A common concern of our patients is how to pay for their tubal reversal surgery. Although tubal reversal surgery is affordable compared to other fertility treatments, it can still be challenging to find the $5,250 needed for the surgery.

However, with a little research and diligence, it’s easy to save the money you need. Below are some of our patients’ favorite options for financing their tubal reversal surgery.

Open a health care flexible spending account: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are great for women planning to have a tubal reversal. They are offered through your bank or your employer. Once set up, you put a certain amount of money into your FSA and that money is deducted from your taxable income at the end of the year, which means you pay for your surgery with pre-tax dollars. This is a great way to save money on your surgery. As of 2012, tubal ligation reversal is an eligible health care expense for your FSA funds. Keep in mind, however, that the IRS does not allow funds to roll over from year to year, so only use this option if you can have the surgery within the same year of depositing your funds.

Set up a payment plan with your doctor: Most medical offices allow you to pay a certain amount each month into your patient account that the office will maintain for you. While the entire amount must be paid in full prior to surgery, it is an easy way to consistently save for your surgery. Think of it as a sideline option, but for tubal reversal.

Open a savings account: Open a savings account at your bank and have money automatically transferred to it from one of your other accounts each month. Not having to move the money into your savings helps ensure that it gets done and keeps you from spending the money on other things.

Check your insurance: While most insurance companies don’t cover tubal reversal surgery, it’s worth checking out! Call your insurance provider to discuss your options. If necessary, the insurance codes for these procedures are ICD-9 = 628.2 and CPT = 58750. Note: If your insurance company says that part or all of the surgery is covered, be sure to get it in writing.

cut expenses: Sit down and create a budget that will help you save money for your goal of having another baby. The best places to cut costs are dining out (including your morning coffee), weekend entertainment (why not watch a movie at home instead of going out?), and shopping (clothes and supplies! gadgets can wait!).

get a second job: Getting a second job or increasing the hours you currently work will help your surgery savings add up quickly. Consider working weekends, mornings or nights, and put that money directly toward your surgery!