For those with NHS funded IVF - what was the application process?

[Twirlsl]

Attended our first NHS infertility consultation today at a fertility clinic. Since our referral, DP and I paid privately to have the necessary fertility tests. Upon informing the consultant of this, she told us in that case they can apply for NHS funding for IVF straight away. After going through a series of questions and verbally telling them the results of our private tests, we were told our funding application would be sent off and we should hear back within 6 weeks. DP and I are in a state of shock… we weren’t asked to provide any ID, fill in any forms or even to send in our private infertility test results (seems they are taking our word for it?!). This has left me feeling anxious as to whether we are going to be successful with the funding given they have none of the evidence I usually hear of them requesting.

Is this normal? Would be really helpful to hear about how this process has gone for others.

My IVF process started a few years ago but I’m sure the initial consultation was to go through our past/current issues. I’m sure we didn’t fill any forms in until funding was agreed and this was at the next appointment. This is when we were asked for ID and completed the consent forms.
We also provided the results of any private tests taken.
Good luck I’m sure you will be approved x

@SH998 ahhh this is so reassuring, thank you!!

Heyyy @Twirlsl

I had my initial consultation two weeks ago and before our appointment they made us fill out a bunch of paperwork where we had to input our information and upload our IDs. We also had all our test done privately because we knew waiting times for the NHS are crazy however we did not do the blood test ie HIV and Rubella which needs to be done for you proceed with any treatment in the UK. So waiting for those results to come back and hopefully they get back to us soon in regards to when we can start the treatment.

TBH I have heard that it really depends on which hospital you are referred to as they will have different procedures.

Can I ask how long you've been trying to conceive and at what point did you go to the GP?

We were told at our last infertility appointment that we needed to have a HSG and ultrasound on me and more bloods such as AMH. Partner had already had a SA that we paid privately for.

We were also made to bring our passports to the appointment to validate being able to have the tests and treatment.

We have our follow up app next week so will see what they say next week too.

We’ve been trying since the end of 2018. We’ve already had ultrasound AMH, SA etc and I do believe that’s a requirement before they will refer you for IVF funding.

As far as I understand it, some clinics will ask for passport details etc to confirm eligibility from the outset, or other providers don’t request this until at the point of requesting funding.

good luck!

Was it mainly passports they wanted?

(Checking I don't get paper bank statements any more so i would need time to restart those with my bank if they need more ID than passports or driving licenses).

That sounds right! We didn't require any paperwork before submitting for funding (this might not be helpful but my experience was awful with funding as the paperwork was returned in October and sat on the clinic desk until Feb the following year as they had issues with admin, then my funding wasn't approved until April so 6 months wait unfortunately!) I'm hoping this doesn't happen to anyone else but please keep chasing your funding 👏