iui and travel

Circle + Bloom™

Mind Body Visualization Programs for Fertility, Cancer, PCOS, Fatigue and More

in Improving Your Fertility Knowledge · From the Medical Experts

Is it Okay to Travel During Fertility Treatment?

It’s summer and the highways and airports are full of people traveling to destinations far and wide. The beach, the lake, visiting family and friends, and business trips. All the excitement of traveling can be dulled with anxiety if you’re also in the midst of fertility treatments.

Is it okay to travel when you’re undergoing (or planning) fertility treatment?

We checked in with Dr. Vinay Gunnala of the Southwest Fertility Center to ask about medical considerations for travel during fertility treatment, and his advice to patients who are thinking about planning a trip.

Travel to Release Some Stress

“Travel can help a couple escape some of the stress [of going through fertility treatment],” Dr. Gunnala told me.

“The reproductive system is the one hormonal system that is most sensitive to stress,” he went on to explain. “When a woman goes through a stressful situation, it can result in menstrual irregularities for several months. Generally, the better someone can manage the stress in their life, the better prognosis I tend to see. And an enjoyable trip or opportunity to get away from everyday stressors can certainly help with that.” 

Taking a trip can be a great way to unwind and restore your energy for the road ahead, as long as you balance your travel plans with the precise scheduling that can go along with most fertility treatment plans.

“Fertility treatment requires frequent monitoring, including blood tests and ultrasounds. That’s just how detailed we need to be,” Dr. Gunnala said. “There is definitely a purpose for the monitoring, but we also need to balance it with the importance of living daily life and successfully managing stress.”

Is it Okay to Travel During Treatment?

So, life doesn’t need to be put on hold because you’re undergoing fertility treatment. Good news! You can still plan that amazing trip, or give your boss the okay for that conference. There’s just a few things to consider before you book a flight, and while you’re preparing to leave.

First things first: every fertility center does things a little differently. They have their own schedules and process. It’s important to ask about the scheduling and plan for your treatment, and tell your fertility team that you’re planning to take a trip — before you schedule your plans.

It’s possible that you might need to avoid travel during certain parts of your treatment, especially with IVF. But that said, most doctors can find a way to work around an urgent last-minute work trip, family emergency or opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Some considerations for travel will depend on the type of fertility treatment you’re receiving.

IUI: Travel Before and After During the month before an IUI, most women can travel as they wish. You’ll want to coordinate scheduling with important monitoring appointments at your fertility clinic, such as sonograms to monitor follicular growth. Traveling with the oral pill Clomid is as easy as taking any other prescription along with you. However, if you’ll be using injectable fertility medications such as hCG to trigger ovulation, those medications often require specific storage temperatures and conditions. Talk to your clinic about how to plan for those.

After an IUI, you are free to travel. Keep in mind you’ll have an appointment for a pregnancy test two weeks after the IUI.

IVF: Travel Before During the 10-12 days prior to an IVF egg retrieval, it can be difficult to travel, Dr. Gunnala explained. This period of time requires frequent visits (everyday or every two days) to your fertility center for in-office monitoring, blood tests, and sonograms to ensure healthy follicle response to stimulation and decide on the most opportune time for triggering ovulation, which increases the likelihood of success in the cycle.

“However, there are many reputable fertility centers across the nation,” Dr. Gunnala added. “If a trip is desired or necessary during an IVF cycle, as long as the patient is traveling to a place with monitoring capabilities, it would be fine to travel as long as it does not compromise the cycle.”

IVF: Travel After Egg Retrieval It’s just fine to travel the day after the egg retrieval, Dr. Gunnala says. You probably won’t want to schedule a trip that same day, though. During the egg retrieval procedure, many clinics use anesthesia that can make you feel sleepy or disoriented for a short while. The type of anesthesia can vary between different fertility centers, although most of the symptoms of the anesthesia wear off 2-4 hours after the retrieval.

During a stimulation cycle, your estrogen levels are elevated. This generally causes mild symptoms of abdominal discomfort or abdominal bloating. Neither causes any risk for travel, but keep in mind you may feel uncomfortable sitting in a plane or car for a long period of time. Taking breaks to stand up and walk around, staying hydrated, and wearing compression stockings can help ease the discomfort. If there is concern for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, then informing your provider is recommended as there may be precautions on traveling.

One important thing to keep in mind: even after your eggs have been retrieved, your ovaries will remain enlarged for another 10-12 days. In rare cases, enlarged ovaries can rotate or experience “torsion” that can be painful and could require surgery to correct. To prevent this, be careful making any sudden twisting or jarring movements such as:

• Lifting heavy objects while packing or getting into your vehicle
• Putting your bag in the overhead compartment of the plane
• Retrieving a bag off the baggage claim belt

IVF: Travel After Embryo Transfer “There are old wives tales about plane travel when pregnant, but none of that has been proven,” Dr. Gunnala says lightheartedly. “I’m completely okay with my patients traveling after an embryo transfer.”

The same as for an IUI procedure (above), expect that you’ll need to be in the office for a pregnancy test approximately 10 to 12 days after the transfer.

It’s common to be worried about doing everything you can to help the embryos “stick”, but data has consistently shown that going back to regular activity immediately has no effect on the rate of pregnancy.

Before You Book Travel Plans

So, other than a few key appointments and narrow windows where you should try to stick close to your fertility center, scheduling that trip is a go!

Before you plug your credit card info in to book a flight, just make sure you have a conversation with your fertility specialist about your plans. Make sure that the timing you have in mind will work with your personal fertility plan.

One other quick task before you buy those flights: check the CDC website for travel alerts at your destination. Travel alerts for areas reporting Zika virus outbreaks or other infectious diseases are especially important for anyone planning to become pregnant.

You’re Going On a Trip! How Should You Prepare?

Whoop whoop! Your travel plans are booked and your calendar is marked for your trip! There’s a few more things to think about in the weeks leading up to your travel:

• Travel Vaccines: If you’re traveling outside the U.S., check with your fertility center before getting any recommended travel vaccinations (i.e., hepatitis A, typhoid, etc.). Some vaccinations may not be recommended for patients who are in the midst of a fertility treatment cycle.
• Locate Fertility Support at Your Destination: Ask your fertility specialist for a recommendation of a fertility center near your destination, just in case you have an issue while you’re away. You could even have routine monitoring done during your trip, if needed.
• Make Note of Medical Resources: Locate the nearest pharmacy and hospital at your destination, in case you need a prescription refill or there is a medical emergency.
• Make sure you will have enough medication to last through the duration of your trip. If you’ll need a refill while traveling, talk to your doctor well in advance to arrange for refills that you can pick up at your destination. There may be requirements or restrictions regarding sending prescriptions to other states or countries.
• Carry a letter from your doctor that explains that you need to take this medication while traveling. Put copies in your purse or carry-on with your medication. (This is especially important if you will need to administer an injection during a flight.)
• Bring contact information for your fertility clinic, pharmacy, and insurance company.
• Keep all prescription medications in their original packaging.
• Think though your medication schedule. If you are traveling to a different time zone, consult with your fertility specialist about whether adjustments to your medication schedule are needed. Bring a medication schedule to help you stay on track, and put reminders or alerts on your phone. Your smartphone should automatically update the time based on your location.

Packing to Go: How to Travel with Fertility Medications

Many people travel with medications every day. There’s just a few things to think about to make sure that traveling with your fertility medications will be smooth and easy, and you can feel worry-free during your trip.

Check the Airline’s Medication Policies: If you’re flying, check your airline’s website for information about bringing medications and supplies (like syringes) with you. Each airline is different. Some may require you to carry your medical supplies in particular types of bags, while others may ask you to put supplies in your luggage rather than in your carry-on. You can also check the TSA website for information about regulations concerning traveling with medication. The TSA also has this helpful video about traveling with medications and medical supplies.

Pack Medication and Supplies Properly Depending on how you’re traveling, you may want to place medications in clear, sealable plastic bags so they are easy to see, and pack them in your carry-on or purse to keep them easily accessible. This can also decrease the odds of something going wrong such as theft or damage.

You may also want to pack medical supplies separately from your medications, in another clear plastic bag. Supplies you may need could include:

• alcohol wipes and/or hand sanitizer
• sharps container to properly dispose of your needle tips
• extra needle tips

Maintain the Right Temperature Certain injectable medications must be stored in a chilled environment. If your medication needs to be refrigerated, use a small, good quality cooler or insulated bag. Use frozen gel packs to keep the bag cold. Note that the TSA requires gel packs to be frozen solid (not slushy).

Test your cooler in advance to make sure it will stay cold enough for as long as you will be traveling – including any possible delays along the way. Check that there will be a refrigerator or other cool storage option at your destination.

In the Airport: Security / TSA

If you’re going through airport screenings or customs, notify the TSA personnel before you begin the screening process that you are carrying medications in your purse or carry-on bag. Let them know if you’d prefer these items not be passed through the X-ray machine.

Relax, Enjoy, and Have Fun!

“The couples I work with are extremely motivated and strong,” Dr. Gunnala told me. “But this journey can take some time. It’s not day-by-day, or always even month-by-month. Sometimes it can take longer. If someone even wants to take a month off to travel, that’s almost always okay.”

Infertility treatment can sometimes feel like a huge, emotionally-fraught experience. But at the end of the day, it can be flexible, and it’s critical to take care of yourself. Just like Gunnala, most fertility specialists want the best for their patients, and want them to live their lives while going through treatment.

So throw a dart at a map, or ask to visit that long-distance friend, or check out the latest cheap flights. It’ll all be okay. It’s a journey – might as well try to enjoy the ride.

For added stress relief during infertility treatments, try listening to Circle + Bloom’s guided meditation programs for IVF/IUI.  

With love & gratitude,

Dr. Vinay Gunnala was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He received his undergraduate degree in Mammalian Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego and his medical degree from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine in Tucson. He completed residency in Obstetrics and Gyncecology at New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell. Since completing fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the prestigious Center for Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell, he came back home to join his mother’s fertility practice. His mother (pictured below) Sujatha Gunnala, founded Southwest Fertility Center in 1980,  which is currently the longest standing fertility practice in Arizona. Dr.s Gunnala both specialize in all aspects of reproductive medicine, offering patients a full range of fertility services including ovulation induction, egg freezing for fertility preservation, oocyte donation, and IVF/ICSI with and without preimplantation genetic testing. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his loving wife and baby boy, Dhillan, and golden doodle, Riggins (pictured below).    

Discover Your Mind-Body Power

Get free inspiration, advice and exclusive product offers to help you achieve your pregnancy and health goals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Meet Joanne, Founder of Circle + Bloom

Best Selling

  Listen to samples

More Information

• Frequently Asked Questions
• The Science Behind Our Programs
• Fertility Facts
• Guided Meditation: How It Works
• How much does stress impact fertility?
• Infertility Treatment – Things to Consider
• Trying to Conceive After Age 40
• More on the Blog

Our Programs

• Improving Fertility
• Healing and Recovery
• Pregnancy and Delivery
• New Mom and Breastfeeding
• General Health and Mindfulness
• Cancer Healing Meditations

About Circle + Bloom

• Our Story and Mission
• Success Stories
• Professional Endorsements
• Press Information
• Financial Support Program
• YourFertilityDeals.com
• Spread The Love And Earn Money!
• Professional Partnerships
• Affiliate Program

Let’s Connect

Looking for something.

From the blog

• Improving Your Fertility Knowledge
• Fertility Health & Wellness
• Mind-Body Science & Research
• From Joanne
• Fertility Expert Contributions

• Patient Care & Health Information
• Tests & Procedures
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that treats infertility. IUI boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly in the uterus, the organ in which a baby develops. Another name for the procedure is artificial insemination.

