At Care Fertility, we're dedicated to helping everyone achieve their dream of starting or expanding their family, regardless of their background or circumstances. As the largest provider of NHS-funded fertility treatments in the UK, with contracts covering 32 of 42 Integrated Care Bodies (ICBs) and treating over 2,000 NHS patients annually, we strive to ensure everyone has access to quality care. This guide will walk you through the NHS referral process:
- The NHS referral process
- NHS funding Eligibility
- The 'postcode lottery'
- Why some people are ineligible
- Referral steps
- Your right to choose
- Why choose Care Fertility
- Your next steps
What is the NHS referral process?
The NHS referral process is how you get access to fertility assessments and treatments funded by the NHS. It starts with seeing your GP, who will assess your situation and refer you to a gynaecology clinic that specialises in reproductive medicine or directly to a fertility clinic like Care Fertility. Here further investigations may be undertaken and/or a treatment plan will be put in place.
Who can access NHS fertility treatment?
Eligibility for NHS-funded fertility treatment is determined by criteria set by your local ICB. Factors like age, body mass index (BMI), how long you've been trying to conceive, and whether you have children already may affect eligibility.
Use our NHS eligibility calculator to see if you are eligible
NHS Funding and the ‘Postcode Lottery’
Unfortunately, NHS funding for fertility treatment can vary significantly from region to region, which can make it feel like a postcode lottery. Each ICB has its own budget and guidelines for fertility treatment funding, leading to differences in eligibility criteria and number of treatments funded per patient.
Some people may not be eligible due to these regional variations, which can be frustrating and disheartening. Even if you aren’t eligible for funding for fertility treatment or your ICB don’t provide funding you are still entitled to have your investigations on the NHS if referred by your GP.
Why some people aren't eligible
Common reasons for ineligibility include:
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Age restrictions: Regions have strict age limits for NHS-funded fertility treatment, the average is 40 years old, but some are as low as 35 and others as high as 43.
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Previous children: Either partner having children from a current or previous relationship can affect eligibility.
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Duration of infertility: Criteria may require a minimum period of trying to conceive before NHS funding is considered. This tends to be around two years of having unprotected sex for a heterosexual couple. However, it is recommended a couple be referred for fertility investigations if they don’t conceive within one year of trying. Where either partner is diagnosed with a known fertility factor, they don’t usually need to also wait two years.
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Lifestyle factors: Smoking, and other lifestyle choices may impact eligibility.
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Body Mass Index (BMI): In most cases a BMI within the range of 19-30 is required to be eligible.
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LGBTQ+ considerations: LGBTQ+ individuals and couples may face additional challenges in accessing NHS-funded fertility treatment, depending on local guidelines and interpretations of eligibility criteria. Sadly, surrogacy is rarely funded and where there is no diagnosed fertility factor for the partner providing the eggs six self-funded rounds of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) are often required prior to eligibility.
Navigating these criteria can be complex, but Care Fertility is committed to helping you understand your options and advocating for equitable access to fertility care.
Steps in the NHS referral process
Your GP appointment: Make an appointment with your GP to talk about your fertility concerns. They'll do some initial tests and assessments and dependent of these results may do an onward referral.
Onward referral:
Pathway 2 Onward referral to a secondary care provider: These are usually based in hospitals and often called reproductive medicine or sub-fertility clinics. As with a referral direct to Care Fertility they may conduct further tests. Where they identify a form of fertility treatment is required, they will do an onward referral to a specialist fertility clinic, like Care Fertility! As part of this process, they or the fertility clinic may apply for funding on your behalf.
Your right to choose
If you’re eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment, you’ve got the right to choose where you’re treated. That means you can ask your GP or hospital to refer you to Care Fertility, even if your local clinic isn’t part of your initial referral path.
We’re proud to hold 32 of the 42 NHS fertility contracts across the UK - so chances are, we can support you close to home. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or you've had treatment elsewhere, our team is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Not sure if you're eligible for NHS-funded IVF? Try our NHS funding eligibility calculator to find out in just a few minutes
Want to find your nearest Care Fertility clinic? Use our clinic finder tool to see where we are near you
Why choose Care Fertility?
When you choose Care Fertility for your NHS-funded treatment, you’re choosing more than just a clinic. You’re choosing a team that puts you at the heart of everything we do.
With over 25 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of people grow their families through expert care, advanced science, and unwavering support. Our clinics are warm, welcoming spaces where you’ll be treated with compassion, honesty, and respect, no matter where you’re starting from.
Here’s what you can expect:
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Expertise you can trust: Our doctors, nurses, and embryologists are leaders in their field, giving you the best possible chance of success.
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Personalised treatment plans: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Your care is tailored to your needs, based on the results of your fertility tests.
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Continuity of care: You’ll have a consistent team guiding you through each stage of your journey, from testing to treatment and beyond.
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National reach, local feel: With one of the largest networks of fertility clinics in the UK, you’re never far from a Care Fertility team.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today
If you're thinking about NHS-funded fertility treatment, get in touch with us. We’re here to guide you through the NHS referral process and support you every step of the way.
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