What to know about IVF costs in the UK for new patients

When you explore IVF costs in the UK, you find a wide range depending on your clinic and location. The average cost of IVF per cycle sits at about £5,310, but the true cost of IVF often rises to £7,545 or more after adding medication and extras. The table below shows typical UK price ranges:

Medication and add-ons can push the cost of IVF up to £13,000 per cycle for some patients.

There is another way, rather than seek treatment in the UK, trevelling abroad can save you up to 50% of the costs.

Key Takeaways

• IVF costs in the UK can be very different. The price depends on the clinic, where it is, and the treatment type. One cycle can cost from about £3,500 to over £13,000. Many clinics include basic things like consultations and scans in their prices. But you often pay more for medication, extra tests, and add-ons. Always check what is included in the price. NHS funding for IVF is not the same everywhere and is limited. Many people pay for IVF themselves or use payment plans to help with costs. Pick a clinic that shows clear prices to avoid hidden fees. This helps you not get surprised by extra costs during IVF. Ask your clinic for a full list of costs. Think about payment plans or packages for more than one cycle. This can help you plan your money and feel less stressed.

IVF Costs Breakdown

Typical IVF Cost Range

When you check IVF costs in the UK, prices are different. One cycle can cost from £3,500 up to £7,000. If you use donor eggs, it can be as much as £12,000 for one cycle. The first price you see is not always the real total. Some clinics do not show all the fees in their adverts.

Here is a table with average costs for one IVF cycle in the UK, with and without medication:

Medication is not always part of the main price. You might pay £900 to £3,250 more for medication, depending on what you need.

IVF costs are also different in each city. London clinics usually charge more than those in Manchester or Birmingham. Here is a table that shows prices in different cities:

The UK has some of the highest IVF costs in Europe. In places like Turkey, Cyprus, and Spain, you pay less for the same treatment.

Cost of IVF: What’s Included

When you pay for IVF, you want to know what you get. Most UK clinics include these things in the main price:

Some clinics, like Therapie Fertility, add embryo freezing and advanced embryo monitoring. Not every clinic gives the same things in their main price. Always check what is included before you begin.

Tip: Always ask your clinic for a full list of what is included in the cost of IVF. Some clinics may leave out important parts, such as embryo freezing or medication.

Extra Expenses

The price you see at first may not cover everything. Many clinics do not include all the steps you need. Here are some common extra costs:

If you need extra steps, like ICSI or donor eggs, your total IVF cost will go up. Embryo freezing and storage also add to your bill. Many people find the real cost of IVF is much higher than the first price they see.

Note: Fertility treatment costs can increase quickly if you need more than one cycle or extra services. Always ask for a detailed breakdown before you start.

IVF Cost Factors

Clinic Location

The place you pick for your ivf treatment matters a lot for cost. Clinics in London usually ask for more money than other cities. You might pay as much as £8,950 for one full cycle in London. In Birmingham or Manchester, the price is often up to £6,610. The table below shows how much the price changes by city:

London has higher prices for each part of the process. For example, egg retrieval and embryo transfer can cost £6,610. Lab services can add another £2,505. The average total cost in London is more than in other UK places, especially if you need medication or extra services.

Treatment Type

The kind of ivf treatment you need changes the price. Standard IVF is the most common and fits many couples. This usually costs between £4,850 and £10,000. The price depends on the clinic and what medication you need. If you need ICSI, the cost is higher because of extra lab work. Some people need donor eggs or sperm, which makes it cost even more. Donor cycles are often used by same-sex couples, single parents, or people who cannot use their own eggs or sperm. You may also pay more for things like embryo freezing or sedation.

Tip: Ask your clinic about the price difference between fresh and frozen embryo transfers. Some clinics charge more for frozen transfers, but the extra cost is not always the same.

Patient Circumstances

Your health and fertility history can change how much ivf treatment costs. If you are older, you might need more cycles to get pregnant, which costs more. Some health problems, like obesity or diabetes, can make treatment harder and more expensive. Some people need extra tests or special steps because of genetic or reproductive issues. Younger and healthier patients often need fewer cycles, so they pay less for fertility treatment.

• Age can change how many cycles you need.

• Health problems may mean you need extra care or tests.

• Some health issues mean you need special steps.

You should always talk to your clinic about your own situation. This helps you know what your total costs could be before you start ivf treatment.

Funding and Payment

NHS Funding

You might get NHS funding for IVF, but the rules are tough. The rules can also change based on where you live. The NHS has clear rules about who can get help. These rules look at your age, how long you have tried for a baby, your health, and if you already have children. The table below shows what matters for NHS-funded IVF:

You should always check your local ICB’s rules. The rules can be different even in nearby places. This postcode lottery means some people get more help than others.

The number of NHS-funded IVF cycles is not the same everywhere. Here is a summary for each part of the UK:

Some places give up to three cycles. Others only give one. For example, in Greater Manchester, you could get one to three cycles. In North London, you may get up to three cycles if you have not had NHS-funded IVF before. In North West London, you may only get one cycle.