With IUI , the sperm are inserted around the time an ovary releases one or more eggs. The hoped-for outcome is for the sperm and egg to unite in the fallopian tube, which connects the uterus to the ovaries. If this happens, it leads to pregnancy.

Intrauterine insemination can be timed with a person's menstrual cycle. During the monthly cycle, one of the two ovaries releases an egg. Or fertility medicines may be used along with IUI to help the ovaries produce eggs. The exact method used depends on the reasons for infertility.

Products & Services

• A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book
• A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception
• Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition

Why it's done

A couple's or a person's ability to become pregnant depends on various things. Intrauterine insemination is used most often in people who have:

• Donor sperm. This is sperm donated by someone who may be known or unknown to you. It's an option if you're single, your partner doesn't have sperm or the quality of the sperm is too low to conceive with. For people who need to use donor sperm to get pregnant, intrauterine insemination is most commonly used to achieve pregnancy. Donor sperm is obtained from certified labs and thawed before the IUI procedure.
• Unexplained infertility. Often, IUI is done as a first treatment for unexplained infertility. Medicines that help the ovaries produce eggs are commonly used along with it.
• Infertility related to endometriosis. Fertility problems can happen when tissue that's like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This is called endometriosis. Often, the first treatment approach for this cause of infertility is to use medicines to obtain a good-quality egg along with doing IUI .
• Mild male factor infertility. Another name for this is subfertility. Some couples have trouble getting pregnant because of semen, the fluid that contains sperm. A test called semen analysis checks for problems with the amount, size, shape or movement of sperm. Semen analysis checks for these issues. IUI can overcome some of these issues. That's because preparing sperm for the procedure helps separate higher quality sperm from those of lower quality.
• Cervical factor infertility. Problems with the cervix can cause infertility. The cervix is the narrow, lower end of the uterus. It provides the opening between the vagina and uterus. The cervix makes mucus around the time the ovary releases an egg, also called ovulation. The mucus helps sperm travel from the vagina to either fallopian tube, where the egg awaits. But if cervical mucus is too thick, it may impede the sperm's journey. The cervix itself also may prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Scarring, such as that caused by a biopsy or other procedures, can cause the cervix to thicken. IUI bypasses the cervix to make pregnancy more likely. It places sperm directly into the uterus and increases the number of sperm available to meet the egg.
• Ovulatory factor infertility. IUI also may be done for people who have infertility caused by problems with ovulation. These issues include a lack of ovulation or a reduced number of eggs.
• Semen allergy. Rarely, an allergy to proteins in semen can cause a reaction. When the penis releases semen into the vagina, it causes a burning feeling and swelling where the semen touches the skin. A condom can protect you from the symptoms, but it also prevents pregnancy. IUI can allow for pregnancy and prevent the painful symptoms of the allergy. That's because many of the proteins in semen are removed before the sperm is inserted.

Often, intrauterine insemination is a simple and safe procedure. The risk of it causing serious health problems is low. Risks include:

• Infection. There's a slight chance of infection after IUI .
• Spotting. During IUI , a thin tube called a catheter is placed through the vagina and into the uterus. Then sperm are injected through the tube. Sometimes, the process of placing the catheter causes a small amount of vaginal bleeding, called spotting. This doesn't usually have an effect on the chance of pregnancy.
• Multiple pregnancy. IUI itself isn't linked with a higher risk of becoming pregnant with twins, triplets or more babies. But when fertility medicines are used along with it, the chance of this happening goes up. A multiple pregnancy has higher risks than a single pregnancy does, including early labor and low birth weight.

How you prepare

Intrauterine insemination involves some key steps before the actual procedure:

• Watching for ovulation. Because the timing of IUI is key, checking for signs that the body might ovulate is crucial. To do this, you might use an at-home urine ovulation predictor kit. It detects when your body produces a surge or release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the ovary to release an egg. Or you might have a test done that makes images of your ovaries and egg growth, called transvaginal ultrasound. You also may be given a shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or other medicines to make you ovulate one or more eggs at the right time.
• Timing the procedure right. Most IUIs are done a day or two after tests show signs of ovulation. Your doctor will likely have a plan spelled out for the timing of your procedure and what to expect.
• Preparing the semen sample. Your partner provides a semen sample at the doctor's office. Or a vial of frozen donor sperm can be thawed and prepared. The sample is washed in a way that separates the highly active, healthy sperm from lower-quality sperm. Washing also removes elements that could cause reactions, such as serious cramps, if placed in the uterus. The likelihood of becoming pregnant rises by using a small, highly concentrated sample of healthy sperm.

What you can expect

The visit for intrauterine insemination often is done in a doctor's office or clinic. The IUI procedure itself takes just a few minutes once the semen sample is prepared. No medicines or pain relievers are needed. Your doctor or a specially trained nurse does the procedure.

• Intrauterine insemination

During intrauterine insemination, a long, thin tube called a catheter is threaded into the uterus. A syringe attached to the catheter is used to push sperm through the tube into the uterus.

During the procedure

While lying on an exam table, you put your legs into stirrups. A plastic or metal-hinged tool called a speculum is used to spread open the walls of the vagina. During the procedure, the doctor or nurse:

• Attaches a vial that contains a sample of healthy sperm to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
• Places the catheter into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus.
• Pushes the sperm sample through the tube into the uterus.
• Removes the catheter, followed by the speculum.

After the procedure

After the sperm are placed in your uterus, you lie on your back for a brief time. Once the procedure is over, you can get dressed and go about your usual daily routine. You may have some light spotting for a day or two after the procedure.

Wait two weeks before taking an at-home pregnancy test. Testing too soon could produce a result that is:

• False-negative. The test finds no sign of pregnancy when, in fact, you really are pregnant. You might get a false-negative result if pregnancy hormones aren't yet at levels that can be measured.
• False-positive. The test detects a sign of pregnancy when you really aren't pregnant. You might get a false-positive if you took fertility medicines such as HCG and the medicine is still in your system.

You may have a follow up visit about two weeks after your home pregnancy test results. At the appointment you may get a blood test, which is better at detecting pregnancy hormones after sperm fertilize an egg.

If you don't become pregnant, you might try IUI again before you move on to other fertility treatments. Often, the same therapy is used for 3 to 6 cycles of treatment to maximize chances of pregnancy.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.

• Infertility FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/Infertility/. Accessed March 2, 2023.
• FAQs: Treating infertility. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Treating-Infertility. Accessed March 2, 2023.
• Infertility. Womenshealth.gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/infertility. Accessed March 2, 2023.
• Ginsburg ES. Procedure for intrauterine insemination (IUI) using processed sperm. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 2, 2023.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI). ReproductiveFacts.org. https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/intrauterine-insemination-iui/. Accessed March 2, 2023.
• Hornstein MD, et al. Unexplained infertility. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 2, 2023.
• DeCherney AH, et al., eds. Infertility. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. 12th ed. McGraw Hill; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed March 2, 2023.
• Bastian LA, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of early pregnancy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 2, 2023.

News from Mayo Clinic

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester top ranked on 'America's Best Fertility Clinics' in Newsweek rankings March 15, 2023, 01:33 p.m. CDT
• Doctors & Departments

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

• Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

• Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
• The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
• Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
• FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
• Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book

Double your impact on fighting cancer

Make a gift before July 31 and it can go twice as far to fight cancer.

• Share full article

Getting Pregnant With IUI: What You Need to Know

Intrauterine insemination is a fertility procedure that is typically quick and painless. But success rates can vary.

Credit... Simone Noronha

Supported by

By Christina Caron

• April 18, 2020

This guide was originally published on July 24, 2019 in NYT Parenting.

It was the night before my first IUI and I couldn’t sleep. I had made the mistake of going down a Google rabbit hole, plumbing the depths of parenting forums for any personal stories about intrauterine insemination — especially the negative ones.

I wanted to mentally prepare myself. Would it hurt? Would there be a lot of cramping afterward? Could something unexpectedly go awry?

Like most people, I would have much preferred to avoid a fertility clinic altogether. But I’m married to a woman, so we had little choice in the matter.

We had considered the possibility of intracervical insemination, or ICI, sometimes referred to as the “turkey baster” method. That’s where you use a disposable, needleless syringe (NOT an actual turkey baster) to deposit sperm into the vagina. It can easily be done at home.

But with IUI, the sperm is deposited directly into the uterus, so its journey to the fallopian tubes is much shorter than it is with intracervical insemination. I came to think of IUI as kind of like the FastPass tickets at Disneyland. (And when a single vial of donor sperm costs anywhere from $700 to $1,000, you want to be sure the sperm quickly arrive exactly where you need them to.)

For this guide, I spoke with doctors from three of the top fertility centers in the country and examined some of the best available research on IUI. As with any medical procedure, it’s best to discuss it with your doctor. But this can serve as a starting point for those new to IUI or who just want to learn more.

[The topics parents are talking about. Sign up now to get NYT Parenting in your inbox every week.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is iui, what happens during an iui cycle at a fertility clinic, is medication necessary and if so, which one(s) will i need to take, will iui hurt, can i resume normal activities after an iui, what are the success rates of iui, can the procedure be successful for women in their 40s, does iui increase your chance of having twins, does iui come with any other risks.

Although it may sound a bit daunting, intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is one of the least invasive fertility procedures — especially when compared with in-vitro fertilization, or I.V.F.

During I.V.F., a woman’s eggs are surgically retrieved from her ovaries; fertilized and developed into embryos in a lab; and then transferred back into her uterus. But IUI is much simpler. Sperm — whether from your partner or a donor — is prepared and then inserted into the uterus through a soft catheter. Most women (myself included) don’t feel a thing, and it only takes a few minutes.

A typical IUI cycle begins at the start of your period and ends when you take a blood pregnancy test, about two weeks after your IUI.

First, you’ll get a blood test on the second or third day of your period to confirm that you aren’t already pregnant. Your doctors will often perform a transvaginal ultrasound to examine your uterine lining and your ovarian follicles (the small, fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries that typically contain one immature, microscopic egg).

During the weeks before ovulation, your doctor will perform additional ultrasounds to make sure that your uterine lining is thickening and your follicles are growing.

When at least one mature follicle on the ultrasound measures over 20 millimeters, ovulation is likely to happen soon. At this point, your doctor might instruct you to take an hCG trigger shot (which induces ovulation about 36 hours after the injection) and will schedule your IUI.

Or, your doctor might tell you to continue measuring the level of luteinizing hormone (which peaks 24 to 48 hours before ovulation) in your urine with an at-home test. When the test indicates that your LH levels have peaked, the IUI is typically performed the following day.

If you are using sperm from a male partner, he will come to the clinic on the day of your IUI to deposit a sample, and the fertility clinic will prepare it for insemination. This process involves washing it to remove unwanted substances like non-motile sperm, white blood cells and prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals that can cause painful cramping when deposited into the uterus).

If you’re using frozen donor sperm, your clinic will thaw it on the morning of your IUI.

During the IUI, your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and thread a thin, flexible catheter through your cervix to deposit sperm into your uterus.

The entire process usually takes about 5 minutes. Your doctor will likely advise you to lie down for about 10 minutes after the procedure to prevent you from feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

About a week later, many fertility clinics will check your progesterone levels with a blood test to determine whether you actually ovulated around the time of the procedure. (If you didn’t, the procedure is much less likely to be successful.)

About two weeks after your IUI, you’ll take a blood test to see if you’re pregnant. For most women, this “two-week wait” is the hardest part of the IUI cycle. It can be tempting to read into every symptom you experience. Do your sore breasts mean you’re about to get your period? Or does it mean that you’re pregnant? Only the blood test will offer official confirmation.

If you don’t have any known fertility problems — if your doctor has determined that your partner has male-factor infertility, for example, or if you’re getting the procedure because you’re a single mother by choice or in a same-sex relationship — you may not need medication during your initial IUI cycles.

