Is IVF free on the NHS?

Yes, IVF can be free on the NHS if you meet eligibility criteria set by your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Criteria typically include: female partner under 40 (sometimes 42), BMI 19-30, non-smokers, no existing children, and 2+ years of infertility. England offers 1-3 cycles depending on area; Scotland offers 3 cycles; Wales typically 2; Northern Ireland 1.

Can I pay for IVF in instalments?

Yes, most UK clinics offer payment plans. Options include: clinic payment plans (0% interest for 6-12 months), IVF-specific loans (£1,000-£25,000, 1-7 year terms), 0% credit cards (12-24 month promotional periods), and multi-cycle packages with upfront payment. Compare options and check eligibility requirements.

How can I save money on IVF?

Money-saving tips: 1) Buy medications from external pharmacies vs clinic (saves 10-20%). 2) Ask about biosimilar drugs instead of branded (20-30% cheaper). 3) Consider clinics outside London. 4) Choose multi-cycle packages for discounts. 5) Only select evidence-based add-ons. 6) Check egg sharing eligibility (50-75% discount). 7) Ensure no VAT charged (IVF is VAT-exempt).

Do I need ICSI and what does it cost?

ICSI costs £1,000-£1,500 and involves injecting sperm directly into eggs. Essential for: severe male factor infertility, previous failed fertilisation, or frozen sperm use. Many clinics now recommend ICSI routinely even without male factor issues, though this is debated. Ask if ICSI is clinically necessary for your situation before agreeing.

Are multi-cycle IVF packages worth it?

Multi-cycle packages (£12,000-£18,000 for 3 cycles) or money-back programs (£15,000-£25,000) can save money if you need multiple attempts. Worth it if: you have good prognosis, can afford upfront cost, and understand refund terms. Not worth it if: success likely on first try, funds limited, or you don't meet eligibility criteria. Read small print carefully.

How much do IVF medications cost?

IVF medications cost £1,500-£2,500 for standard protocols. Long protocol: £2,000-£2,500. Short/antagonist: £1,500-£2,000. Mini IVF: £500-£1,000. FET: £300-£600. Cost depends on: your dose/protocol, stimulation duration, branded vs biosimilar drugs, and where you buy (clinic pharmacy vs external). Ask about all medication options.

Can I claim tax relief on IVF?

IVF is VAT-exempt in the UK (ensure not charged VAT). There's no specific tax relief for IVF for most people. However: self-employed may deduct in very specific circumstances (consult accountant), employer-provided fertility benefits exist at some companies, and medical travel insurance may cover complications. IVF is not tax-deductible for standard employees.

What's the postcode lottery for NHS IVF?

The 'postcode lottery' refers to vastly different NHS IVF access across England's 106 CCGs. Examples: some CCGs fund 3 full cycles for women under 40; others offer just 1 cycle under age 35. Some require no existing children; others allow one. BMI limits vary (19-30 or 19-35). Waiting times range from 6 months to 2+ years. Check your local CCG policy.

IVF Cost in the UK 2026: Complete Breakdown & How to Afford Treatment

The cost of IVF in the UK in 2026 varies significantly depending on whether you access treatment through the NHS or pay privately. Understanding the full financial picture—from basic treatment to medications and optional add-ons—is crucial for planning your fertility journey.

This guide breaks down all IVF costs in the UK, explains NHS eligibility criteria, compares regional pricing, and provides practical strategies to afford treatment.

How much does IVF cost in the UK in 2026?

IVF costs in the UK range from £5,000 to £8,000+ per cycle at private clinics. This typically includes consultation, egg collection, embryo transfer, and initial scans. However, medications (£1,500-£2,500), ICSI (£1,000-£1,500), embryo freezing (£350-£500/year), and other add-ons are extra. NHS IVF is free if you meet eligibility criteria, though availability varies by region (CCG postcode lottery).

Who qualifies for NHS IVF in the UK?

