Is IVF available on the NHS?

Under certain circumstances, couples may be eligible to have IVF treatment on the NHS. In order to be eligible the women must be between the ages of 23 and 39, the cause of infertility must be identified and present for at least 3 years, and priority will be given to couples who do not already have children. The decision of whether or not the couple can receive NHS treatment is made by the local primary care trust.

If you are found to be eligible for IVF treatment on the NHS, you should be offered 3 cycles of treatment. According to NICE guidelines, if the chances of a successful birth exceeds 10%, the couple should be entitled to treatment on the NHS. Approximately 25% of IVF treatment in the UK is funded by the NHS.

What if I am not eligible for NHS funded IVF?

If you are not eligible for NHS funding then your clinic will provide you with a treatment price plan before procedure starts and will keep you updated as the treatment proceeds. Some clinics may require part of the payment before the treatment starts. You may also be able to pay using a treatment package where all costs are included in one payment although you should check what is included in the package. If for whatever reason you have to change your package or stop treatment you may be entitled to a refund or a reduced fee. Some clinics also offer a reduced fee if you donate embryos which are not used.

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