But if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant — either with past partners or with previous IUI cycles — your doctor may recommend certain oral or injectable medications that can help you release more eggs.

In the past, women undergoing IUI were sometimes prescribed gonadotropin injections that would stimulate the ovaries to release multiple follicles, but studies have shown that there is a higher likelihood of multiples with gonadotropins than there is with two of the more commonly used ovulation-inducing drugs, clomiphene citrate or letrozole.

Clomiphene (Clomid or Serophene), is currently the only oral drug that is approved to induce ovulation. It prompts egg growth by stimulating follicles in the ovaries.

But studies have found that letrozole (Femara), a breast cancer medication that’s taken orally, can be an effective off-label drug for inducing ovulation. In fact, some studies have suggested that it is more effective than clomiphene in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. As a result, letrozole is widely used for ovulation induction.

Another commonly prescribed medication is the human chorionic gonadotropin shot, also referred to as a hCG trigger shot (Ovidrel). It’s injected under the skin about 12 to 36 hours before your IUI procedure, and mimics the surge of luteinizing hormone, which tells your body to ovulate.

For many women undergoing IUI, these drugs can be a game changer. A seminal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1999, for instance, found that of 932 couples with unexplained infertility, those who received follicle-stimulating hormone with their IUI were nearly twice as likely to become pregnant than those who had IUI without the drugs.

It’s important, however, to discuss the potential side effects and risks of these medications with your doctor. The hCG trigger shot, for instance, can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a condition that can result in painful, swollen ovaries. Your doctor can help you weigh the potential benefits of medication against the possible risks.

IUI is not supposed to hurt.

“For most women, it’s really very straightforward,” said Dr. Martha Noel, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. “You shouldn’t feel anything.”

Some women may find the speculum, which usually isn’t lubricated, to be uncomfortable. Occasionally, the catheter can create some discomfort as well, especially if you have cervical stenosis and the passageway through the cervix is narrow, or if the tilt of your uterus makes insertion more challenging.

If you’ve been told that your uterus is anteverted, meaning that it points forward toward your abdomen, having a full bladder during the procedure can help make it easier for the doctors to insert the catheter, Dr. Noel said.

After the IUI, it’s normal to experience mild cramping.

After an IUI, you can do nearly everything you used to do with two exceptions. It’s best to avoid alcohol, hot tubs and saunas for the two weeks before your pregnancy test because they can be harmful to a developing embryo, said Dr. Paula C. Brady, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

The exercise you normally do is “totally fine,” she added, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Having sex and drinking one cup of coffee or tea per day is also O.K.

If the IUI does not work, it’s tempting to scrutinize everything you did afterward, wondering if it could have had an effect. Don’t.

There isn’t anything you can do during the two-week wait to boost your odds, said Antonio R. Gargiulo, M.D., a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at the Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “It’s just luck, honestly,” he added.

There isn’t a clear-cut answer to this question. It will depend largely on your age and why you’re getting an IUI in the first place.

“Actual data on IUI success rates are surprisingly hard to find, because studies include different patient populations, ages, infertility diagnoses, etc.,” said Dr. Brady.

But we do know that while IUI is less invasive and less expensive than I.V.F. , it tends to be less effective. Research suggests that women with unexplained infertility have about a 20-to-25-percent chance of getting pregnant over a few cycles. Women under 35 who choose to do IUI because they aren’t getting periods regularly can see success rates as high as 50 percent across three to six cycles, Dr. Brady said.

If you’ve tried the procedure three times with no luck, it’s best to have another conversation with your doctor, Dr. Brady added. At that point, it might be more efficient and cost-effective to move on to I.V.F.

Yes, but the chances of becoming and staying pregnant are lower than they are for women in their 20s or 30s.

According to Dr. Gargiulo, the average age of the patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is 38.5 years old. But there’s very little published material on the success rates of IUI for women over age 35, he said.

Part of the reason why women in their 40s tend have less success with IUI than those who are younger is because at least 30 percent of pregnancies in women in their early 40s result in miscarriage, Dr. Brady said.

With most patients, “I do set clear limits that we definitely need to sit down after three cycles if it hasn’t worked to decide if we want to keep doing this, and we should not do any more than six cycles,” she added.

In fact, studies suggest that it might even behoove women in their 40s to go straight to I.V.F. instead of trying IUI first.

Still, “I really think it is for patients to decide,” Dr. Brady said. “I.V.F. is expensive and invasive and it’s often not where people want to start.”

Yes, but only if you’re taking ovary-stimulating medication, which can result in the ovulation of more than one egg.

One study of 900 women with unexplained fertility between the ages of 18 and 40 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2015, for instance, found that among women who took gonadotropic injections, the rate of multiples was 32 percent. With clomiphene it was 9 percent and with letrozole it was 13 percent.

The IUI procedure carries few risks. While there’s a “theoretical” risk of infection with any procedure that involves “introducing something through the vagina and the cervix and into the uterus,” Dr. Noel said, infections are rare.

There is, however, the risk of becoming discouraged given the relatively low success rates, according to Dr. Gargiulo.

“I think the main risk to IUI is that the couple may lose stamina and drop off having not even begun effective medical treatment for infertility,” said Dr. Gargiulo. “You’ve got to be ready for a negative pregnancy test nine out of 10 times. If you’re ready for that, then IUI is definitely the first way to go for many of our patients.”

Christina Caron is a parenting reporter. Before joining The Times in 2014, she spent a decade editing and writing for broadcast news and also worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. More about Christina Caron

What to Know About I.V.F.

In vitro fertilization can be daunting, but preparation and learning about the side effects can make it a lot easier. Our guide can help .

There are still large gaps in our knowledge about how I.V.F. procedures affect women years later. Here’s why .

Some couples, aware of the difficulties of conception and pregnancy, are choosing I.V.F. as a first option .

Many insurance companies don’t cover I.V.F. treatments. But there are ways to ease the financial burden .

For L.G.B.T.Q. couples, the path to parenthood can be long . One writer shared her absurd but ultimately successful experience  using I.V.F. to become pregnant.

Have you gone through an I.V.F. treatment? Tell us about your experience .

Advertisement

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an infertility treatment option for people who are unable to conceive through sexual intercourse and people who choose third-party reproduction . The process involves identifying and selecting the best moving sperm, then inserting sperm directly into the uterus using a flexible tube (called a catheter). This means the sperm have a shorter distance to travel to get to an unfertilized egg in the fallopian tube. The IUI procedure is carefully timed with ovulation.

What is the difference between IUI and in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

With IUI, the sperm and egg meet inside your body by using a catheter to insert the sperm into your uterus. With IVF , the sperm and egg are combined together in a lab, then transferred into the uterus.

How much does IUI cost?

Of the many fertility treatments available, IUI is one of the least expensive. The cost varies based on your health and the number of attempts made to become pregnant. Our financial advisor can help you understand your insurance coverage and self-pay options. Illinois residents benefit from state laws requiring specific group insurance plans and health maintenance organizations to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment.

Meet Our Reproductive Endocrinologists

Schedule an appointment  to discuss your family building goals and options with a UChicago Medicine specialist.

Refer a Patient: Call 773-702-6118

Convenient Clinic Locations in Hyde Park, South Loop and Hinsdale

Request an appointment.

You also have the option to:

• Schedule a new appointment online
• Request an online second opinion

To refer a patient  or to speak to someone directly, please call  773-702-6118 . If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

* Indicates required field

Home » Blog » Important Tips to Consider when Travelling during Fertility Treatment

Important Tips to Consider when Travelling during Fertility Treatment

When Is It a Good Time to Travel during IVF or IUI Treatment?

Travelling during ivf treatment, travelling during iui treatment, preparing for travel during fertility treatments.

• Ask your fertility specialist to draft an official letter stating that you’re travelling with medications.
• Store all of your medications in your carry-on bag, not your luggage (in case it gets lost).
• If travelling by plane, look into your airline’s guidelines or policies for travelling with medications.
• Inform customs officers that you’re travelling with medications and explain why.
• Purchase a small cooler or ice packs for medications that require refrigeration.
• Research nearby medical facilities in the region you’re travelling to.
• Get the appropriate vaccinations required for your travel destination in advance and avoid countries where the Zika virus is prevalent.
• Stay on schedule with all medications and set reminders if necessary.

Fertility Treatment at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo

Working hours.

• Fertility Services
• Ontario IVF Funding
• Review Us on Google
• Download Referral Form
• Employment Opportunities

Welcome to Fertility Travel

Your personal concierge to fertility tourism abroad

Your route to parenthood, perfectly planned by experts

How can we help you?

Customized plan.

Receive a travel plan based on your wishes, treatment needs, donor selection, budget, and destination country regulations

Compassionate Support

From our first call until your last clinic appointment, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Travel Planning

We provide cost saving discounts on all your travel needs.

Make Fertility Tourism Enjoyable

These are just a few of our clinic partner destination countries available

At Fertility Travel, we make accessing fertility treatment abroad easier for you. Our dedicated and experienced team will work with you in making the best selection of the destination country based on your needs, regulations, budget and timeframe.

Fertility Travel has partnerships with leading fertility clinic partners around the globe and we can match you with the best one to help you along your journey.

Should you have egg or sperm donor needs, we can provide you with an exclusive cost saving discount code to be used at the world's largest donor bank.

When you're ready to make your travel plans, Fertility Travel also offers cost saving discounts and travel recommendations to make your destination country stay an enjoyable experience.

How it works

Every fertility journey is unique, but here’s what you can expect

Book a free call, discuss your treatment and donor needs, budget, and learn your options

Receive a customized plan

Confirm clinic appointment, and book your travel

Secure your sperm/egg donor selection

Embark on your fertility journey

Common questions about fertility travel

Are you considering fertility, treatment abroad.

IUI vs. IVF: What’s the Difference?

IUI and IVF are two types of assisted reproductive technologies. Compare the infertility treatment options below.

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

IUI vs. IVF

When you’re eager to start a family , struggling with infertility can feel overwhelming, marked by uncertainty and a sense of isolation.

Getty Images

Yet, amidst the heartache, there is hope to be found in modern fertility treatments using fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology. Advances in medicine offer individuals or couples a way to navigate the challenging path through infertility .

Two of the most common fertility treatment options are:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Each approach has its own set of benefits, considerations and emotional challenges. Understanding the differences between IUI and IVF can help you make a more informed decision as you explore your options to have a child.

Key Takeaways:

• IUI and IVF are two types of fertility treatment options used to assist individuals or couples to conceive.
• IUI involves injecting the sperm directly into the uterus, whereas IVF involves surgically extracting eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing the egg and sperm outside of the body in the laboratory.
• IUI is often less expensive and time-consuming compared to IVF.
• Age, infertility diagnosis, projected success rates and personal preferences (like costs and timeframe) all factor into making a fertility decision that is right for you.

Fertility Treatment Options

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after 12 months or more of trying to conceive with unprotected sexual intercourse. However, women age 35 or older, which is medically referred to as advanced maternal age , should seek an infertility evaluation with their health care provider or a reproductive endocrinologist after six months of trying to conceive.

Dealing with infertility can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Infertility affects about 15% of couples in the U.S. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 women between the ages of 15 and 49 have received fertility assistance in their lifetime, and according to recent data, 2.3% of all U.S. births were conceived using assisted reproductive technology.

Although infertility has historically been considered a women's issue, research shows that male infertility is the cause in 20% of infertility cases and plays a contributing role in another 30 to 40% of all cases.

For many, fertility treatment options like IUI and IVF are available with the help of a fertility specialist .

When to see a fertility specialist

If you’ve been actively trying to conceive for 12 months, or for six months if you’re 35 and older, without success, it may be time to see a fertility specialist.