NHS IVF eligibility varies by Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). General criteria: female partner under 40 (some areas 42), BMI 19-30, non-smokers, no previous children living with you (in some areas), and 2+ years of unexplained infertility or known fertility issues. Same-sex couples and single women's access varies by region. England offers 1-3 cycles depending on CCG; Scotland offers 3 cycles; Wales typically offers 2 cycles; Northern Ireland offers 1 cycle.

What's included in UK IVF cost and what's extra?

Standard IVF cost (£5,000-£8,000) typically includes: initial consultation, baseline scans, egg collection, fertilisation, embryo culture, and fresh embryo transfer. EXTRA costs: medications (£1,500-£2,500), ICSI (£1,000-£1,500), assisted hatching (£300-£500), embryo freezing (£350-£500/year storage), frozen embryo transfer/FET (£1,500-£2,500), blastocyst culture (£500-£750), and PGT-A genetic testing (£2,000-£4,000). Total first cycle cost: £8,000-£15,000+.

NHS vs Private IVF: What's the Difference?

🏥NHS IVF

Cost

Free (prescriptions may apply)

Eligibility

Strict criteria by CCG

Cycles Funded

1-3 cycles (varies by region)

Waiting Time

6 months - 2+ years

Add-ons

Limited or not available

🏢Private IVF

Cost

£8,000-£15,000+ per cycle

Eligibility

Open to all (age/health limits)

Cycles Available

As many as you can afford

Waiting Time

Usually 1-3 months

Add-ons

Full range available

The "Postcode Lottery": NHS IVF funding varies dramatically by region. Some CCGs fund 3 full cycles; others offer just 1. Some have strict age limits of 35; others extend to 42. Check your local CCG policy to understand what you're entitled to.

Complete IVF Cost Breakdown (Private)

Here's what you can expect to pay for a standard IVF cycle at a private UK clinic in 2026:

Item	Cost Range
Initial consultation & baseline tests	£250 - £500
IVF cycle (collection, culture, fresh transfer)	£5,000 - £8,000
Medications (stimulation drugs)	£1,500 - £2,500
ICSI (if required)	£1,000 - £1,500
Blastocyst culture	£500 - £750
Embryo freezing (first year)	£350 - £500
Assisted hatching	£300 - £500
Total (standard cycle with ICSI)	£8,900 - £14,250

Additional Costs to Consider

• Frozen embryo transfer (FET): £1,500 - £2,500 per attempt
• Annual embryo storage: £350 - £500/year
• PGT-A genetic testing: £2,000 - £4,000
• Donor eggs/sperm: £1,000 - £2,000+
• Travel & accommodation (if clinic not local)
• Time off work (typically 1-2 days for collection, 1 day for transfer)

NHS IVF Eligibility by Region

NHS England recommends 3 full IVF cycles for women under 40 and 1 cycle for women aged 40-42. However, funding is decided by local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), leading to significant variation.

England (varies by CCG)

Each of the 106 CCGs sets its own criteria. Common requirements:

• Female partner under 40 (some extend to 42, some restrict to 35)
• BMI 19-30 (some 19-35)
• Non-smokers (both partners)
• No previous children living with you (varies)
• 2+ years unexplained infertility or diagnosed condition

Cycles offered: 1-3 (postcode dependent)

Scotland

• Female partner under 40
• BMI 19-30
• Non-smokers
• No previous children from current relationship

Cycles offered: 3 full cycles

Wales

• Female partner under 40
• BMI 19-30
• Non-smokers (both partners)

Cycles offered: Typically 2 cycles

Northern Ireland

• Female partner under 40
• BMI requirements apply
• Non-smokers

Cycles offered: 1 cycle

Check Your Local Policy

To find your specific CCG eligibility criteria and waiting times:

1. Search "NHS IVF [your area]" or "[CCG name] IVF policy"
2. Contact your GP for a referral and local information
3. Visit the Fertility Network UK website for CCG comparison tool

Private Clinic Pricing Comparison

Prices vary between clinics and by location. London clinics tend to be more expensive than regional clinics.

