The cost of having IVF
It is impossible to put a price on fulfilling your dream of having a child and no matter which path you choose, it will be worth it. Even though a child is priceless, many are looking for ways to ease the financial burden, especially when having IVF treatment. In this blog post, we cover the cost of having IVF in the UK and what to consider when choosing between the NHS and private fertility clinics.
Cost of having IVF
If you are considering using IVF to fulfil your dream of having a child, you have two options: The NHS or private fertility clinics.
The cost of IVF in the NHS is £0, as you receive between one and three rounds of treatment for free, while a single round of treatment at a private fertility clinic may cost up to £5,000. Keep reading to learn more about the two options and how using the NHS differs from using a private fertility clinic.
Struggling to get pregnant?
If you have had unsuccessful fertility treatment using your own sperm, it may be worth considering other options, like using a sperm donor. Contact us to learn more about the process and how to get started.
Cost covered by the NHS
The NHS is the most cost-effective way to receive treatment in the UK, as you receive between one and three cycles of treatment for free. You may need to cover the expenses of medication yourself. However, there are long waiting lists for IVF in the NHS, with many people waiting months or years before starting treatment. Besides the long waiting lists, patients must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for NHS-funded IVF. The requirements depend on your age.
Requirements for women below 40
- No pregnancy was achieved after two years of regular unprotected sex.
- No pregnancy was achieved after 12 cycles of artificial insemination, with at least 6 of the cycles being IUI.
Requirements for women above 40
- Must meet the same requirements as those under 40.
- Must not have undergone IVF previously.
- Must show no evidence of low ovarian reserve.
- Must be informed about the potential complications of undergoing IVF at age 40 or older.
If no pregnancy is achieved through treatment in the NHS, you may need to pay for further treatment at a private fertility clinic in the UK or abroad.
Costs of using a private fertility clinic
One cycle of IVF treatment at a local fertility clinic can cost £5,000 or more. Besides the £5,000 you may face additional costs for medicine, further consultations, and tests. Before you begin treatment, we recommend considering that most people need more than one round of treatment, to ensure that your savings can cover more than one round of treatment. Many fertility clinics offer package deals, which include a certain number of treatments.
Relevant articles about IVF
Cost of IVF with donor sperm
Many people need help from a sperm donor to fulfil their dream of having a child. The cost of donor sperm is additional to the £5,000. At Cryos, the price of donor sperm ranges from EUR 185 to EUR 2,535 (approx. £153 to £1200) and shipping fees range from EUR 95 to EUR 672 (approx. £79 to £557). The donor sperm cost depends on your choice of Donor Profile, the motility of the sperm (MOT) and whether the donor is ID Release or Non-ID Release.
Follow the link to read about donor sperm prices.
Weighing your options
When deciding whether you should use the NHS or a private fertility clinic, there are two things you must consider:
- Waiting lists: Depending on your situation and where you live, you may experience months or even years of waiting before entering IVF treatment in the NHS. If you feel like you cannot wait for the NHS, you should choose a private fertility clinic to help you conceive.
- The cost: If you cannot afford the cost of using a private fertility clinic, you should contact your local hospital or doctor to ensure that you feature on the waiting lists for treatment in the NHS. However, as the NHS only offers a limited number of treatments, you may need to cover the cost yourself.
Our experienced Customer Care has a large network of experienced fertility clinics across the UK. If you need help finding the right clinic, contact our Customer Care Team or create an account to begin your journey towards parenthood.