“About a third of the time, we don't have any clear explanation for why the couple hasn't been successful so far,” says Dr. Katherine Cameron, an assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and director of third-party reproduction at the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center in Baltimore. “It's important to use as much as we can (of) our own clinic data with their clinical characteristics."

In the initial fertility consultation, the medical provider is generally evaluating:

• Ovarian reserve (egg supply)
• Tubal patency (if their fallopian tubes are open)
• Any anatomical considerations, like something structurally happening inside the uterus that needs addressing
• Any conditions that may affect the ability to conceive, like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Sperm quality and quantity

The initial evaluation requires a comprehensive blood test, vaginal ultrasound to examine the ovaries, semen analysis of your male partner (if you have one) and other steps, so it's important to keep in mind that establishing a baseline takes time. “Usually, within the first or the second month, you have an idea of the best route of treatment, options of treatment and – in the end – their ultimate success rate,” says Dr. Eric Knochenhauer, director of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Staten Island University Hospital and director of Island Reproductive Services in Staten Island, New York.

Direct communication from your doctor helps establish a clear understanding of what to expect.

“The best way to manage expectations is just to be very upfront,” Cameron says. “I always say this is a very intensive process, and then describe what a typical schedule looks like to make sure that they are going into things with eyes wide open."

What Is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination, or IUI for short, is when sperm is injected directly into the uterus to decrease the sperm’s travel time to the egg. Sometimes, medication is also used to help stimulate egg release. However, medication is not always needed in all cases, such as when there’s a same-sex couple using a sperm donor or when there’s no issue with the woman’s egg reserve.

“For somebody in that situation, we would just use their own natural ovulation ,” Cameron says.

Otherwise, using fertility medication when it isn't medically necessary increases the risk of twins or multiple births.

IUI process

The IUI procedure is performed at or around the time of ovulation. The semen sample is “washed” in a lab, meaning it’s separated from seminal fluid, and the medical provider uses a catheter to insert the sperm directly into the uterus through your cervix.

The procedure only takes a few minutes.

“It's essentially to the woman a little bit more than a Pap smear , and there is minimal discomfort in doing the procedure,” Knochenhauer says.

Ideal candidates for IUI

You may be a good candidate for IUI under any of the following conditions:

• Healthy ovarian reserve
• Female has at least one patent (open) fallopian tube
• Normal semen analysis results, meaning the male has a healthy, reasonable sperm count
• No genetic concerns

IUI can be useful for couples who are having trouble conceiving because of their work or travel schedule, or sexual dysfunction.

What Is IVF?

In vitro fertilization, or IVF for short, is a procedure that uses assisted reproductive technology to fertilize an egg with the sperm in a lab, then place it back in a woman’s uterus. IVF is a longer, more intensive process than IUI. It is also more costly.

Ideal candidates for IVF

If a couple has been unsuccessful trying IUI, they may consider IVF.

For women, you may be a good candidate for IVF if you have:

• Diminished ovarian reserve
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis, PCOS or other health conditions causing infertility
• Age-related infertility

For men, you and your partner may be good IVF candidates if you have:

• Low sperm count
• Low sperm motility

IVF may also be a good option for those experiencing unexplained infertility and if pre-genetic testing shows high risk of certain conditions. For those who are older and planning to grow their family in the future, IVF is a good option for fertility preservation. By freezing – or "banking" – any unused viable embryos, women have the option of using them in the future without worrying about egg count.

“Even if she goes into ovarian failure, you can transfer embryos as long as the rest of the anatomy is okay,” Knochenhauer says.

IVF process

The basic steps of IVF include:

• Ovarian stimulation. The female takes medication, usually as a series of injections, to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. A fertility specialist closely monitors the growth of the ovarian follicles with regular vaginal ultrasounds to make sure the eggs are primed for retrieval.
• Egg retrieval. A doctor uses an ultrasound-guided need to extract the eggs from the ovaries through the vaginal wall. This is a minor surgical procedure usually done under anesthesia.
• Sperm collection. Usually performed either before or on the same day as the egg retrieval, a sperm sample is collected from a partner or donor. Collection may be done surgically if sperm are unable to be obtained via ejaculation. A semen analysis is done to separate motile and high-quality sperm.
• Fertilization. The egg and sperm are then combined in a lab and fertilized.
• Embryo development. The fertilized eggs are then monitored over several days as they develop into embryos.
• Embryo grading. At three days and five days after retrieval, the embryologist grades each embryo based on their development and appearance to determine their viability and potential for successful implantation. During this time, genetic testing to screen for certain genetic disorders – such as the BRCA gene mutation – is available.
• Embryo transfer. After you select the desired embryo, your doctor will use a thin catheter to transfer it into the uterus, where it will – hopefully – implant. Any unused embryos may be frozen for future use.

Cost Differences: IUI vs. IVF

Compare the cost breakdown of IUI and IVF procedures:

The average cost for a single IUI cycle ranges from $3,500 to $8,500. Some may need more than one cycle to successfully conceive.

A single cycle of IVF can range anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more. As with IUI, it may take more than one cycle of IVF to successfully conceive. The average number of IVF cycles needed to become pregnant is 2.5, so costs could land upwards of $40,000.

Comparing costs of IUI and IVF

Generally speaking, IUI is far less expensive. However, depending on services, the state you live in and your insurance coverage , costs for either procedure can vary greatly.

Currently, 21 states and Washington, D.C. mandate insurance coverage of fertility treatment and, therefore, require health insurance plans to include coverage for certain fertility treatments. To find out if your state passed fertility insurance coverage laws, visit the National Infertility Association's Insurance Coverage by State page .

Even for states with coverage mandates, laws can vary depending on the scope of coverage, eligibility criteria and limitations or caps, so you should always check with your insurance company to verify coverage.

Hidden costs of fertility treatment

Costs can vary, depending on your individual circumstances and preferences. Common costs beyond the standard treatment may include:

• Diagnostic tests
• Monitoring or follow-up visits
• Sperm or egg donor
• Surgical procedure costs, such as anesthesia or medical supplies
• Embryo freezing and storage
• Pre-genetic testing

What’s important is that your medical provider is upfront with all costs, even as they change based on your individual case, along the way.

Success Rates: IUI vs. IVF

Success rates vary widely depending on each individual or couple.

IUI success rates

According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, IUI is significantly less effective than IVF. The success rate of IUI per cycle is about 11%.

Age is likely to influence the number of IUI cycles needed. Older women typically require more insemination cycles to be successful, with patients under 25 undergoing 1.91 on average, and women over 43 undergoing 2.42 cycles on average.

IVF success rates

National data shows that about 50% of egg retrieval procedures ended in live-births for patients using their own eggs in women under 35. View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national data on assisted reproductive technology for more information on success rates based on various factors.

The CDC also has an IVF Success Estimator tool that may help you estimate your personalized chances of success. However, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis or treatment, and you should work with your doctor to determine your predicted IVF success rates.

Comparing IVF and IUI benefits and success rates

Although IUI has lower success rates than IVF, it is also less invasive.

“The majority of patients, as long as the parameters are appropriate, generally prefer to do (IUI) because it's far less invasive,” Knochenhauer says.

Evaluating success rates is a very individualized determination, but the female age or age of the individual providing the eggs is the main driver of likelihood of success of both treatments.

“Starting at about age 35, we start to see a decrease in the percentage or the proportion of eggs that are of good quality," Cameron says, explaining that a "good quality" egg is one that is able to pass on the correct amount of genetic information.

Side Effects: IUI vs. IVF

Compare the risks and side effects of IUI and IVF:

IUI risks and side effects

Generally, undergoing IUI carries very few risks of side effects, which may include:

• Spotting or light bleeding
• Cramping or discomfort
• Multiple births
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, a rare complication of fertility treatments that causes the ovaries to swell

IVF risk and side effects

Side effects of an IVF procedure may include:

• Cramping or bloating
• Hormonal changes , causing effects like hot flashes or mood swings

More serious risks of the surgical procedure may include:

• Bleeding, infection or damage to other organs with egg retrieval
• Ovarian torsion, a rare side effect in which the ovary or fallopian tube twists and cuts off blood supply to the ovary
• Ectopic pregnancy

Comparing IVF and IUI risks

Because IVF is a more intensive procedure, it generally carries a higher risk of adverse side effects.

"The risks are substantially different, primarily because IUI only comprises a small office procedure akin to a Pap smear, whereas IVF requires removal of the eggs from the ovaries through a small surgical procedure under anesthesia," Cameron says. "(IVF) has all the risks of any surgical procedure that involves anesthesia."

Emotional Support During Fertility Treatment

Experiencing infertility is a trying time, and seeking fertility treatment options can be an emotionally draining and challenging process.

Here are ways you can seek emotional support during your fertility journey:

• Lean on family and friends. Talking to family or friends can help you cope and find emotional support, especially if you personally know someone who has undergone fertility treatment.
• Look for online communities and support groups. There are many online communities and support groups on Facebook, Reddit and other sites for people going through fertility treatment. This robust online community of people who have faced infertility can provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions and seek encouragement while you go through the process.
• Talk to fertility counselors. With most fertility clinics, counselors who specialize in fertility issues are typically available to patients who feel they may need additional emotional support through the process. They can help you process complex emotions and offer coping strategies while you navigate infertility.

Is IUI or IVF Right for Me?

Deciding whether to pursue IUI or IVF is a very personalized decision that should be made between you and your doctor. Important factors to consider include:

• Infertility diagnosis
• Personal preferences

Knochenhauer says the most important thing to keep in mind as the patient is ensuring the thoroughness of the discussion with your doctor. Questions you should ask your doctor include:

• What are my options?
• Why is this the recommended path?
• Do I need the surgery?
• What are my other options?

How to Find a Fertility Doctor

Word of mouth is a great way to find a good fit for you. As more women and men are more willing to talk about their IUI or IVF experience, it's helpful to use their experiences and reviews to help guide your decision.

If you don’t know anyone personally with a recommendation, online communities are a great resource to ask questions and look for recommendations. You can also use U.S. News's Doctor Finder tool to locate a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist near you.

Most importantly, you should research the individual doctor’s credentials and experience, and look at the clinic’s outcomes. Ensure the fertility doctor is board certified, has significant experience treating fertility issues and has a proven track record of successful pregnancies.

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our  editorial guidelines .

Cameron is an assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and director of third-party reproduction at the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center in Baltimore.

Knochenhauer is director of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Staten Island University Hospital and director of Island Reproductive Services in Staten Island, New York.

Tags: pregnancy , health , women's health , men's health , sexual health , infertility

Most Popular

Best Hospitals

Pregnancy Resource Center

Second Opinion

Senior Care

health disclaimer »

Disclaimer and a note about your health ».

Your Health

A guide to nutrition and wellness from the health team at U.S. News & World Report.

You May Also Like

Types of medical specialists.

Christine Comizio July 19, 2024

How to Pick a Medigap Plan

Paul Wynn July 18, 2024

2024-2025 Equitable Access Hospitals

Tavia Binger and Ben Harder July 17, 2024

Best Hospitals in Arizona for Cancer

Anne Pusey Roberts July 16, 2024

Top Hospitals for Cancer in the U.S.

U.S. News Staff July 16, 2024

Hospitals for Heart & Vascular Surgery

Top Hospitals in Florida for Cancer

2024-2025 Adult Specialties Rankings

Still Working? Signing Up for Medicare

Paul Wynn July 11, 2024

Questions Before You Leave the Hospital

Payton Sy July 10, 2024

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diet & Nutrition
• Supplements
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

IUI vs. IVF: Deciding Which Is Right for You

What is iui, what is ivf, iui vs. ivf, success rate, which is better: iui or ivf, frequently asked questions.

