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To say fertility treatment aint cheap must be one of the biggest under-statements in history! Unless you’re fortunate enough to receive NHS-funded treatment OR have excellent medical insurance, OR an employer offering financial support, OR maybe you have deep pockets!
Juggling the cost of living crisis and putting money aside for expensive fertility treatment, is no mean feat.
So if there is less money in the pot – how to pay for fertility treatments seems such a logical question.
According to a study by the ONS*, 62% of people confirmed that their cost of living had increased in the last month.
Scrolling through Facebook’s TTC groups, it’s clear the issue of the cost of fertility treatment is a HOT TOPIC!
“Money is one of the biggest worries in fertility treatment…”
— Facebook Group Member
“We knew it (fertility treatment) was going to be expensive, but I worked it out to be around £6500, but it’s closer to £10K!”
— Facebook Group Member
These comments are all too common in the world of TTC, and with the added impact of the cost of living crisis- scraping the cash together for IVF is rough.
There is no single cause of this current crisis. Instead, it’s a mash-up of many factors that have pinched our pockets:
- Cost of Energy
- Brexit
- The Covid-19 Pandemic
- The War in Ukraine
- Increase in National Insurance Contributions
- Higher Inflation
- Higher Interest Rates increased mortgages, loans and rent costs.
- Higher cost of everyday expenses, like food.
Fertility treatment is expensive for so many in normal circumstances.
However, with the cost of living crisis in full swing – fertility treatment is becoming unaffordable for an increasing number of people.
£15,000, a bin full of injections – and no baby – is reported by the HuffPost. The article discusses how some members of the TTC community are exploring money-raising ventures to finance their next cycle.
“We have reached out to family and friends, but nobody we know is in a position to help. I have even donated my eggs to raise funds for another round.”
Reports – We Need To Talk About The Financial Trauma Of IVF – HuffPost
Even if a prospective IVFer can scrape together the funds for one cycle, the chances of success aren’t guaranteed. That means the TTC community may need to undergo multiple cycles, which can quickly rack up a bill in the tens of thousands of pounds.
According to the HFEA, the average cost of an IVF cycle is £5000. If there is less money in the household pot, IVF is too much money to spend for so many.
Let’s look at an example of an IVF cycle to see the costs:
The above image is an example of a typical cost of an IVF cycle which excludes medication and blood tests.
So, Why The Heck Are Fertility Treatments So Expensive?
To understand why some of the TTC community are paying so much for IVF cycles, it’s essential to understand the NHS’s input first.
In 2018, the NHS funded 35% of IVF cycles across England. However, there has been a drop in cycles compared to 41% in 2013.
With fewer NHS-funded cycles, those not qualifying for this financial help turn to private fertility clinics. These private fertility clinics are not required to charge set prices for treatment.
This leaves patients to pay out-of-pocket for the entire process. This can be especially tricky for those who require multiple rounds of treatment, which can quickly add up in cost.
Moreover, some clinics may offer additional services that can further increase the cost of fertility treatments, such as pre-implantation genetic testing, endometrium scratch, and immunology testing – to name a few!
Fertility treatment can seem like a daunting road to embark on. – but there are ways to make it accessible
If the cost of living crisis is hitting you hard and there is no magic money tree at the bottom of your garden.
Well, here are some options that can make TTC more financially feasible:
✨ See If The NHS Can Fund Your Fertility Treatment
✨ Self-Funded Treatment At An NHS Establishment
✨ Shop Around For Meds, Blood Tests and Scans
✨ Jump Ship – Try Fertility Treatments Abroad
✨ Could You Afford A Multi Cycle Package
✨ Consider IUI
✨ Is Your Employer Your Magic Money Tree
✨ Health Care Cash Back Plan
Remember to double-check if you are eligible for NHS Treatment – It Can Be Worth A Try!
Check with your GP if you are eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment.
You could be surprised by what the GP says.
There is a Postcode Lottery in which the ICB (Integrated Care Board) decides which patients can receive fertility treatments depending on where you live in the United Kingdom and your circumstances.
Like so many people, I was told by other IVFers, kindly trying to manage my dream of NHS-funded treatment, I had a slim to zero chance of getting any funding.
Of course, sharing the TTC experience is always nice, but speaking with your GP is a great place to start if you’re worried about how to pay for fertility treatments.
It’s worth an ask!
If The NHS Can’t Fund Your Fertility Treatment, It’s Not Necessarily The End Of The Road
Self-Funded NHS Fertility Clinics can offer significant savings to those in the community that are not eligible for NHS-Funded treatment.
With some research and careful consideration, self-funded treatment can be cost-effective. A lot of clinics offer packages to help prospective IVFers finance their treatment.
Often medication will be an extra cost. However, going self-funded may give you access to NHS pharmacies that are often cheaper in price.
But it can sometimes pay to still shop around for medication, even if it is reasonably inexpensive.
Medication, Blood Tests And All Things Ultrasound Scanning
When it comes to these “extras but essentials”, you must take the rough with the smooth.
Depending on your fertility treatment, you may not have time to shop for cost-saving “extras but essentials.” Where this will interfere with or delay your fertility treatment.
