does not apply to all health plans, such as self-funded employer plans. Coverage for diagnostic services, like pre-screening blood tests and initial ultrasounds, is often more readily available, even if the insemination procedure itself is not covered. Patients should review their plan documents to determine which specific services are subject to deductibles, copayments, or full out-of-pocket payment.
For those facing high self-pay expenses, many California clinics partner with specialized financing companies to offer multi-cycle packages or medical loan programs. Multi-cycle packages provide a discounted, upfront cost for two or three IUI attempts, reducing the per-cycle price. Fertility-specific financing partners, like CapexMD or LendingClub, offer structured payment plans to spread the cost over several years. Non-profit organizations also offer grants or financial assistance programs specifically for fertility treatments.