Intrauterine insemination ( IUI ) and in vitro fertilization ( IVF ) are medical techniques that help someone get pregnant . They are types of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or fertility treatment. Intrauterine insemination is when the sperm fertilizes the eggs inside the uterus, whereas in vitro fertilization occurs in a petri dish or lab.

This article compares types of IUI and IVF, their procedures, cost-effectiveness, success rates, and possible side effects. 

Moyo Studio / Getty Images

IUI is ART that involves placing sperm inside the uterus . People may refer to it as artificial insemination, alternative insemination, or donor insemination.

ART Statistics

In the United States, assisted reproductive technology accounts for the conception of about 2 % of babies yearly. That translates to 75,000 or 2 per every 100 babies.  

Conception (pregnancy) occurs when the sperm joins the egg. Sperm must swim from the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus. IUI aids pregnancy by decreasing the distance the sperm travels to fertilize the egg.

Providers differentiate IUI based on the use of fertility drugs. Both types have a higher success rate than trying to conceive without fertility drugs, procedures, or other forms of assistance.

• Natural cycle IUI: Sperm is placed in the uterus after the body’s hormones induce ovulation .
• Stimulated cycle IUI : Stimulated cycle IUI uses fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation or increase the number of eggs with ovulation.  

With IUI, artificial insemination occurs the day after ovulation. Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will prepare and “wash” the sperm sample. 

If your partner provides the sperm sample, they will do so on the day of IUI. For those using donor sperm, your provider will thaw and prepare the sample before beginning the procedure.  

Why Is Sperm Washed?

“Washing” sperm means separating seminal fluid from the sperm in the lab, making it more motile (mobile) and more likely to fertilize an egg. It also makes semen less irritating to the uterus.

The artificial insemination procedure is similar to a Pap smear or pelvic exam. It may be slightly uncomfortable, but it should not be painful and doesn’t require sedation. It is performed as follows:

• Step 1 : Lie on the exam table and place your feet in the stirrups. 
• Step 2 : The healthcare provider uses a speculum (the same tool they use during a Pap smear) to open the vagina and visualize the cervix. 
• Step 3 : The provider inserts a long thin tube past the cervix and into the uterus. They inject the sperm into the uterus through the tube.
• Step 4 : Lie still for 15 to 30 minutes before cleaning up and dressing. You may have mild cramping or bleeding for a few hours after the procedure. 

Your provider may prescribe progesterone , a hormone that prepares the lining of the uterus and helps implanted embryos grow. Typically, you will take a pregnancy test two weeks after IUI.

IVF is fertilizing an egg outside the uterus in the lab. "Fertilize" means combining the sperm with the egg. The fertilized egg matures into an embryo that the provider puts back in the uterus to become a fetus.

You can choose to use your eggs or donor eggs for this procedure. This decision will depend on your fertility challenges and personal preferences.  

The following is a review of the different types of IVF:

• Traditional IVF: The provider places thousands of sperm in a petri dish with a mature egg. The need for fertility drugs vary based on fertility challenges.
• Natural IVF : The provider retrieves eggs during ovulation; no fertility drugs are necessary.
• Minimal stimulation : The gestational carrier takes low amounts of fertility drugs over a short time frame.
• Frozen embryo transfer (FET) : The provider freezes and stores the embryos for later use.
• Single-embryo transfer (eSET) : The provider places one of several embryos in the uterus. 
• Donor IVF : This is when another person donates their eggs or sperm.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) : ICSI is when a provider injects a single sperm directly into the egg under microscopic guidance. This procedure is helpful with low sperm count or when sperm are not strong enough to push through the egg.  
• In vitro maturation (IVM) : IVM is the retrieval of immature eggs. It differs from traditional IVF because the eggs mature in a petri dish outside the body rather than in the ovaries. It’s only done with ICSI and can help those who cannot take fertility medications.

Typically stages of successful IVF progress as follows:

• Stimulation : Fertility drugs stimulate ovulation.
• Egg retrieval : Your healthcare team gives you mild sedation while the provider retrieves eggs from your uterus during an in-office procedure. They insert a thin needle through the vagina into the ovaries with ultrasound guidance . 
• Insemination and fertilization : The healthcare provider places the eggs and sperm together. 
• Embryo growth : A few days after fertilization, the egg starts dividing, becoming an embryo. 
• Embryo transfer : The provider transfers embryos to the uterus or freezes them for future use. 
• Implantation : When embryos stick to the uterus lining, implantation occurs.

Your provider may prescribe progesterone after the transfer to help the embryos grow.

When deciding between these options, you and your fertility specialist should consider the gestational carrier's age, fertility concerns, overall health, cost, and family history. 

Common Reasons for IUI

People with the following fertility concerns might opt to try IUI first:

• Unexplained infertility
• The need for donor sperm
• Problems with sperm concentration, movement, size, or shape
• Ejaculatory disorders
• Immunological infertility
• Mild endometriosis (a condition where cells similar to those found in the uterine lining grow outside of the uterus)
• Cervical factor infertility  
• Ovulation problems
• Allergy to semen
• Other causes of implantation failure

Common Reasons for IVF 

IVF may be the best option if your or your partner’s condition involves the following:

• Severe male infertility
• Blocked fallopian tubes that surgery cannot correct
• Absent fallopian tubes
• Lack of success with IUI
• Multiple miscarriages
• Severe endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS )
• Advanced age
• Concern about passing on genetic disorders

IVF is more expensive than IUI. The average cost of an IUI cycle in the United States is $300 to $1,000. IVF cycles cost between $10,000 and $20,000.  

Insurance coverage for IVF varies by state. It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider in advance.   

The egg retrieval portion of IVF is riskier than IUI. However, both IUI and IVF involve artificial insemination. IUI risks include:

• Multiple babies ( twins , triplets, etc.)
• Ectopic pregnancy (occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus)
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Risks with egg retrieval for IVF also include:

• Anesthesia (sedation medication) reaction
• Damage to structures around the ovaries

Side Effects

Side effects vary based on artificial insemination, egg retrieval, and fertility drugs.

• Artificial insemination: Both IUI and IVF involve artificial insemination. Common side effects include mild cramping or bleeding for a few hours. 
• Egg retrieval: When IVF includes egg retrieval, it has more side effects. Egg retrieval is not necessary with egg donor IVF. These side effects can last around a week and involve abdominal bloating and discomfort, vaginal soreness, and cramping or spotting.
• Fertility drugs: IUI and IVF may require fertility drugs to stimulate egg production or increase the number of eggs you produce. These medications carry potential side effects, including abdominal bloating and discomfort, mood swings, nausea and vomiting, and headaches.

IUI success rates range from 5% to 25% as opposed to 25% to 87% with IVF. These extensive gaps in the ranges are due to the following variables:

• Height and weight
• Type of fertility issues
• Prior pregnancies
• Egg retrieval versus donor eggs
• Number of egg retrievals 
• Number of embryo transfers 

When considering IVF, the following success estimators may be helpful.

• Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) tool  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) IVF success estimator

While IUI is less invasive, carries less risk and fewer side effects, and is less expensive, it has a lower success rates. The choice comes down to age, fertility challenges, treatment history, and financial resources.

For example, IUI may be a good starting point for people under 35 with specific fertility concerns such as unexplained infertility or sperm problems. 

If IUI doesn’t work within a few cycles, people often opt to move on to IVF. In some cases, IVF may be the best or only option for some fertility challenges involving severe male infertility, severe fallopian tube blockage, advanced age (over 35), or concerns about genetic disorders.

IUI and IVF are both assistive reproductive treatments. With IUI, the healthcare provider places sperm in the uterus. IVF occurs when the provider fertilizes an egg outside the uterus (in a lab). IUI is less invasive, carries less risk, and is less expensive.

However, it has lower success rates than IVF. You and your fertility specialist should consider age, fertility concerns, overall health, financial resources, and family history when deciding between these options. 

IUI is less invasive, less risky, and less expensive than IVF. However, its success rates are lower. It may be worth trying if the gestational carrier is younger than 35 years old with specific fertility concerns such as unexplained fertility or sperm problems. 

Gestational carriers 35 or younger with specific fertility challenges are good candidates for IUI. These fertility challenges include unexplained infertility, sperm problems (low count, poor mobility), ovulation difficulties, cervical mucus issues, and semen allergies. 

Generally, fertility treatments are most successful for people in their 20s and early 30s. Success rates start to decrease beyond age 37. People 40 and over can successfully conceive through IVF. However, success rates drop rapidly over 40. People over 35 can also consider using donor eggs when undergoing IVF treatment.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ART success rates .

Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). Frequently asked questions .

American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). More than 73 thousand babies born from assisted reproductive technology cycles done in 2020 .

Planned Parenthood. What is intrauterine insemination (IUI) ?

Gautam A. Intrauterine insemination: fundamentals revisited .  Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of India . 2017;67(6): 385-392. doi:10.1007/s13224-017-1060-x

Cantineau AEP, Rutten AGH, Cohlen BJ. Agents for ovarian stimulation for intrauterine insemination (IUI) in ovulatory women with infertility . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . 2021;11:CD005356. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005356.pub3

Schorsch M, et al. Success rate of inseminations dependent on maternal age? An analysis of 4246 insemination cycles . Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde . 2013;73(8):808-811. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1350615

Soyer-Calıskan C, Hatirnaz K, Celik S, et al. A comparison of triple and double sperm washing for density gradient preparation in intrauterine insemination cycles when overnight incubation of specimens occurred: A retrospective cohort . Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2022;49(11):250. doi:10.31083/j.ceog4911250

National Library of Medicine (NIH). In vitro fertilization (IVF) .

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Treating infertility .

Walls ML, Hart RJ. In vitro maturation . Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol . 2018;53:60-72. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.06.004

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). IVF success estimator .

Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). IVF estimator tool .

Reproductive Biomedicine Online. IUI is a better alternative to IVF as the first-line treatment of unexplained fertility .

By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Jones is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with more than two decades of healthcare experience.

We've upgraded our donor database! Now it's even easier to purchase and obtain donor vials. Learn more .

Select your language

• Español
• Our Sperm Donor Program
• How It Works
• Pricing & Fees
• Donor Qualifications
• Sperm Donor Profile of the Month
• Directed Donor Program
• Free Sperm Donor Search
• My Account Login
• How to Donate Sperm
• Sperm Donor Compensation
• Sperm Donor Application
• Fertility Care Options
• Fertility Preservation
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
• Semen Testing Services
• Sperm Washing
• Male Fertility & Sexual Health
• Vasectomy Reversal at MFS
• About Sperm Bank Inc
• Why Choose Us/Licenses
• Patient Success Stories
• Clinical Staff
• Our Laboratory & Facilities
• Physician Referrals
• Physicians Benefits by Specialty
• Cryopreservation & Lab Security
• Physician Contact
• Patient Resources
• Online Video Library
• Success Stories: Restoring Male Fertility
• Success Stories: Sperm Donor Program
• Traveling to San Diego
• Secure Long Term Storage
• Freeze First!™ Fertility Preservation
• The Cryopreservation Process
• Sperm Donor Program
• Sperm Donor Safety Precautions
• Working with Physicians
• Financial Incentives
• Purchase Research Vials of Sperm
• Blog & News
• Fertility Clinics & Resources
• Notice of Privacy Practices
• Contact FCC
• Orange County
• Visiting Southern California

• Fertility Services /

Intrauterine Inseminations

What is intrauterine insemination.

An intrauterine insemination or IUI is a reproductive technique to facilitate pregnancy by directly introducing sperm into the patient's uterus. The primary goal of IUI is to increase the chances of fertilization and conception.

IUI involves the collection and preparation of sperm from a male partner or a sperm donor. The prepared sperm is then directly introduced into the woman's uterus at the most fertile point in her menstrual cycle. This method is often recommended for couples facing fertility issues, such as low sperm count, sperm motility problems, or unexplained infertility or for patients utilizing donor sperm.