However – if you have the luxury of time, being able to plan and shop around for blood tests, medication, and scans can be your best friend.
Supermarket pharmacies, online fertility meds suppliers, high street pharmacies and other fertility clinics can offer the same medication at very different prices.
Private blood test providers can sometimes offer much lower prices for the same blood tests that your clinic can provide.
But always check:
- That your clinic is happy with you using an external provider and that this will NOT interfere with your treatment plan.
- How the clinic will receive the blood test or scan results, and they can easily access the records.
- Are there any extra fees to pay – some providers charge a phlebotomy fee, so you will need to double-check that you are still making a decent saving.
Dig Out The Passport And Try Fertility Treatments Abroad
Overseas fertility clinics offer lower costs for fertility treatments.
Flicking through social media TTC groups and forums, I found terrific places the community go to make paying for fertility treatment no more a pipe dream.
Czech Republic
Norway
North Cyprus
Greece
Spain
Turkey
Georgia
These countries can offer excellent cost-saving fertility treatment. In addition, their international coordinators speak many languages, so planning your trip is more manageable.
It is advisable to check with the clinic if legally they can offer fertility treatment, as some cannot treat same-sex couples or single patients by law.
Many countries have reputable clinics with experienced doctors; some even offer package deals that include travel, accommodation, and treatment.
Consider IVF Multiple Cycles
Many private clinics offer competitive rates and financing options that can make fertility treatment more affordable.
Additionally, some clinics offer shared-risk programs, meaning you only pay for a certain number of cycles, and if you’re unsuccessful, you may receive a refund.
These financing options can help if you have a set/bulk amount of money put aside for TTC.
There is a requirement to apply for the financing option, which includes a medical report. This is then reviewed, and the Multi-Cycle company will inform you if you have been accepted.
How To Pay For Fertility Treatments – Have You Tried IUI?
A package of IUI could cost as little as £1500 using partner sperm. It’s important to consider alternative treatments that may be more affordable than traditional IVF.
Intrauterine insemination – (IUI) is a less invasive and inexpensive option that can be effective for some in the TTC community.
Is Your Employer Your Magic Money Tree
As more and more companies work towards becoming more inclusive and diverse. Some employers include fertility benefits – (cheaper/ free consultations, reduced prices on meds, and heavily subsidised IVF cycles) – as a way to entice and retain employees.
It could be worth checking with the human resource department if such a benefit exists in your company.
Are You Making The Most Of A Health Care Cash Back Plan
Sometimes these are purchased through your employer at a discount or can be taken out privately.
A set amount is paid to a Health Care Cash Back provider and is taken directly from your wage slip or via direct debit.
There is usually a qualifying period where no claims can be made.
But once you are qualified, the price of consultations, scans and blood tests can be reimbursed by your provider.
Even – acupuncture sessions can be claimed!
Claims are paid to the value of a certain amount of money per rolling year. And you need to check the T&Cs with each provider.
But this can be a nifty way to save quite a bit of money.
Emotional Support During the Fertility Treatment Process – Is A Must!
The pressure and stress of going through a fertility cycle can be overwhelming. The medications that support the cycle have side effects that can further increase the emotional aspects of this treatment.
Emotions are further heightened with the cost of living crisis squeezing finances. In addition, the thought of how to pay for fertility treatments can cause stress and be emotionally taxing.
Looking after your emotional well-being is essential in the current financial climate, particularly if you are TTC.
Reaching out for emotional support can help the fertility road be less bumpy.
Why not reach out too:
✨ TTC Community Online Groups and Forums.
✨ Your Fertility Counsellor
✨ Friends and Family
Remember not to suffer in silence. We all know how isolating TTC can be!
The high cost of fertility treatments, such as IVF, can be a significant financial burden for individuals and couples struggling to conceive.
In an already challenging time, the added stress of struggling to pay bills can increase the emotional toll of infertility.
However, it’s important to remember that resources, such as NHS-funded and self-funded treatments, are available.
Shopping around for meds, blood tests and scans is possible. Using a finance plan at your clinic or financing your treatment through a multi-cycle program can help.
Or using a health Care cash-back plan or exploring IUI fertility treatment can help make treatment more affordable.
It’s also essential to prioritise self-care and seek emotional support during this difficult time.
Infertility can be a long and challenging journey, but with perseverance and a supportive network, achieving the dream of parenthood is possible.
Facing the financial challenges of fertility treatment can be difficult, but with some hope, creative solutions, and a supportive community, it is possible to overcome them.
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How Much Does IVF Cost In The UK? Discover Affordable Options With NHS Funding!
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Sources *
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances
/expenditure/datasets/therisingcostoflivinganditsimpactonindividualsingreatbritain
This blog is written based on my own personal experience. The views shared are my own and do not represent the views of any third parties. I have no medical training and I am not trained in fertility or IVF. I simply share my journey with IVF to support others with the aim to create a supportive community so that experiences and information can be shared. From time to time, I may refer to scientific research or academic papers, these should be used as information only. At no time should you rely on any of the information across this blog as medical advice. You should not delay in seeking medical advice as a result of something you read on this site. You should always seek medical advice from a medical professional to support you.