Has anyone used Access Fertility?

[Pyjamas81]

Has anyone come across this refund programme from Access Fertility? It was mentioned to me last night and I see they partner with the clinic I'm at, so I'm going to give them a call today to find out more, but I was wondering if anyone had dealt with them? <a class="break-all" href="http://go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=www.accessfertility.co.uk/programmes/the-access-fertility-ivf-refund-programme/" target="_blank">https://www.accessfertility.co.uk/programmes/the-access-fertility-ivf-refund-programme/

We did look at it, as did SIL. What put all of us off is that it's another one of those things (Czech clinics, I'm looking at you) that involves hustling women almost immediately into using donor eggs, as though a donor gamete is a course of antibiotics. I have grave misgivings about donor treatment being so routine and "assumed" IYKWIM (I think it's an option but a major step, hence implications counselling).

(Sorry hadn't finished)

When you look at the average success rates of DE treatment, compared to own gametes, especially for women over 35 or over 40, it's easy to see why they prefer that inside a "fixed price, refund given" model.

So, possibly all good value for some, but not if you're uncomfortable with the "conveyer belt into Donor conception" aspect.

Totally agree with those misgivings - I would feel the same!

This says patients use their own eggs though in the refund programme - so may be different?

I might be thinking of the one for over 40s specifically (can't r member now the details of which was which) we were 39 and 42 respectively when it came in so would probably have focussed on that.

Ah yes - the one I'm looking at is for under 40s and you use own eggs, they have a separate donor refund programme for those under 49

Thanks bigger - good to know you've had a good experience with them! Is your option basically two cycles at a fixed but discounted price?

I just spoke to them and while it's always a gamble (yay, another gamble), we could potentially save a lot of money if it doesn't work.

Hi I've not got any experience but am hoping to use 2 cycle pre pay option when I start ICSI on my next cycle. I'm relieved to hear some positive feedback!

Just found out we qualify for the 70% or 50% 3 cycle refund programmes, but not 100% refund one - damn yoouuu low AMH! Lots to think about and DH and I going to look at the numbers tonight before deciding.

I did the 70% refund program - 3 fresh ICSI cycles for approx cost of 2 along with any associated FETs included. I got a BFP on my first cycle and no frosties so decided I would have been better off just paying for one cycle. However I had a late miscarriage. When I was ready, I had a second cycle and only had to pay for drugs which took some of the sting out of returning to the clinic so quickly. Again no frosties but another BFP where another second trimester loss was a very real possibility (thankfully we've just brought our micro preemie home after 3 months in NICU but that's another story).

I'd had a failed NHS cycle before going private and there was pressure of knowing it was our one 'free' shot. Knowing that we could go back if it didn't work definitely took some pressure off, and knowing I could get £xxxxx back if all 3 cycles didn't work made me feel I wasn't throwing my hard earned cash down the drain with nothing to show for it. It's a gamble. If it works first time, you've paid more than you needed to, if it works second time you've basically broken even and if it takes the third cycle, you're ahead. For me, it was the right decision to use Access to alliviate the financial pressure of a hugely stressful, emotional situation. I thought the numbers stacked up to but you'll need to calculate for yourself.

Thanks so much both, that's so helpful.

Yep, we're one failed cycle down bigger, so that's definitely a consideration. I think I can take it, and if we get a baby before the three cycles are up I doubt we'll care!

So glad it all worked out for you in the end blue, congrats on your little one! That's the rationale I have as well. Going to think about it properly with the husband tonight 👍🏼

Think I was stupidly just upset that I didn't qualify for the 100%, as if it was a reflection of my chances because of my low AMH! Need to snap out of that mindset, got enough to worry about!

Just to add, you can withdraw from the program after one or two cycles and still get your refund. There is no pressure to keep going to complete the third. Success is determined by 'live birth', not just conception. Obviously T&Cs may have changed since I read them (Jan 2016) but you can always request a copy of the contract to check the detail before signing up. 100% refund must be a new thing as it wasn't offered at the time.

Well we did the numbers (well DH did, he's an accountant) and it turns out the risk/cost profile for us is actually better at 50% so that's the one we're going for. We're comfortable with the initial outlay and hopefully we'll get lucky 😊

Thanks for all your advice and making me feel better for not being accepted on the 100%. DH made the very valid point that the 100% offer may have only been introduced as a marketing ploy and actually giving 70% and 50% refund options is more the norm. It's a cynical view, but makes sense to me and makes me feel better!

I haven't, but we have looked into it. The bumf they sent me for a 2 cycle package was pretty much the same cost as 2 cycles normally though, give or take a few hundred quid, so we didn't pursue any further. If like to do the refund but the price made my eyes water!

Hi Everyone!
I'm really new to all of this, we aren't actually eligible for NHS funding in our area because my boyfriend already has 2 kids with his ex wife! (not fair!!!) anyway we decided to explore IVF options privately and have chosen assured fertility? I cant see many reviews on this company but my sister in law has got pregnant with them so I am holding high hopes here. any input would be GREATLY appreciated?! They seem really attentive and personal so far, and we are looking to pay the full balance next week! if anyone has ANY experience with this company I would love to hear how it is going/has gone? thanks in advance!

Smithy, sounds like a massive rip off. I also don't think that many successful clinics participate in these plans. I think you'd be better off going to a clinic with excellent success rates. You'd be more likely to get pregnant sooner and it would cost you less.

Hi JoJo! The clinic I had been researching is the one they have paired me with (absolutely over the moon!) they are brilliant and he has great reviews as well. To be honest I had done quite a lot of research prior to actually proceeding with them and I think the cost is quite fair, although it is a huge amount of money so its always wise to air on the side of caution?! the clinic isn't really what I am concerned with, rather just the company as I cant see too much on them at the moment, everything seems to be access fertility. The great thing I suppose is it being backed up with a 100% guarantee if I don't have a baby which is what drew me to them in the first place...

If you’re enthusiastic and think it’s a fair deal then that’s the main thing. Good luck!

Thank you JoJo! I'm sure ill be posting a lot about them once we've gained some momentum!

@Pyjamas81 can I ask what your AMH is please which led to losing out in the 100% refund? I’ve just been approved for my iPad NHS cycle but not expecting many eggs due to my low AMH so thinking ahead to future funding? Thanks x

Hey there! My AMH is 5 (I’m 36), they also would’ve considered the fact that I had one failed round under my belt. Best of luck to you! xx

Thank you @Pyjamas81 !