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Original poster

IVF is for rich people in The UK

30 replies

NightOwl08 · 12/01/2026 16:50

I feel that parenthood in the UK can be very challenging for those with limited means. I’m 39 and have been trying to conceive for 5 years without success. My GP informed me that I wouldn’t be eligible for NHS funding due to my age.

My BMI is under 20, I have never smoked, and I drink only occasionally, yet I am still facing unexplained infertility. I’ve reviewed around 50 clinics in the UK, and it seems that a single IVF cycle would cost at least £8,000, which is quite overwhelming.

I’ve now decided to explore IVF treatment abroad. Ladies, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experiences with IVF abroad—any information, tips, or guidance would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance!

OP posts:
AmberRose26 · 06/05/2026 00:04

I was entitled to a free round with NHS when I was 4, Strange how they are saying you are not entitled? that’s in Scotland though I don’t know where you are

bolognazey · 06/05/2026 11:27

The bottom of this website page shows how each local ICB area has different criteria for being eligible for NHS rounds. It’s a real postcode lottery. I can only assume OP you are in one of these areas that caps at 35 or 39?

so sorry you’re going through this. Can you at least try to get as many tests done on NHS?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-funded-ivf-in-england/nhs-funded-in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf-in-england

MyCosyLimeHare · 06/05/2026 13:06

I’ve also come across medical tourism options and independent coordinators who connect patients with clinics abroad, which is something I’m currently researching alongside clinic‑direct bookings.

GamerGirl09 · 06/05/2026 19:13

GamerGirl09 · 13/01/2026 12:13

We used Therapie in Dublin (partially due to thinking it seemed cheaper than UK) and it cost c.£4,600 for ICSI, £670 for tests and consult, €1,000 for first FET, €1,500 for subsequent FETs, £21pm for embryo storage, £1,600 for meds up to egg retrieval (and part of FET), couple hundred for additional meds post-transfer. Add to that travel costs plus hotel for 2 nights around egg collection and hotel for 1 night before transfers. We’re having our second and last transfer soon and if that doesn’t work we’ll be trying again in the UK just as we found, all in all, we probably weren’t saving much money than in the UK and the travel was a little stressful / tedious at times (we did do all the blood tests we could in the uk and paid extra for lining scan in the uk to save having to travel). The clinic themselves were great though. We chose Therapie partly due to BMI but I’m pretty much at the NHS limit now so if this transfer is unsuccessful hoping to do next round with the NHS. It is annoying though that these restrictions are put in place with no wiggle room when you think of those people who have children they don’t want / smoke, drink, drugs during pregnancy 🙃 but hey ho c’est la vie. Best of luck to you x

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Just an update on this - I’m now 16 weeks after our second FET with Therapie 🤞🏼♥️ Good luck!

AmberRose26 · 06/05/2026 20:11

AmberRose26 · 06/05/2026 00:04

I was entitled to a free round with NHS when I was 4, Strange how they are saying you are not entitled? that’s in Scotland though I don’t know where you are

Sorry I meant 40 not 4 😅

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