Most expectant parents can confirm that the joy of a baby cannot be measured. Yet to the infertile couples, IVF treatment, fertility testing, and associated expenses are major factors to consider.
If you wish to find out how much IVF costs in the UK, then you’ve come to the right place. Here is a guide to the average UK cost of IVF so that you and your partner can start planning for your future.
How Expensive Is IVF in the UK?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question, “How much does IVF cost in the UK?” Every clinic offers its own IVF packages and services at various prices. On average, IVF packages cost £3,850 in the UK. You can never be absolutely sure what is covered and what additional costs you will incur without doing further research. Further research shows the true cost of a complete IVF treatment in the UK is around 40% more than that quoted figure.
Understanding what is included in an individual’s package of IVF can make the cost clearer. Some tests and treatment, both before and after each cycle of IVF, are included, such as blood tests, viral screening, and prolonged storage for any remaining embryos. There is extra cost for pre-treatment tests, medication, and investigations, which can take the cost of IVF in the UK from a level of around £5,500 to more than £7,500 or even as high as £9,000. If you’re pricing IVF in the UK, do your homework and research the advertised price and any add-ons or related cost not disclosed in the initial quote. Fertility clinics in the UK most often construct packages that reflect the different processes of IVF, i.e., pre-tests, treatment, and post-treatment. Carefully examine these packages to determine if a local fertility clinic falls within your price range. Don’t always opt for the lower-priced clinic package without doing some additional research. You may be obliged to add on several costs to that initial price and still end up paying more than you’d pay at a higher-priced clinic.
What will it cost for IVF in the UK?
There are a number of reasons why the cost of IVF in the UK can vary, including which clinic you go to, where you are, what treatment you receive, and how many rounds of treatment you have.
The following is a more elaborate explanation of the cost of IVF in the UK and the costs involved.
Clinic and Location
You will find great differences in price from fertility clinic to fertility clinic. That is to be expected when you are comparing the price of IVF in the UK. Most of the clinics are private clinics, so they can charge pretty much what they want. What they charge may or may not include all of the IVF tests, drugs, and treatments that you will need. You may also find that fertility clinics in more desirable areas, including London and Manchester, cost more than those you find in residential areas. If you are traveling to a fertility clinic that is far from home, you may need to include the cost of travel as well.
Necessary Tests and Procedures
Every fertility journey is unique. While some IVF treatments are standard, you may require additional procedures, medications, or testing that could increase the cost. For example, an AMH blood test and semen analysis are required before receiving IVF. These tests can cost around £200 each. If you’ve already had these tests done and paid for them, you can simply share the results with the IVF clinic, without paying a second time. These factors can reduce the final cost of IVF treatment in the UK.
Medications
Most IVF clinics don’t advertise medication costs or upfront figures in their packages. That’s because most patients require a specialized prescription based on their condition, overall health, medical history, and the procedure they received. While it may be difficult to predict the cost of IVF medication, once you receive a list of required medicines, you can shop for more affordable options outside the clinic.
Age and Relationship Status
Families from all age groups and relationship types visit fertility clinics for resources, including IVF. Whether you’re a single female looking for IVF, a heterosexual couple, or a same-sex female couple, there are IVF packages and price points to accommodate your needs.
The age of the female also plays a role. As you age, so do your eggs. Over time, they decrease in number and quality. The success rate of embryo transfer is lower in older women, which means you may need to freeze or store your eggs longer and invest in multiple IVF cycles. You may also require higher doses of medication, which can add to the bottom line.
Reproductive History
If your struggle with fertility is marked by reproductive issues, such as endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or tubal blockages, your IVF treatment might end up costing more. You may need to visit the clinic more frequently for monitoring, which could incur additional travel expenses and charges per visit. These conditions may also require higher doses of the prescribed medications and more intense pre- and post-treatment services.
Breakdown of Potential IVF Costs
With so many variables, there’s no one answer to the question, “How much is IVF in the UK?” To get a better handle on the cost of fertility treatment and whether it’s a practical option for you and your loved one, it’s important to know the potential cost of each stage in the IVF process.
Below you’ll find average costs of pre-treatment, treatment, medication, post-treatment, and potential add-ons. These prices vary significantly and should be a loose guideline for planning your fertility journey.
Pre-Treatment
The cost for IVF in the UK starts long before any embryos are transferred. Much planning and pre-testing go into the IVF process to ensure a safe, comfortable, and successful treatment. During pre-treatment, healthcare professionals will check your hormone levels, take blood samples, perform a pelvic scan, and run both sperm and STI tests. Most fertility clinics bundle these tests into a single package called an MTO, while others will charge individually for each test, scan, and consultation.
Initial consultation – Between £150 – £395
Baseline scans: Between £90 – £300
AMH tests: Between £35 – £560
Thyroid tests: Between £20 – £140
Semen analysis: Between £60 – £275
Female fertility MOT: Between £200 – £650
Male + female fertility MOT: Between £225 – £1,050
Female + female fertility MOT: Between£305 – £829
IVF Treatment
Once pre-testing is done, the IVF treatment process can begin. Numerous costs are associated with this stage of IVF, from the doctor and nurse fees to the cost of medical equipment, sedation, and facility fees. Many of these are included in IVF treatment packages, but may come with additional costs like those listed below.
Nurse consultation – Between £130 – £180
Female viral screening test: Between £90 – £350
Male viral screening test: Between £90 – £285
Sedation: Between £230 – £400
Blastocyst cultuer: Between £400 – £800
Pregnancy scan: Between £120 – £250
HFEA fee: Between £80 – £85
Medication
Following the IVF procedure, your doctor may prescribe various prescription and non-prescription medications. As mentioned above, explore different options before purchasing any suggested medicines, as you might find more affordable options elsewhere, like at a high street pharmacy.
Medications: Between £1,000 – £2,500
Perscriptions: Between £15 – £140
Post-Treatment
The cost of IVF in the UK doesn’t end after treatment. There are several post-treatment fees you may incur after the transplant is complete. Most clinics offer embryo storage as part of an IVF package. This storage is generally priced for one year. Unfortunately, most couples save their embryos for much longer, which can add up over time. You may also pay for a frozen embryo transfer if more than one treatment is required.
Follow-up consultation: £80 – £250
Embryo freezing: Between £275 – £880
Embryo storage: Between £175 – £440
Embryo storage and freezing packages: Between £330 – £1,250
IVF: Embrace the Process and the Price Tag
Although IVF is priceless for most aspiring parents, you must still consider the monetary investment to make a sound decision for your growing family. Now that you know the average cost of IVF in the UK, you can search for the perfect fertility clinic in your area. Click here to get started.
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