Regional Price Ranges (Standard IVF Cycle)

London & South East£6,500 - £8,500

Midlands£5,500 - £7,500

North of England£5,000 - £7,000

Scotland£5,500 - £7,500

Wales£5,000 - £7,000

Multi-Cycle Packages

Many clinics offer "money-back" or discounted packages for 2-3 cycles:

• 3-cycle packages: £12,000 - £18,000 (£4,000-£6,000 per cycle)
• Money-back guarantees: £15,000 - £25,000 (refund if no baby after 3-4 cycles)
• Usually excludes medications and add-ons
• Strict eligibility criteria (age, AMH, BMI)

IVF Medication Costs

Medications make up a significant portion of IVF costs and are usually charged separately. Costs depend on your protocol, dosage, and how you respond to stimulation.

Typical Medication Protocol Costs

Standard Long Protocol£2,000 - £2,500

Down-regulation (Buserelin/Synarel) + FSH/HMG stimulation (Gonal-F, Menopur) + trigger shot (Ovitrelle)

Short/Antagonist Protocol£1,500 - £2,000

FSH stimulation + GnRH antagonist (Cetrotide/Orgalutran) + trigger shot

Mini IVF Protocol£500 - £1,000

Lower dose medications, sometimes oral (Clomid/Letrozole) + minimal injections

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)£300 - £600

Progesterone support (Cyclogest, Lubion, Crinone) ± oestrogen priming

Factors Affecting Medication Cost

• Your dose: Higher AMH/younger = lower dose; Lower ovarian reserve = higher dose
• Stimulation days: Most protocols are 10-14 days; longer stims = more drugs
• Brand vs generic: Branded drugs (Gonal-F) cost more than biosimilars (Bemfola)
• Where you buy: Clinic pharmacy vs external pharmacy can save 10-20%

IVF Add-On Treatments & Costs

Clinics offer various add-on procedures. Some have proven benefits; others have limited evidence. Always ask about success rate data before adding extras.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

£1,000 - £1,500

Injecting single sperm directly into egg. Essential for male factor infertility; often used routinely.

Evidence: Strong for male factor

Blastocyst Culture (Day 5/6 Transfer)

£500 - £750

Growing embryos to day 5/6 instead of day 3. Better embryo selection but not all make it to blastocyst.

Evidence: Good (better selection)

PGT-A (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing)

£2,000 - £4,000

Screening embryos for chromosome abnormalities. May reduce miscarriage; mixed evidence on live birth rates.

Evidence: Mixed (beneficial for some)

Assisted Hatching

£300 - £500

Thinning embryo shell to aid implantation. May help for older women or frozen embryos.

Evidence: Limited/weak

EmbryoGlue (Adhesive Transfer Medium)

£150 - £300

Hyaluronan-enriched medium used during transfer. Meant to improve implantation.

Evidence: Limited/conflicting

Endometrial Scratch

£200 - £400

Scratching the uterine lining before transfer. Controversial; recent studies show no benefit.

Evidence: No benefit (recent trials)

Time-Lapse Imaging (EmbryoScope)

£500 - £750

Continuous monitoring of embryo development. May improve selection but doesn't improve embryo quality.

Evidence: Uncertain benefit

HFEA Traffic Light System

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) rates add-ons using a traffic light system based on evidence. Check their website before agreeing to any add-on treatment.

