[In-vitro fertilization in economic perspective].

A comparison was made of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and its most important alternative, tubal surgery. Medical results and financial costs were taken into consideration. It is concluded that IVF must be regarded as a regular infertility treatment. The cost-effectiveness of IVF, in terms of the average treatment costs per full term pregnancy achieved, is approximately Dfl. 25,000.-, which is in line with that of tubal surgery. The spread is considerable, both for IVF and for tubal surgery. Although IVF is not yet part of the social insurance package, for political reasons, it is reimbursed by the social insurers according to a special arrangement.