NHS IVF funding

For IVF and other fertility treatments at CARE, you could get funding from the NHS

If you need help starting or growing your family, the first thing you’re likely to do is go to your GP. But what many people don’t realise is that some GPs can refer their patients to CARE, meaning you might be able to have your IVF or fertility treatment funded by the NHS. 

Am I eligible for NHS funding for IVF?

Whether or not you can have NHS funding to finance your IVF or fertility treatment is ultimately decided by your local clinical commissioning group (CCG). However, 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.

What are the criteria for receiving IVF treatment on the NHS?

According to NICE, women under 40 should be offered three rounds of NHS-funded IVF treatment if they’ve been trying unsuccessfully to start a family for two or more years, or if they’ve had 12 or more unsuccessful rounds of artificial insemination.

If you’re a woman aged between 40 and 42, NICE suggests you should have one round of NHS-funded IVF treatment if you meet all of 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 affect of your age on treatment 

Your local CCG might also have some of their own criteria; for example, they might only offer NHS-funded IVF or fertility treatment to those who don’t already have children, or to non-smokers.

Same-sex couples seeking IVF treatment can be offered funding for several rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilisation (IVF), or both.

If you’d like to know whether you qualify for fertility treatment with the NHS, the best thing to do is contact your CCG directly. Your GP can also advise on local funding criteria and whether the IVF cost on the NHS will be covered.

What does NHS funding involve and how do I apply for IVF on the NHS?

If you qualify for NHS funding based on NHS IVF criteria, your GP will give you a full list of IVF clinics available for referral and approved by your CCG. Should CARE be available, they will then refer you to a CARE Fertility doctor to proceed with an assessment, consultation and treatment.

From this point onwards, your experience will be the same as for anyone else who comes to CARE for treatment. For more information about different funding options, discover IVF funding with CARE Fertility.