IVF NHS FUNDING
There is limited funding available on the NHS for IVF treatment and the eligibility criteria can be strict – read on to find out more about NHS funding and whether you could be eligible.
How does NHS funding work?
IVF NHS funding can be very confusing. It’s often described as a postcode lottery, because what you can get and how much you can get varies depending on where you live. And sadly, getting In vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) on the NHS isn't guaranteed.
The good news is that Care Fertility can provide NHS funded treatment to those who meet the eligibility criteria. You will need to see your GP to start the referral journey and choose Care Fertility when you are referred for IVF treatment.
Am I eligible for NHS funding for IVF?
Whether or not you can have NHS funding to pay for your IVF or fertility treatment is ultimately decided by your local integrated care boards (ICBs).
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has set out a series of guidelines about who should receive NHS-funded treatment, and how much.
Eligibility criteria
Each Integrated Care Board (ICB) has a different set of eligibility criteria. They do not have to follow the recommendations provided by NICE, although many do in part.
According to NICE, women under 40 can be offered three rounds of NHS-funded IVF treatment if:
- You’ve been trying to pregnant through regular unprotected sex for two years
- You’ve not been able to pregnant after 12 or more unsuccessful rounds of artificial insemination, with at least 6 of the cycles using IUI.
- If you’re a woman under 40 and you’ve had fertility tests showing IVF is the only treatment likely to help you get pregnant, you should be referred straight away.
If you’re a woman aged between 40 and 42, NICE suggests one round of NHS-funded IVF treatment if you meet all the following criteria:
You’ve been trying to start your family for two or more years, or have had 12 or more unsuccessful rounds of artificial insemination
- You’ve never had IVF
- You don’t have any problems with low ovarian reserves
- You’re aware of the implications for over 40s and effect of your age on treatment
However, your local ICB might also have some of their own criteria.
If you’re a same-sex female couple, the NHS can offer funding for several rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilisation (IVF), or both.
These recommendations aren't fully adopted and you may find the eligibility criteria or number of cycles you are funded for are different depending on where you live.
ICB Contracts
Integrated care boards (ICBs) replaced clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in the NHS in England from 1 July 2022. Care Fertility has NHS contracts with several ICBs, including the below. If unsure on your ICB region, find out more here and if your region is not included, please talk to your local Care Fertility clinic.
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
Humber and North Yorkshire
Lancashire and South Cumbria
South Yorkshire
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
West Yorkshire
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Hertfordshire and West Essex
Mid and South Essex
North Central London
North East London
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
South East London
Greater Manchester
Lancashire and South Cumbria
North East and North Cumbria
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Hertfordshire and West Essex
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Lincolnshire
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
Northamptonshire
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Derby and Derbyshire
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Lincolnshire
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
Specialist Commissioning PGD (PGT-M) (NHS England)
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Humber and North Yorkshire
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Derby and Derbyshire
Lincolnshire
South Yorkshire
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
West Yorkshire
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
Kent and Medway
Mid and South Essex
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
Sussex
Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West
Frimley
Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Surrey Heartlands
Ministry of Defence (NHS England)
Sussex
IVF pricing
When you have your first consultation at Care Fertility, we will provide you with a tailored treatment plan including a breakdown of all estimated costs.
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