How to Afford IVF: Funding Options

1. Clinic Payment Plans

Most private clinics offer interest-free or low-interest payment plans:

• Spread cost over 6-12 months
• Typically 0% APR for first 6-12 months
• May require deposit (10-20%)
• Credit check usually required

2. IVF-Specific Loans

Several companies specialise in fertility treatment loans:

• Borrow £1,000 - £25,000+
• Repayment periods: 1-7 years
• APR varies (check comparison sites)
• Examples: Fertility Finance, Payl8r, Access Fertility

3. 0% Credit Cards

If you have good credit, 0% purchase credit cards can help:

• 0% interest for 12-24 months
• Must pay off before promotional period ends
• Check clinic accepts credit cards (some charge fees)

4. Employer Benefits

Some UK employers now offer fertility benefits:

• Fertility treatment coverage (partial or full)
• Paid leave for appointments
• Access to fertility benefits platforms (Carrot, etc.)
• Check your employee handbook or ask HR

5. Grants & Charities

Limited grants available for specific circumstances:

• Fertility Network UK (small grants, specific criteria)
• Cancer fertility preservation charities
• Military/veteran programs
• Usually cover portion of costs, not full cycle

6. Shared Risk/Money-Back Programs

Pay upfront for multiple cycles with partial refund if unsuccessful:

• Higher upfront cost (£15,000 - £25,000)
• 70-100% refund if no baby after 3-4 cycles
• Strict eligibility (good prognosis required)
• May not include all add-ons or medications

7. Egg Sharing Programs

Donate half your eggs in exchange for discounted treatment:

• 50-75% discount on IVF cycle
• Must meet donor criteria (age, health, AMH)
• Requires counselling and additional screening
• You keep half the eggs retrieved

Money-Saving Tips for IVF

💊 Medications

• Ask about biosimilars instead of branded drugs (20-30% cheaper)
• Buy from external pharmacies (Asda, Boots, online) vs clinic pharmacy
• Compare prices across pharmacy options
• Ask if you qualify for NHS prescription rates (£9.90/item)

🏥 Clinic Selection

• Consider clinics outside London (20-30% cheaper)
• Look for multi-cycle discounts or packages
• Ask what's included vs extra in quoted price
• Compare success rates alongside price (HFEA website)

➕ Add-Ons

• Only choose evidence-based add-ons
• Check HFEA ratings before agreeing to extras
• Don't feel pressured into "optional" treatments
• Ask if add-on will actually improve YOUR specific chances

💰 Tax & Benefits

• IVF is VAT-exempt (make sure not charged VAT)
• Self-employed? Potentially tax-deductible in specific cases (check with accountant)
• Medical travel insurance may cover complications
• Use workplace benefits if available

Free Resources

• Fertility Network UK: Free support, local groups, information
• NHS fertility advice and initial testing (through GP)
• HFEA website: Clinic success rates and treatment information
• IVFPath: Track your treatment progress for free

Planning Your IVF Budget

The total cost of IVF in the UK depends on many factors: NHS eligibility, where you live, which clinic you choose, and what add-ons you need. Most people should budget £10,000-£15,000 for a complete private cycle including medications.

Check NHS eligibility first—free treatment can save £10,000+
Get itemised quotes from multiple clinics
Plan for 2-3 cycles (average success per cycle is 30-40%)
Save for medications separately (£1,500-£2,500)
Question add-ons and check HFEA evidence ratings
Explore funding options early (payment plans, loans, packages)

Track Your IVF Expenses

IVFPath helps you track all your IVF expenses, medications, and appointments in one place. Set budgets, monitor spending, and stay organised throughout your journey.

Start Tracking Free →

Plan Your IVF Budget

💷

IVF Cost Estimator

Calculate your expected treatment costs

→

🏦

Financing Options

Explore loans, payment plans & funding

→

📘

Download: IVF Budget Planner

Plan your IVF finances with our detailed spreadsheet. Track costs, compare clinics, and budget for multiple cycles.

🔒 No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Cost information compiled from HFEA clinic data, Fertility Network UK surveys, NHS England guidelines, and pricing from major UK fertility clinics (2026). NHS eligibility criteria from CCG policies and NHS England IVF guidance. Add-on evidence ratings from HFEA website.

Official Resources

📋

HFEA Treatment Costs

Official UK fertility regulator

NICE Guidelines CG156

Fertility assessment & treatment

↗💷

MoneyHelper

Government budgeting tools

↗