Egg preservation (also called oocyte cryopreservation) has moved from niche to mainstream over the past decade. More young women are exploring it to keep future family-building options open—whether for medical or personal reasons. This article explains why women consider egg freezing, what it costs in Australia, how Medicare interacts with those costs, the kinds of support available, and the ethical guidance that clinics are expected to follow.
Why women consider freezing their eggs
Medical reasons. Some women face a medical threat to fertility—most commonly cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, certain surgeries) or conditions associated with accelerated ovarian ageing. In such cases, fertility preservation before treatment may offer a future chance of biological parenthood. Australia’s national Ethical Guidelines recognise fertility preservation as part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) practice, setting standards for consent, counselling and patient care.
Personal (elective) reasons. Others freeze eggs to guard against age-related fertility decline when they are not ready to conceive—often due to study, career building, financial readiness, or not having a partner. Professional bodies emphasise balanced counselling about realistic success rates, optimal timing, and how many eggs may be needed to have a reasonable chance of a live birth later.
What does egg freezing cost in Australia?
Costs vary by clinic and location, but you should budget for:
- A cycle fee (monitoring, day-surgery egg collection, lab work, initial freezing): commonly A$5,500–A$10,000+ per cycle.
- Medications: sometimes included, sometimes separate. (Amounts vary.)
- Annual storage fees: often ~A$300–A$600 per year.
- Future use costs: if you return to use frozen eggs you’ll pay to thaw, fertilise and transfer (not included in the original cycle fee).
- Independent consumer and government-linked sources broadly align on the scale of costs, but always confirm the full written quote with your chosen clinic before starting.
Does Medicare cover egg freezing?
Elective (non-medical) egg freezing: As a rule, Medicare does not subsidise elective egg freezing on its own; most costs are out-of-pocket.
Medical fertility preservation: Where there is a documented medical indication (e.g., imminent gonadotoxic cancer therapy), some Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebates can apply within ART treatment, as well as access to a Commonwealth storage subsidy (see below). Coverage hinges on eligibility and item numbers billed by the clinic.
Commonwealth ART Storage Funding Program: Since 1 July 2023, the Australian Government funds up to 10 years of cryostorage for eligible patients who (1) have a cancer diagnosis and need to store eggs, sperm or embryos, or (2) are known carriers of serious genetic disorders and have had Medicare-funded PGT. This does not fund the initial retrieval or freezing procedure itself, and strict eligibility rules apply.
Because MBS rules are technical and change over time, patients should ask clinics to identify exact MBS item numbers and any expected rebates in writing. (Clinician billing guidance is maintained by Services Australia.)
Private health insurance: Policies may cover aspects of hospital admission (e.g., day-surgery theatre/anaesthetics) depending on your tier and waiting periods, but typically not the full cost of elective egg freezing. Check your product disclosure statement and ask your fund to confirm in writing.
Ethical language and best practice
Ethics groups in Australia and New Zealand encourage neutral terminology such as “elective” or “planned oocyte cryopreservation” rather than “social egg freezing,” to avoid stigma or implying blame. Clinics are urged to present balanced information on benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives.
Important medical disclaimer
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Decisions about egg preservation should be made in consultation with your GP and a qualified fertility specialist, who can assess your medical history, explain likely benefits and risks in your situation, and outline costs and Medicare eligibility in detail. If you’re considering egg freezing, please speak to your doctor first.