You must meet all the rules to get help. If you do not, you will need to look at private clinics.

Self-Funding Options

If you do not get NHS funding, you must pay for IVF yourself. Many people in the UK use private clinics. The cost can be high, especially in London. The table below shows common costs and choices:

Private health insurance in the UK almost never pays for IVF treatment. Most insurance only pays for tests or doctor visits, not the treatment. Some insurance might help with finding out what is wrong, but you should always check your policy. Special brokers can help you know what is covered. You cannot count on private insurance to pay for IVF.

Many people use loans, credit cards, or even remortgage their homes to pay. Paying for IVF can be a big money decision, so you should plan well.

Tip: Always ask your clinic for a full list of costs before you start. This helps you avoid surprises later.

Payment Plans

You do not have to pay all the IVF cost at once. Many UK clinics now have payment plans and packages to help you pay. These plans let you pay over time, so it is easier to manage.

Some clinics, like TFP Fertility and Access Fertility, offer:

• Payment plans with 0% interest for up to 12 months.

• Flexible payment dates and early payment options.

• Multi-cycle programmes with discounts if you buy more than one cycle at once.

• Money-back guarantee packages, such as:

  • IVF Unlimited: Unlimited cycles and frozen embryo transfers for two years at a fixed price, with a full refund if no baby is born.

  • IVF Refund: Up to three cycles and unlimited frozen transfers at a fixed fee, with up to 100% refund if unsuccessful.

  • Multi-Cycle: Discounted fixed fee for up to two cycles, with no medical criteria.

You can apply for these programmes through Access Fertility or your clinic. These choices help you know your costs and worry less about money.

Some clinics, like Gaia Family and Kind iVF, have their own payment plans:

These payment plans and packages help you control your spending. They also give you peace of mind if you worry about paying for more than one cycle.

Note: Always read the rules before you sign up for a payment plan. Make sure you know what happens if your treatment does not work.

Comparing Clinics

Price Transparency

When you look at IVF clinics, you want to know the real price. Price transparency means clinics must show all costs before you start. In the UK, IVF can cost from £5,000 to £13,000 for each cycle. Many clinics do not include everything in their first price. You might see a low price, but things like blood tests or embryo storage may cost more.

You often use clinic websites or talk to staff for details. Most people want clear and current prices, but the information is sometimes confusing. Some clinics do not give you a full plan with all costs before you begin. This makes it hard to plan your money.

Tip: Pick clinics that follow the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) rules. They must show all prices clearly and explain every possible cost, including medication and add-ons.

A good clinic will:

• Give you a list of all fees before you start.

• Tell you what is in the package and what is not.

• Share facts about how well add-ons work and their risks.

• Use simple terms and conditions you can understand.

Avoiding Hidden Fees

Hidden fees can make IVF cost much more than you think. Some clinics do not tell you about extra costs until your plan changes. You might pay more for extra scans, medication, or storage that were not in the first price.

Watch out for:

• Add-on treatments like assisted hatching (£130–£600), time-lapse imaging (£0–£795), or genetic testing (£2,100–£3,295) often have unclear prices.

• Some clinics may not let you buy medication from other places, even if it is cheaper.

• Not all clinics include every test, consultation, or storage in their packages.

Note: Always ask for a plan that shows every cost. Make sure you know the price for each step, including extras. This helps you avoid surprises and lets you control your spending.

Choosing a clinic with honest prices helps you make the best choice for your fertility journey.

You have lots of choices when you start IVF in the UK. IVF costs pay for tests, medicine, and lab work. Prices and what is included can change by clinic or where you live.

• NHS funding, payment plans, and help from groups like Fertility Network UK support many people.

• Always ask for a full list of costs and compare what each package gives you.

  If you book a consultation, you get a plan made just for you and clear prices. This helps you get ready and feel less worried.

FAQ

What does the average IVF cost include?

You usually get consultations, scans, egg collection, embryo transfer, and some medication. Some clinics add embryo freezing or counselling. Always check the clinic’s list.

Tip: Ask for a full breakdown before you pay.

What extra costs should you expect with IVF?

You may pay more for medication, ICSI, donor eggs or sperm, embryo freezing, and storage. Some clinics charge for extra scans or blood tests.

• Medication: £900–£3,250

• ICSI: £1,400–£1,450

What funding options can you use for IVF in the UK?

You can try for NHS funding if you meet the rules. Most people pay privately. Some clinics offer payment plans or multi-cycle packages. Private health insurance rarely covers IVF treatment. Gaining treatment abroad can cut costs by up to 50%.

What should you check before choosing an IVF clinic?

You should look for clear prices, success rates, and what each package includes.

Always ask about hidden fees and what happens if you need extra cycles.

See Also

Essential Facts About NHS IVF Waiting Periods In 2025

How Your Area Influences NHS IVF Waiting Durations

Reasons UK Residents Choose Private Healthcare Options Today

Steps To Access Private Surgery With NHS Funding Support

Key Information About NHS Waiting Times You Should Understand