Washed and concentrated sperm (either from a fresh semen sample or frozen sperm vial) is carefully placed directly into the woman's uterus using a thin catheter, bypassing the cervix. This procedure is timed to coincide with the woman's ovulation, increasing the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing the egg.

IUI is a relatively simple and less invasive fertility treatment compared to other assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It can be an effective option for some couples with specific fertility challenges or for patients using donor sperm. However, the success rates can vary depending on the underlying cause of infertility and other individual factors. Before considering IUI, it is important for prospective patients to be evaluated by a provider who specializes in fertility care to determine if IUI might be a good option.

Schedule an appointment

Intrauterine inseminations are offered at both our San Diego and Tustin office locations. Scheduling an appointment is easy. Please call the office that you will receive treatment at and set up a consultation .

Meeting with your IUI coordinator - what to expect

You can set up an IUI consultation with an IUI coordinator for either an in person visit or a phone consultation. The coordinator will ask you questions about your menstrual cycle, fertility history and goals. You may be instructed to get hormone testing, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or other testing prior to beginning a cycle at The Fertility Center of California. Your IUI coordinator will also ask questions about what type of sperm you plan to use to get pregnant (partner sperm, anonymous donor sperm, known donor sperm). If you plan to use your partner’s sperm, it may be recommended that he have a semen analysis (CSA) done to assess if his sperm is of good quality for an IUI. The main goal of this initial consultation is to gather information and create a unique fertility plan for you on your pathway to parenthood.

What is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a diagnostic medical procedure used to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes in women. It is a type of X-ray imaging test that helps evaluate the shape and condition of the uterine cavity and the patency (openness) of the fallopian tubes. HSG is commonly performed as part of the infertility evaluation to identify potential causes of fertility issues or recurrent miscarriages.

Natural Unmedicated IUI cycle vs. medicated IUI cycle

When you meet with your IUI coordinator you will go over unmedicated and medicated options for fertility treatment. Your coordinator may have recommendations based on your fertility history, laboratory results or sperm source. It is important to review all options to ensure that you are given the best chance at achieving pregnancy while still keeping in mind your personal preferences.

Unmedicated IUI cycle: In an unmedicated IUI cycle, a patient’s menstrual cycle is carefully tracked and no hormonal medications are used to regulate/stimulate ovulation.

The timing of the IUI procedure is based on the natural ovulation, determined by ultrasound monitoring and/or ovulation predictor kits. On the day of the IUI procedure a sperm sample is prepared in the laboratory and then directly inserted into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This procedure is relatively painless, similar to a Pap smear procedure. Following the insemination, it is usually recommended that the patient remains lying down for about 15 minutes, and then can carry on with their normal routine. Patients are instructed when and how to test for pregnancy and given additional instructions as needed.

Medicated IUI cycle: Medicated IUI cycles involve the use of fertility medications to help regulate ovulation, ovarian stimulation and uterine lining development. In medicated IUI cycles, ultrasound monitoring is required to ensure proper medication response and to help pinpoint the ideal timing for the IUI procedure (along with the use of ovulation predictor kits). One the day of the IUI procedure the prepared sperm is introduced directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This procedure is relatively painless, similar to a Pap smear procedure. Following the insemination, it is usually recommended that the patient remains lying down for about 15 minutes, and then can carry on with their normal routine. Patients are instructed when and how to test for pregnancy and given additional instructions as needed.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasound monitoring is an extremely useful tool for an IUI cycle and is required for medicated cycles. A minimum of 2 ultrasounds are performed at specific intervals in a cycle. The timing of the ultrasounds is important as each ultrasound is used to gather different types of information.

• Baseline ultrasound: A baseline ultrasound is usually performed on cycle day 2-5 to assess the health and condition of the uterus and the ovaries, ensuring that there are no cysts, fibroids, or other issues that could affect the treatment. This ultrasound is needed at the start of each cycle.
• Monitoring ultrasound: A cycle monitoring ultrasound is usually performed on cycle day 11-14 to assess the growth and maturation of the follicles as well as the thickening of the uterine lining. This ultrasound is helpful in tracking the progress of the cycle and assisting the IUI coordinator and patient in making decisions as they move forward toward IUI day.

Ovulation Monitoring/Tracking

Timing is key! Tracking ovulation is a vital component to an intrauterine insemination. Most patients have a fertile window of up to 36 hours. If sperm does not reach an egg in that small window, pregnancy is unlikely to occur. But how do you know when your fertile window is occurring? A common misconception is that the moment of ovulation is the best time to introduce sperm. Ovulation refers to the release of an egg by the follicle. It is usually best to give the egg time to travel down the fallopian tube, toward the uterus, where the sperm are waiting. This is why inseminations are usually performed up to 36 hours after ovulation.

There are three main ways to monitor/track ovulation.

• Tracking your menstrual cycles over time is a very helpful method in determining ovulation patterns. Some people use apps or devices to assist them with this method. Unfortunately, not all people have regular menstrual cycles and this method may only get one so far.
• At home ovulation predictor kits (opk) are the go to method for ovulation tracking. They are inexpensive and accurate. They measure hormone levels in the urine to let you know when ovulation occurs. Using opk’s is ideal for people with irregular cycles or people who have been unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy on their own. They work similar to a home pregnancy test and give results within minutes. It is important to note that in order to get accurate results; you should follow the specific instructions given by your IUI coordinator, such as when to test each day and when to schedule your IUI after you get a positive ovulation result.
• Ultrasound monitoring. Ultrasounds can be a helpful tool in predicting ovulation when used in conjunction with ovulation testing kits. Although they show high quality imagery of the female reproductive tract, they do have their limitations. This is why testing kits are still used alongside ultrasound for monitoring ovulation.
• Trigger shot. A trigger shot may be used prior to ovulation to force the follicle to release a mature egg. This type of medication may be recommended to more accurately pinpoint ovulation or assist patients in ovulation. When a trigger shot is given, the IUI can be scheduled 24 hours after, with little doubt on if the fertile window is occurring.

Tracking ovulation is not as straightforward as one might think. Often, people have irregular menstrual cycles and/or ovulation. This may make it hard to get pregnant without medical intervention. There can be underlying causes to irregular cycles and ovulation. It is important to speak to a medical provider to determine if additional treatments are recommended.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, typically between their late teens and early 40s. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, and its exact cause is not fully understood. PCOS is characterized by a combination of various signs and symptoms, which can vary from woman to woman. The three primary features of PCOS are:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstrual periods, which may be infrequent, unpredictable, or absent altogether. This irregularity is due to hormonal imbalances that affect the normal ovulation process.

Hyperandrogenism: PCOS is associated with increased levels of androgens, which are male hormones present in both men and women. Elevated androgen levels can lead to symptoms such as acne, excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), and male-pattern baldness.

Polycystic Ovaries: Women with PCOS typically have enlarged ovaries containing numerous small follicles, often described as "cysts." These are not true cysts but are small, undeveloped follicles that have not matured enough to release an egg during the menstrual cycle.

Other common symptoms and characteristics of PCOS may include:

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance
• Mood swings or depression
• Skin darkening in certain areas (acanthosis nigricans)
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving
• Pelvic pain

The diagnosis of PCOS is made based on a combination of clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory tests. There is no specific test that definitively confirms PCOS; rather, healthcare providers will evaluate the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, and order blood tests to check hormone levels, glucose tolerance, and other relevant factors.

PCOS can be a major concern for people who are planning for pregnancy. At The Fertility Center of California, we are well experienced in working with patients suspected of having PCOS. Our approach to PCOS and fertility allows for patients to utilize low cost, minimally invasive medical assistance to help them achieve pregnancy. To learn more or to schedule an appointment to meet with an IUI coordinator, please call our nearest office.

Male requirements for IUI:

Motile sperm counts greater than 5 million with normal progression, 2-5 days of abstinence prior to sample collection, state required infectious disease testing results on file.

Female requirements for IUI:

To ensure the health and safety of our patients, as well as the efficacy of fertility treatment, we require our patients to be 42 years old or younger, participate in a fertility consultation prior to beginning a cycle, have recommended hormone testing, recommended genetic testing and in some cases a recommended HSG.

For pricing, click here.

Get Started

• Getting pregnant
• Preschooler
• Life as a parent
• Baby essentials
• Find your birth club
• Free antenatal classes
• Meet local parents & parents-to-be
• See all in Community
• Ovulation calculator
• Am I pregnant quiz
• How to get pregnant fast
• Best sex positions
• Signs of pregnancy
• How many days after your period can you get pregnant?
• How age affects fertility
• Very early signs of pregnancy
• What fertile cervical mucus looks like
• Think you're pregnant but the test is negative?
• Faint line on pregnancy test
• See all in Getting pregnant
• Pregnancy week by week
• How big is my baby?
• Due date calculator
• Baby movements week by week
• Symptoms you should never ignore
• Hospital bag checklist
• Signs of labour
• Your baby's position in the womb
• Baby gender predictor
• Vaginal spotting
• Fetal development chart
• See all in Pregnancy
• Baby names finder
• Baby name inspiration
• Popular baby names 2022
• Numerology calculator
• Gender-neutral names
• Old-fashioned names
• See all in Baby names
• Your baby week by week
• Baby milestones by month
• Baby rash types
• Baby poop chart
• Ways to soothe a crying baby
• Safe co-sleeping
• Teething signs
• Growth spurts
• See all in Baby
• Your toddler month by month
• Toddler development milestones
• Dealing with tantrums
• Toddler meals
• Food & fussy eating
• When to start potty training
• Moving from a cot to a bed
• Help your child sleep through
• Games & activities
• Vomiting: what's normal?
• See all in Toddler
• Your child month by month
• Food ideas & nutrition
• How kids learn to share
• Coping with aggression
• Bedtime battles
• Anxiety in children
• Dealing with public tantrums
• Great play ideas
• Is your child ready for school?Top tips for starting school
• See all in Preschooler
• Postnatal symptoms to watch out for
• Stitches after birth
• Postpartum blood clots
• Baby showers
• Sex secrets for parents
• See all in Life as a parent
• Best baby products
• Best formula and bottles for a windy baby
• Best car seats if you need three to fit
• Best nappies
• Best Moses baskets
• Best baby registries
• Best baby sleeping bags
• Best baby humidifier
• Best baby monitors
• Best baby bath seat
• Best baby food
• See all in Baby essentials
• Back pain in pregnancy
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Perineal massage
• Signs you're having a boy
• Signs you're having a girl
• Can you take fish oil while pregnant?
• 18 weeks pregnant bump
• Can you eat salami when pregnant?
• Edwards' syndrome
• Missed miscarriage
• Should I harvest my colostrum?
• Rhesus positive vs. Rhesus negative
• What do contractions feel like?
• Hunger in early pregnancy
• First poop after birth
• When do babies sit up?
• When can babies have salt?
• MMR vaccine rash
• Vaping while breastfeeding
• How to transition from formula to milk
• When do babies start grabbing things?
• Sperm allergy: can sperm cause itching?
• How long after taking folic acid can I get pregnant?

Is travelling safe right after IUI?

Hi ladies, plz guide me can i travel after IUI treatment? I have to go out of my city for IUI and have to travel for 5 hours right after doing IUI (sperm injection), would it be safe for me to travel or dangerous as i may not conceive due to this? pls guide me if u got any personal experience... thanks

• c charlenew3810 Posted 10-05-13 I don't think it makes much difference I had to travel for an hour after mine and it worked. I think the most important time is straight after its been done I had to lie down for 20mins after to give them chance to swim Hope this helps and wishing you lots of luck x

thank u so much, that information is v ecouraging for me. hopefully it will work for me too, i will go for iui in june, good luck to all of u :)

• Medical Tourism
• Fertility Treatment
• Baja California
• IUI in Baja California

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) in Baja California

No results found for iui in baja california, mexico, you can try these options:.

