Sunfish and Ivy Fertility expand partnership

Fertility finance platform Sunfish has expanded its partnership with US clinic network Ivy Fertility to support patients across all 28 of its locations.

The deal will give all Ivy patients access to Sunfish’s Financial Hub, a platform designed to help people navigate the costs of medically assisted fertility care, as well as its loan marketplace and network of partner lenders.

Select clinics will also offer Sunfish’s IVF Success Program, which uses biodata to create customised flat-fee IVF bundles. IVF (in vitro fertilisation) involves fertilising an egg in a lab and transferring the embryo to the uterus.

Angela Rastegar, chief executive and co-founder of Sunfish, said: “Ivy was one of our first clinic partners, and three years and hundreds of patients later, we’re thrilled to support even more families on their fertility journeys.

“As someone who has been through the process myself, I have always believed that IVF shouldn’t feel like a financial gamble, and now at Sunfish, we’re using data, AI, and design to make care more accessible and easier to navigate.

“This combination of predictive analytics and financial protection, paired with the exceptional patient care Ivy offers, is transforming how families and clinics think about fertility and financing.”

Sunfish says its approach is proving effective.

According to the company, 70.8 per cent of embryo transfers among its patients have resulted in a successful pregnancy and graduation to an obstetrician, compared with a national average of 54.3 per cent.

The firm also says twice as many patients without insurance have been able to start treatment at clinics offering its programme.

For patients using Sunfish’s IVF Success Program, the company’s predictive model uses AI and biodata to estimate the total cost from first consultation through to delivery.

The firm offers a cost guarantee and partial refund if treatment is unsuccessful.

Constance Rapson, chief growth officer at Ivy Fertility, said: “As a long-time Sunfish partner, we’ve seen how they are using new technology to make the patient experience excellent by providing greater financial support and clarity, ultimately helping more people go home with a baby.

“We’re excited to bring this innovative care to all of our patients.”

Financial barriers remain a significant obstacle to fertility treatment in the US.

Data suggests 54-65 per cent of prospective patients drop out of treatment, often due to financial strain.

Sunfish also announced an expansion of its Sunfish Cares initiative to all of its clinic partners, which contributes at least US$1,000 towards every new IVF Success Program patient at participating clinics through to the end of the year.