How much does IVF Treatment cost In The UK

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilisation, commonly known as IVF, is the treatment used to address infertility issues in women who wish to conceive. In this procedure, a woman's eggs are fertilised outside of her body in a test tube before being reinserted into the womb in a hope to conceive. Though this process is not always successful, women may choose to have more than one treatment, or 'cycle' in order to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Can I get IVF on the NHS?

In the United Kingdom, some couples may be eligible for fertility treatment under funding from the National Health Service; however the guidelines generally stipulate that a woman may only undergo a certain number of cycles before funding stops. If unsuccessful, the patient would have to front any additional costs incurred through further treatments.

The first step in seeking fertility treatment under NHS funding is to obtain a GP referral, which involves meeting certain aforementioned guidelines. Unfortunately, one drawback to this approach is the extensive waiting lists that can face some patients, depending on the area of the country in which they live. If undergoing treatment with the NHS, a patient can schedule their appointments at a hospital close to their home, and in some cases at a private clinic if they hold a partnership with the Primary Care Trust for the area in question.

There is an abundance of information on the eligibility criteria online, or patients can visit their GP to discuss their options.

How much does it cost to fund IVF Treatment in the UK?

The cost of IVF treatment can vary from around £4000 to £8000 per IVF cycle, and this is not inclusive of extra fees such as consultations and medications. The exact amount can change depending on the type of treatment needed, and many women require two or three cycles to conceive so the costs can very quickly add up.

Before this fee patients may expect to pay up to £300 on an initial consultation. Further increases in cost can be influenced by a number of factors. Additional techniques such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and hormone treatments can increase the chance of conception, but will also increase the treatment cost.

What other Finance Options are available?

As with many cosmetic surgery procedures, an increasing number of patients are choosing to undergo fertility treatment overseas in countries such as Brazil and India. The cost of fertility treatments in these countries can be heavily discounted when compared to the UK, with savings of 50-60% possible in certain countries; however these opportunities can carry increased risk and it is important to research clinics and their reputations before deciding to go ahead with a treatment.