• Fertility Treatment in Baja California, Mexico
• IUI in Mexico
• IUI in Costa Rica
• IUI in Panama

This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.

• Age of the woman (fertility diminishes with age and the younger the woman, the higher the chances of success)
• Poor egg or sperm quality
• Severe endometriosis
• Damage to the fallopian tubes (usually resulting from infection)

Duration of procedure/surgery : The IUI procedure is quick and straightforward – the insemination takes around 15 to 20 minutes, with another 15 minutes of rest following the procedure.

Days admitted : none., anesthesia : the iui procedure doesn’t require any anesthesia or pain relieving medications., recovery : the woman will lie down for around 15 to 30 minutes after the iui procedure to rest and enable to sperm to work. afterwards she will be able to resume all normal activities., risks : iui is a relatively painless procedure and carries few risks. risks include: - some discomfort due to cramps, bleeding and spotting. - infection (according to the mayo clinic, less than one percent of women experience infection). - catheter may be uncomfortable if it is difficult to insert. - hyperstimulation due to the use of fertility drugs., after care : - there may be some light bleeding immediately after the iui procedure. - patients can resume intercourse soon after the iui procedure., learn more about iui.

• Infertility and Artificial Insemination on WebMD
• Intrauterine Insemination on Mayo Clinic

IUI in Baja California:

Browse baja california fertility centers by procedure.

• Artificial Insemination
• IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination)
• Blastocyst Culture
• Endometriosis
• IVM (In Vitro Maturation)
• PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
• Sperm Washing
• TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)
• Egg Donation
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
• Cryo-Preservation for Embryos
• GIFT (Gamate Intrafallopian Transfer)
• Low Sperm Count
• PGD (Preimplantation genetic diagnosis)
• ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer)
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
• Assisted Hatching (AHA)
• Cytoplasmic Transfer
• IMSI (Intracytoplasmatic Morphology Selected Sperm Injec)
• MESA (Microepididymal Sperm Aspiration)
• Sperm Banking
• TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)

Browse by country

Quick links.

• Advertising
• How it Works
• Destinations
• Information
• Terms of use

Featured Cities

• Buenos Aires
• Kuala Lumpur
• Petaling Jaya

Featured Specialties

• Cancer Treatment
• Cardiac Surgery
• Cosmetic Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• View More Specialties

Copyright © 2008 - 2024 Health-Tourism.com, All Rights Reserved

Jump to content

• Create Account

• View New Posts
• Classifieds
• Clinics and Services
• Donor Connect
• Due Date Calculator
• Tax Credits

• IVF.ca Forums
• → Expert Panel
• → Ask the RE

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Cancelled IVF cycle...can an IUI work?

• Please log in to reply

Posted 08 January 2010 - 09:13 PM

• Back to top

#2 Dr.Hitkari

• Gender: Female
• My Clinic: Olive Fertility

Posted 12 January 2010 - 05:46 PM

Hi there, Hoping somebody might be able to answer some questions for me. My husband and I had a cancelled IVF cyle in the beginning of Jan as my follicles did not respond to the stims. We began IVF to have PGD done to avoid a genetic condition that my husband has passed onto any children we have. We have since decided that as IVF won't work we just want to try to get pregnant on our own but fear that my lack of follicles might prevent me from getting pregnant at all. I have regular cycles about 29 days in length, I'm pretty sure I ovulate...but not exactly sure how to know for sure lol, but just small, small follicles. We're wondering if IVF failed if an IUI might work as we're just hoping to work with one egg rather than the 8-10 we were hoping to get with IVF for PGD . Any thoughts from the doc's on this? Sincerely, Tracy

www.olivefertility.com

#3 RainbowsPromise

• Global 100+
• My Clinic: Christian Adoption Services, Calgary

Posted 12 January 2010 - 10:27 PM

• Community Guidelines

Community Forum Software by IP.Board Licensed to: IVFCA Fertility Network © 2013

• Need an account? Register now!
• Username or email:
• Forum Password I've forgotten my password
• Remember me This is not recommended for shared computers
• Sign in anonymously Don't add me to the active users list

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It's complicated.

• Travel insurance can be complicated, but it's worth it if you have travel expenses that insurance would cover.
• You might not need travel insurance if you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free.
• If you're leaving the country, you'll likely need travel insurance.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here .

If you're planning to travel somewhere this summer, you're probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Kingsley Hopkins is. He's headed to Portugal and Iceland with his girlfriend, and he wants to make sure he's covered for things like medical emergencies or trip disruptions, "or if a volcano erupts," he said.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

But getting the right travel insurance can be complicated. There's no one-size-fits-all policy, and Hopkins, an assistant editor at a book publishing company in New York, has been spending a lot of time thinking about how to protect his summer vacation.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Chances are, so have you.

Why finding the right travel insurance is so hard

Most surveys suggest this will be a record summer for travel. How much of a record? Demand is so high that some airlines are afraid they will run out of planes. Now that's busy.

At the same time, danger and uncertainty are lurking everywhere – wars in Europe and the Middle East, the usual slate of natural disasters like hurricanes and maybe a volcano or two. It's no wonder people are giving some serious thought to insurance. 

Older travelers are particularly worried. And they should be, said PK Rao, CEO of INF Visitor Care . Claims by travelers over age 50 spike during the summer months.

Warning: American tourists are being profiled. Don't be one of them.

Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

"According to our claim data, medical emergencies tend to uptick during the summer, especially for those going on trips that involve outdoor activities," he said.

But there are so many choices out there, including credit card coverage, medical evacuation membership programs and stand-alone travel insurance. What should you get?

You need peace of mind 

But don't just reflexively start shopping for a travel insurance policy this summer. Instead, look for peace of mind – knowing that if something goes wrong, you'll be taken care of.

"Knowing you're protected from unforeseen travel mishaps – like delays, lost baggage and even medical emergencies – can make the trip that much more enjoyable,” said Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz Partners USA .

As it turns out, there are several ways to get the peace of mind you need. And there are times when you can safely skip travel insurance.

This is when you don't need insurance

Here's when you can skip travel insurance, according to experts:

◾ If you already have coverage. "You may already have travel coverage through your benefits at work, your credit card, or through group benefits with an organization," said Jiten Puri, CEO of PolicyAdvisor.com. If you do, there's no need to buy more coverage. You're all set.

◾ If you're not traveling far. If you're taking a driving vacation and staying in a place where lodging is free, like a relative's sofa, then there's not much to insure. "If you already have health insurance, it may cover you for a domestic trip, so you don't need to think about health insurance coverage," said Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance .

◾ If your trip isn't insurable. Traditional travel insurance covers conventional trips with prepaid, nonrefundable components like airline tickets and hotel stays. You might find that you either already have coverage through your medical insurance, or the trip is essentially uninsurable.

So think twice before saying "yes" to optional travel insurance that your online travel agency may offer you when you're booking a trip. You might not need it.

Here's when you need travel insurance

But most travelers should consider some kind of travel insurance coverage this summer. Here's when you need the extra coverage:

◾ If you have travel expenses that insurance would cover. "If you have many prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, it's best to take out travel insurance," said Lauren Gumport, a spokeswoman for Faye Travel Insurance ."This includes things like flights, hotel rooms, tickets and activities." The more conventional your vacation, the likelier travel insurance is to cover almost every aspect of your summer vacation.

◾ If you're leaving the country. "Your regular medical insurance might not extend coverage beyond your home borders," said John Rose, chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR . Also, many countries require travel insurance for entrance. They include Bermuda, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and some European countries.

◾ If you can't afford to lose your trip. "When considering travel insurance for your summer trip, evaluate whether you can afford to lose your vacation investment due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, weather disruptions, or emergencies," explained Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association (USTIA). "Can you afford the financial risk if you miss your cruise departure because of covered flight delays? What if you have to cut your trip short because of illness?"  

One of the most common mistakes travelers make is assuming their credit card will cover them. For example, I found that my credit card only covered my rental car as secondary insurance, which made it completely useless when I rented a car in Tampa recently. I had to buy a standalone policy from Allianz to cover the vehicle.

Should you repeat your vacation? Let's settle this once and for all.

Junk fees: Travelers are drowning in junk fees during the summer of surcharges

How one traveler insured his summer vacation

So, how did Hopkins handle his travel insurance needs? Well, as I mentioned – it's complicated.

Hopkins said he always buys some travel insurance before he takes a trip, "but how much, and what I cover, varies," he explained.

He decided that his path to peace of mind in this case was to spend a few extra dollars: He made fully refundable flight and hotel reservations, just in case something went wrong. That would eliminate a lengthy claim with his travel insurance company or credit card.

But he still needed at least $50,000 in medical coverage with emergency evacuation because of his active schedule.

"We’re going to be doing a lot of hiking in Iceland," he said. "And you just never know." 

At the beginning of the year, he decided to buy an annual Medjet Horizon plan, a membership that would get him from a hospital in Portugal or Iceland to a hospital at home, in case something happened. 

For insurance, Hopkins checked TravelInsurance.com to find an affordable travel insurance policy. He found coverage through Trawick International that pays up to $50,000 in medical expenses and up to $200,000 for an evacuation.

"I’ve heard good things about them," he said. "Hopefully, we won’t need any of it."

How do I insure my trips?

I'm on the road about 360 days a year, so I'm always thinking about peace of mind. I currently use a Wells Fargo credit card with lots of travel benefits, and I have long-term policies through Faye and Cigna, which have worked fairly well. I also am a long-time Medjet Horizon member. If I rent a car, I turn to Allianz for my primary coverage.

I know – that's a lot of peace of mind. 

But I've also run into trouble and had to use many of those benefits. Medjet got me back home during the pandemic. Cigna covered me after a serious ski accident in Switzerland. My old Allianz policy took care of my medical expenses when I had to see a doctor in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a few years ago.

Like I always say, when it comes to having enough insurance, better safe than sorry.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Credit cards

• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

How to Find the Best Travel Insurance

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What travel insurance covers

How much does travel insurance cost, types of travel insurance, how to get travel insurance, what to look for in travel insurance, best travel insurance comparison sites, which insurance company is best for travel insurance, when to skip travel insurance, travel insurance, recapped.

Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, emergencies, trip interruptions, baggage, rental cars and more.

Cost is affected by trip length, pre-existing medical conditions, depth of coverage, your age and add-ons.

You can get it through credit cards or third-party companies, & can shop on travel insurance comparison sites.

Before buying, evaluate risks, know existing coverage, obtain quotes online and review policy details warily.

Skip it if you buy flexible airfare and hotels, already have coverage or only book refundable activities.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. Travel insurance provides a safety net so you can step out with confidence. You may not need travel insurance for inexpensive trips, but it can provide a sense of security when you prepay for pricey reservations, a big international trip or travel during cold and flu season, which can be unpredictable.

According to insurance comparison site Squaremouth, travelers in 2023 spent an average of $403 for comprehensive coverage, compared to $96 for medical-only policies. Comprehensive plans typically cost between 5% and 10% of the insured trip cost.

Since that price tag is no small amount, it helps to know how to shop smart for travel insurance. Here's how to find the right travel insurance plan for you and your next adventure.

Depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for, the chart below will help you determine what to look for when selecting a policy:

Depending on the policy, travel insurance reimburses you or offers services when something goes awry. There’s even coverage for the worst-case scenario: if you die in an accident while traveling. Accidental death coverage pays your beneficiary a lump sum in that case.

Before you buy, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance products, how it’s priced, and what it covers and excludes. If you’re traveling during these uncertain times, you’ll want to make sure that the policy you select covers coronavirus-related emergencies. Usually, the more thorough the coverage, the more it will cost.

Travel insurance costs vary depending on:

Length and cost of the trip: The longer and more expensive the trip, the higher the policy cost.

