New Freeze Health research presented at ASRM 2026 finds that annual oocyte storage fees vary widely across US fertility clinics, highlighting the need for greater price transparency and options that reflect patients’ long-term needs.
As egg freezing becomes an increasingly important part of fertility care, clinics face an opportunity to rethink how they structure and communicate the costs of treatment. While pricing discussions often focus on single cycle pricing, annual storage fees represent another important component of the patient’s total financial commitment.
New research from Freeze Health, presented at the 2026 American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Scientific Congress, examines annual self-pay storage fees across the United States. The findings provide a contemporary benchmark for the industry and highlight opportunities for clinics to evaluate their pricing models, expand storage options, and better address the needs of egg freezing patients.
What Does the Data Show?
Freeze Health analyzed 94 verified annual oocyte storage fee entries collected between November 2025 and April 2026. The average annual storage fee was $810, with prices ranging from $300 to $1,380.
Fees also differed by storage location:
On-site storage: $860 average annual fee.
Off-site storage: $531 average annual fee.
The difference was statistically significant, with on-site storage costing an average of $329 more annually than off-site storage.
For fertility clinics, these findings offer a snapshot of the US self-pay storage market and a reference point for assessing current pricing. The variation also raises important questions about how clinics communicate storage costs, what alternatives they make available, and how their pricing aligns with the expectations of prospective egg freezing patients.
Why Storage Pricing Matters for Egg Freezing Patients
Egg freezing patients have distinct financial and treatment timelines compared with patients pursuing IVF for an immediate fertility need. Many freeze oocytes without knowing whether or when they will use them, and storage may continue for years before a decision is made.
This uncertainty makes storage pricing a particularly important consideration. While the initial egg freezing cycle represents a defined expense, annual storage fees create an ongoing financial commitment that can be difficult to predict over the long term. For example, at the study's average annual fee of $810, five years of storage would total $4,050, assuming the rate remains unchanged and excluding discounts or additional charges.
For clinics, this underscores the importance of looking beyond the upfront cycle price when communicating the cost of treatment. Patients evaluating their options need a clear understanding of both immediate expenses and potential long-term costs. A more comprehensive approach to pricing transparency can help clinics set realistic expectations early, support informed decision-making, and build trust with prospective patients.
An Opportunity to Rethink Storage Options
The observed difference between on-site and off-site storage fees highlights an opportunity for clinics to examine the range of storage arrangements available to their patients. Off-site storage may offer a lower-cost alternative for some clinics and patients, depending on the arrangements available. Multi-year storage discounts may also help patients manage recurring expenses and plan for longer storage periods.
These approaches are worth considering in the context of a broader egg freezing strategy. Clinics that clearly explain their storage options and associated costs can help patients compare alternatives based on both price and practical considerations.
Potential areas for clinics to evaluate include:
Storage pricing: Benchmark annual fees against available market data and assess how storage costs contribute to the total patient expense.
Flexible fee structures: Consider whether multi-year discounts or other arrangements could better accommodate patients who anticipate longer storage periods.
Alternative storage options: Determine whether off-site storage is feasible and clearly explain any associated fees, contractual terms, and logistics.
Upfront cost communication: Incorporate storage fees and potential long-term expenses into consultations and published pricing information.
Using Pricing Data to Better Serve and Attract Patients
At Freeze Health, we advocate for pricing transparency for egg freezing patients while helping clinics better understand the market they serve. Egg freezing presents a distinct set of long-term considerations, and storage is an important part of that equation.
For fertility clinics, transparent pricing is both a patient service and an opportunity to strengthen their egg freezing programs. When recurring expenses are unclear or difficult to compare, patients may struggle to assess their options and plan for the future. Communicating storage fees clearly and explaining available alternatives can help clinics establish trust earlier in the patient journey and better convey the value of their services.
Interested in partnering on research? Explore how Freeze Health can help your clinic strengthen its egg freezing program through greater pricing transparency, patient education, and a better understanding of the egg freezing market. Email us at hello@freeze.health to get started.
