IVF in Germany: who pays and how does the process work?

In Germany, one in six couples is involuntarily childless. IVF treatment can be draining both emotionally and financially. This guide is here to help you understand your rights, the costs and the steps of the process.

In short: the methods

• Insemination (IUI): Prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus. The simplest and cheapest method.
• IVF: Egg and sperm are brought together in the lab, and the resulting embryo is placed in the uterus.
• ICSI: Like IVF, but the sperm is injected directly into the egg.

Who does statutory health insurance (GKV) pay for?

For statutory insurance to contribute, all of the following conditions must be met:

• You are married
• Both spouses are at least 25
• The woman is under 40 and the man under 50
• The treatment uses only the spouses' own eggs and sperm
• There is a chance of success: after three unsuccessful attempts, there is legally considered to be no chance left.

If these conditions are met, insurance pays 50% of the approved treatment plan. Some insurers pay more; ask yours. Before treatment, you need medical and psychosocial counselling from a doctor who will not carry out the treatment.

If you are not married, are a female couple or are single, statutory insurance does not pay. With private insurance (PKV), the rules depend on your contract.

How much does it cost?

For someone with statutory insurance, one IVF attempt costs about €3,000 and ICSI about €4,000. Medication and lab costs come on top. Before starting treatment, ask the clinic for a written cost estimate (Kostenvoranschlag).

Berlin's support programme: currently on hold

Berlin normally has an IVF support programme, but as of May 2026 it is not being offered. If it returns, the conditions will be:

• Support is given for the 2nd and 3rd IVF or ICSI attempt. The first attempt is not supported.
• Up to 50% of your own share is covered: at most €800 for IVF and €900 for ICSI.
• Unmarried couples and female couples can also apply.
• You must live in Berlin and be treated at a clinic in Berlin.
• You apply to LAGeSo before starting treatment. Picking up the first prescription from the pharmacy counts as the start of treatment.

The federal government only supports heterosexual couples, whether married or not. For programmes in other states, see informationsportal-kinderwunsch.de.

What is not allowed in Germany?

Egg donation is prohibited in Germany under the Embryo Protection Act (Embryonenschutzgesetz). That is why many women go to countries such as Spain or the Czech Republic. In early 2026 the Federal Health Minister said she was open to partial liberalisation, but there is no law yet. Surrogacy is also prohibited. Sperm donation is allowed.

Step by step

1. Your gynaecologist: You have the first tests done. Your partner should be examined too (sperm test).
2. Counselling: You get medical and psychosocial counselling from a doctor who will not carry out the treatment.
3. Choosing a clinic: Berlin has many fertility centres (Kinderwunschzentrum). At the first meeting, ask about success rates, costs and waiting times.
4. Treatment plan: The clinic draws up a plan, and you send it to your insurer for approval.
5. Start treatment after approval. If you start before the plan is approved, your insurer may not cover the costs.

Emotional support

Treatment can wear down relationships and mental health. On the BKiD (Beratungsnetzwerk Kinderwunsch Deutschland) website you can find counsellors specialised in fertility treatment. pro familia Berlin also offers counselling.

Practical tips from women

• Keep every document. Collect all invoices, prescriptions and pharmacy receipts in one folder. You'll need them all when applying to your insurer or a support programme.
• You decide what to share at work. How much you tell is your choice. You can get a sick note for appointments.

This section will grow with the experiences of women in the BACIM community. If something has worked for you, you're welcome to share it.

Sources

• § 27a SGB V (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Information on artificial insemination (G-BA)
• Berlin support programme (service.berlin.de)
• Informationsportal Kinderwunsch (Federal Family Ministry)
• The egg donation debate (Ärzteblatt, March 2026)

This guide is not a substitute for medical or legal advice. Information checked as of October 2026.