Cost of local health care: High health-care costs in your destination can drive up the price of trip insurance.

Medical conditions you want covered: Conditions you already have will increase the cost of travel insurance coverage.

Amount and breadth of coverage: The more risks a policy covers, the more it will cost.

Your age: Generally the older you are, the higher the price.

Any optional supplement you add to your policy : Cancel For Any Reason , Interrupt For Any Reason and more.

Keep these factors in mind when considering different travel insurance options.

You’ll find a wide selection of travel protection plans when you shop for a policy.

Typically, travel insurance is sold as a package, known as a comprehensive plan, which includes a variety of coverage.

Here are seven of the most common types of travel insurance:

Travel medical insurance

These plans provide health insurance while you’re away from home. Although in some ways these policies work like traditional health plans, generally you cannot use travel health insurance for routine medical events. For example, a routine medical checkup is usually not covered. In addition, these policies often include limitations on coverage and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Although most travel insurance plans cover many recreational activities, such as skiing and horseback riding, they often exclude adventure sports, such as skydiving or parasailing, or competition in organized sporting events. You may need to buy a special travel policy designed for adventure or competitive sports.

International travel insurance

Most likely, your U.S.-based medical insurance will not work while you’re traveling internationally, and Medicare does not provide any coverage once you leave the United States outside of a few very specific exemptions. If you plan on traveling abroad, purchasing travel medical insurance could make a lot of sense.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if the tour operator goes out of business or you have to cancel the trip for one of the covered reasons outlined in the policy, such as:

Your own illness.

The illness or death of a family member who’s not traveling with you.

Natural disasters.

Trip interruption insurance covers the nonrefundable cost of the unused portion of the trip if it is interrupted due to a reason outlined in the policy.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for expenses such as lodging and meals if you’re delayed during a trip (e.g., your flight gets canceled due to weather ).

Many package policies cover all three. These policies are different from the cancellation waivers that cruise lines and tour operators offer, the Insurance Information Institute says. Waivers are cheap, ranging from $40 to $60, and often include restrictions. For example, according to the institute, waivers might not refund your money if you cancel immediately before departure. Waivers are technically not insurance policies.

Some companies offer additional layers of coverage at extra cost. “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage will reimburse a large part of the trip cost, no matter why you back out. And some companies let you pay extra to cover pre-existing conditions if you cancel for medical reasons.

Some insurers and comparison sites let you customize a policy by choosing types of coverage a la carte. For example, TravelInsurance.com is a comparison site that provides quotes from different providers.

Baggage and personal belongings

How does lost luggage insurance work? This coverage reimburses you for baggage and personal belongings that are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. Some plans also reimburse you for extra expenses if you experience a baggage delay for more than a certain period, such as 12 hours.

Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover personal belongings while you are traveling. It’s best to review your homeowners insurance policy to determine the level of coverage it provides so you do not end up paying for a benefit you already have.

» Learn more: Baggage insurance explained

Emergency medical assistance, evacuation and repatriation

This coverage pays medical expenses if you get sick or injured on a trip . Medical evacuation coverage pays for transporting you to the nearest hospital, and medical repatriation pays for flying you to your home country.

» Learn more: Can I get travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions?

24-hour assistance

This service is included with many package plans. The insurer provides a 24-hour hotline that you can call when you need help, such as booking a flight after a missed connection, finding lost luggage, or locating a doctor or lawyer.

Generally, travel insurance companies do not cover sports or any activity that can be deemed risky. If you’re thinking of incorporating adventurous activities into your vacation, choose a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.

Most travel insurers cover a wide array of services, but the specific options vary. Some plans include concierge services, providing help with restaurant referrals, tee time reservations and more. Many services also offer information before the trip, such as required vaccinations. The only way to know what’s included is to read the policy.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

This coverage pays a lump sum to your beneficiary, such as a family member, if you die in an accident while on the trip. Accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies also pay a portion of the sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb, eyesight, speech or hearing. Some plans apply only to accidental death in a plane.

This coverage may be duplicative if you already have sufficient life insurance, which pays out whether you die in an accident or from an illness. You may also already have accidental death and dismemberment insurance through work, so it's best to check your policies to ensure you’re not overpaying.

» Learn more: NerdWallet's guide to life insurance

Rental car coverage

Rental car insurance pays for repairing your rental car if it’s damaged in a wreck, by vandals or in a natural disaster. The coverage doesn't include liability insurance, which pays for damage to other vehicles or for the medical treatment of others if you cause an accident and are held responsible.

Ask your car insurance company whether your policy will cover you when renting cars on the trip. U.S. car insurance policies generally don’t cover you when driving in other countries, except Canada.

Car insurance requirements are complex because they vary among countries. You can usually purchase liability insurance from the rental car company. Learn about car insurance requirements by searching for auto insurance by country on the U.S. Embassy website .

» Learn more: Best credit cards for rental car coverage

A note about single vs. long-term policies

Single trip insurance plans are a great option for those going on a single trip for a specific length of time (e.g., a two-week vacation) and then returning home. The price of the policy is usually determined by the cost of the trip.

Long-term travel policies cover you for multiple trips, but there are limitations to how long you can be away from home, if you can return home during your travels and how many trips you can take. In addition, trip cancellation and interruption coverage is either not offered or capped at a dollar amount that can be significantly below the total cost of all the trips taken during the covered period.

Long-term travel insurance plans — often called 'multi-trip' or 'annual travel insurance' — are a suitable option for those who travel often and are satisfied with the amount of trip cancellation coverage for all the trips they take over the duration of the policy.

» Learn more: How annual (multi-trip) travel insurance works

Below, we include how to obtain travel insurance, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and rental car insurance if you use the card to book the trip or car.

When you book a trip with your credit card, depending on the card you use, you may already receive trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

» Learn more: 10 credit cards that provide travel insurance

Here are a handful of credit cards that offer varying levels of travel insurance coverage for purchases made with the card.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Pros: Coverage is free.

Cons: You can’t customize the insurance to meet your needs. Most credit cards offer secondary car rental insurance, which pays for the costs not covered by your regular car insurance plan.

Travel agents and travel reservation sites

You can buy travel insurance when you book your flight, hotel and car rental.

Pros: Buying is as quick and easy as clicking “yes” when you book reservations. Coverage is inexpensive.

Cons: You can’t customize the coverage.

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance vs. independent travel insurance

Travel insurance comparison sites

You can compare different policies and review quotes at once based on the trip search criteria you’ve input into the search form. Examples include marketplaces like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs and compare policies and pricing in one place.

Cons: Comparing multiple policies takes time.

Travel insurance companies

You can purchase travel insurance directly from an insurance provider.

Pros: You can choose a policy that fits your needs. Many travel insurer websites also offer information to help you understand the coverage.

Cons: You’ll need to go to multiple websites to compare coverage and pricing.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Keep these tips in mind when you’re considering a trip insurance policy.

Evaluate the financial risks you face when traveling. Can you bear those costs yourself, or do you want insurance?

Examine what coverage you already have: Does your credit card offer travel insurance? Do you have renters or homeowners insurance to cover belongings? What is the deductible? Will your health plan cover you in all the locations where you travel?

Get quotes for trip insurance online. Choose a package of the benefits you need and compare prices for similar coverage among carriers.

Narrow your choices and then read the policy fine print to understand what’s covered, what’s excluded and the limits on coverage. You may find that the lowest-priced policy is too restrictive and that paying a little more gets you the coverage you need. Or you might find that the cheapest, most basic policy fits the bill.

If you don’t know which provider to go with, it makes sense to browse a list of plans on a travel insurance comparison site. These online marketplaces will often include plans from the best travel insurance companies along with customer reviews.

Squaremouth

Compare plans from more than 30 providers.

Over 86,000 customer reviews of insurers.

Under its Zero Complaint Guarantee, Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) will remove a provider if any customer complaint isn't resolved to its satisfaction.

Has a filter option to see policies that provide COVID-coverage.

TravelInsurance.com

Compare plans from 13 providers.

See good and poor customer ratings and reviews for each insurer when you receive quotes.

“Learning Center” includes travel insurance articles and travel tips, including important how-to information.

Quotes provided from each provider include a link to COVID-19 FAQs, making it easy for customers to review what’s covered or not.

InsureMyTrip

Compare plans from more than two dozen providers.

More than 70,000 customer reviews.

“Anytime Advocates” help customers navigate the claim process and will work on behalf of the customer to help with appealing a denied claim.

Includes a link to plans that offer COVID coverage.

Compare plans from 11 providers.

Search coverage by sporting activity, including ground, air and water sports.

Many types of plans available for students, visiting family members, new immigrants, those seeking COVID quarantine coverage and more.

Compare different insurance plans from 35 providers.

Over 5,600 customer reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.9 stars out of five.

Formerly known as AardvarkCompare, AARDY includes a “Travel Insurance 101” learning center to help customers understand various policies and benefits.

Quote search results page includes COVID-coverage highlighted in a different color to make it easier for customers to review related limits.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care, COVID coverage or a policy that includes extreme sports, these providers have you covered.

Our full analysis and more details about each organization can be found here: The Best Travel Insurance Companies Today .

Allianz Global Assistance .

Travel Guard by AIG .

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services .

Travel Insured International .

World Nomads .

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection .

Travelex Insurance Services .

Seven Corners .

AXA Assistance USA .

There are a few scenarios when spending extra on travel insurance doesn't really make sense, like:

You booked flexible airline tickets.

Your hotel room has a good cancellation policy.

It's already included in your credit card.

You haven't booked any nonrefundable activities.

» Learn more: When you don't need travel insurance

Yes, especially for nonrefundable trips and travel during the COVID-era. Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or have travel insurance from your credit card, you shouldn't travel without having some sort of travel protection in place to safeguard you and your trip. Travel insurance can protect you in case of an unexpected emergency such as a canceled flight due to weather, a medical event that requires hospitalization, lost luggage and more.

There are many good travel insurance policies out there and a policy that may be great for you may not be good for someone else. Selecting the best plan depends on what coverage you would like and your trip details.

For example, World Nomads offers a comprehensive travel insurance policy that has excellent coverage for adventure sports. Allianz provides coverage for trips of varying lengths of time through its single trip plans and multi-trip plans. Some providers offer add-on options like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance. If you’re not sure which plan to go with, consider looking at trip insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth or Insuremytrip.

Yes, you can. However, it's better to purchase it sooner rather than later, ideally right after booking your trip because the benefits begin as soon as you purchase a policy.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your trip cancellation benefits to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and dental, medical evacuation, trip delay and lost luggage coverage. Many plans offer COVID coverage, but you’ll always want to check to ensure that the policy you choose provides that benefit if you’re traveling during these times. Some plans may also allow you to add features like Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

However, the coverage provided by the credit cards is usually lower than if you purchased a standalone policy. Review the travel insurance benefits on your credit card and check that the limits are adequate before foregoing from purchasing a separate plan.

Let’s say you’re going on a trip in a month and a week before departure, you fall and break your leg. If you’ve purchased a travel insurance policy, you can use your

trip cancellation benefits

to get your nonrefundable deposit back.

It depends which credit card you have. Premium travel cards like the

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Platinum Card® from American Express

offer travel insurance benefits if you book a trip using your card or points.

Unpredictability is one of the mind-opening joys of travel, but travel insurance should contain no surprises. The time you spend to understand your options will be well worth the peace of mind as you embark on your next adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a single or a long-term policy, each travel insurance option offers different strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right policy depends on your trip needs, your budget and how important various benefits are to you.

Keep reading

If you want to dig in deeper to world of travel insurance, these resources will point you in the right direction.

What is travel insurance?

How much is travel insurance?

Is travel insurance worth it?

What does travel insurance cover?

Does travel insurance cover COVID?

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.