NHS Funding
There is limited funding available on the NHS for fertility treatment, however, the criteria can be strict – read on to find out more about NHS funding and whether you could be eligible.
How does NHS funding work?
NHS funding can be very confusing. It’s often described as a post code 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, is that GPs can refer their patients to Care Fertility, meaning if you meet the criteria, you can have your treatment at Care Fertility and funded by the NHS.
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.
What are the criteria for receiving IVF treatment on the NHS?
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.
I’m over 40
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 couples, the NHS can offer funding for several rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilisation (IVF), or both.
Still confused?
Fertility Mapper have an amazing calculator that will help you find out if you are eligible - Find out if you are eligible for NHS-funded IVF with our handy tool (fertilitymapper.com)
Contact your ICB directly
Talk to your GP, they will be able to advise on local funding criteria and whether the IVF cost on the NHS will be covered
Armed Forces Funding
For those within the armed forces, NHS England has a specific commissioning policy for families seeking assisted conception. If you meet the criteria within this policy, you can be referred for treatment at any Care Fertility clinic within the UK.
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.