Hi Jane, have you checked whether IVF on the NHS is available in your borough? Some areas dont provide any, for any age. Others only provide say 1 round if over 40, most require a BMI stricter than private. Whilst waiting for NHS treatment/tests, you could pay for some privately as an option.
Don't forget that many larger teaching hospitals that provide NHS IVF, also have a private option. You dont JUST have to use private clinics in Harley st for example, which may cost more. I've had 2 cycles at Guys and found them very good. I had fertility testing done privately abroad, so only really have that to compare to. I personally would prefer to have good,safe treatment, rather than bothering that the waiting room has fresh cut flowers and a nice vase, nicer chairs and carpet etc. You may find private clinics will see you quicker, but I would also prefer the additional back up if soemthing went wrong of a larger hospital. If you do use a private clinic, check whether everything is done onsite, or do you have to go to another clinic/hospital for the egg retrieval/embryo transfer.
Guys have 2 tiers of private. Self funded and consultant led. My understanding, is that the consultant lead option is £1000 more and you see the consultant on most visits. You can also get slightly more flexibility in terms of late evening appointments. I found that you are scanned by a sonographer or nurse, the nurse explains the process, schedule and meds and you only see the consultant for an initial consult anyway. I decided to keep the £1000, and went self funded. I dont feel my care was any less than if I'd spent the extra.
It obviously depends what you need, but in my case, the IVF self funded was £3300, meds £600 and we needed ICSI this round, which was another £900.
Best of luck and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.