When our IUI failed, we were disappointed and started researching IVF treatment. As my husband is Taiwanese and Taiwan healthcare is considered one of the best in the world, we started looking up top infertility doctors in Taiwan. The two best doctors are Dr. Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee in Taipei and Dr. Maw-Sheng Lee in Taichung.
Dr. Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee holds his clinic at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei. It's like an all-in-one facility where you can get all the tests done under one roof, including all blood tests, ultrasound, HSG etc. This was unlike in Toronto where we had to take a couple of days going to different diagnostic centers to get all the infertility tests done. Honestly, I marvel at the efficiency in the Taiwanese healthcare system and in everything else they do.
Dr. Maw-Sheng Lee operates his own private practice at Lee Women's Hospital in Taichung. I have never been there but based on online reviews, he is older than Dr Robert KK Lee and isn't very fluent in English. He engages a more aggressive treatment strategy than Dr. Robert KK Lee. His clinic is bustling with women and you will feel more like you are in a bazaar. Cost of treatment is more expensive than at Mackay Memorial Hospital. Taichung is an hour or so by bus from Taipei, which was also a consideration.
Cost-wise, it is a little bit cheaper to have IVF done in Taiwan like may be CAD 2,000-4,000 cheaper than Toronto (cost is anywhere between CAD 12K-15K). The International Services Center (IMSC) at Mackay Memorial Hospital (MMH) quoted an estimated cost of USD 6,000-7,000 largely depending on the cost of the stimulation drugs. I also enquired with National Taiwan University Hospital which is also pretty renowned for infertility treatment and was advised an estimated cost of USD 7,000-7,500.
Accommodation-wise, I had my in-laws in Taipei and bro-in-law in Taichung so either location shouldn't be an issue for us however we are more familiar with Taipei than Taichung.
After careful consideration, we decided to pursue IVF treatment under Dr. Robert KK Lee. He is one of the best in the field in Taiwan and is located in Taipei, where we will feel more at home and the cost is affordable.
"It always seems impossible until it is done" -- Nelson Mandela
Thanks for sharing your story. I see that your total actual IVF cost in Taiwan was around $3,500 USD but the original quote in this blog post is $6-7k USD. Is the original quote including travel and expenses? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi, 6-7k usd was the estimate quote from Mackay, the actual cost differs mainly due to the amount of drugs used. Travel and other expenses are not included in the quote from Mackay.
ReplyDeleteHi!!! thanks a lot for your blog spending your time and writing blog by your experience. Happy life:):)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing such a inspired story. I would love to share your story with others. It will help a lot for others couples.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience as I am from Toronto as well and totally understand the frustration you felt when you were dealing with the fertility clinic here.
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Kevin. My wife and I are trying to get IVF done in Taiwan as well. We're trying to decide between 台大，北醫，艾微芙 。 From your research and experience, was 馬偕 still the best choice? Please let me know, my email is kevho@yahoo.com, thanks!
ReplyDeleteNice post.
ReplyDeleteWas any of your procedures covered under the National Health Insurance in Taiwan?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately National Health Insurance in Taiwan does not cover expenses related to infertility treatment.
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