“Cheap” IVF in the UK: Your Guide to Affordable Fertility Treatment
IVF in the UK can come with significant costs — and finding truly affordable options isn’t always straightforward. This guide explores what “cheap IVF” really means, what costs to watch out for, and where you might find lower-cost options based on your personal circumstances.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
19 min read
Updated 31st July 2025
Spotlight:
- The true average cost of one IVF cycle in the UK is around £7,545 — about 36% higher than the average advertised package price. [1]
- Costs vary depending on factors like location, patient age, medical needs, and whether donor sperm, eggs, or add-ons are required.
- NHS funding covers only about 27% of IVF cycles and eligibility varies by postcode, so many patients pay privately. [2]
- Financing options include NHS funding (if eligible), employer schemes, clinic payment plans, refund packages, loans, grants, egg-sharing, and clinical trials.
- Alternatives like mini-IVF, mild stimulation IVF, or natural cycle IVF may lower costs but come with different success rates and considerations. [3,4]
Understanding the cost of IVF in the UK
Many people searching for “cheap IVF” or “low-cost IVF” do so because they know fertility treatment is a big financial commitment. IVF can be one of the most expensive decisions a person or family faces and often needs careful planning.
However, getting clear and reliable information about the real cost of IVF is not always easy. The price you see advertised by clinics usually only covers part of the total cost. Extra expenses — like tests before treatment, medications, optional procedures, and embryo storage — can add up quickly. Without knowing exactly what is included in a clinic’s price, it can be hard to compare options or plan your budget properly.
How much does IVF typically cost in the UK?
Many clinics in the UK advertise IVF packages at an average price of £3,898. However, our research shows that when you include everything you need for treatment — like pre-treatment tests, medications, and embryo storage — the true average cost is closer to £7,545 for one round. That’s about 36% higher than what’s usually advertised.
It’s important to know that IVF costs vary from person to person. Factors like your age, medical needs, and whether you need extra procedures (AKA “add-ons”) all affect the final price.
To make things clearer, here’s a simple cost breakdown for one average IVF round in the UK:
Treatment
Average cost
Male + female fertility MOT (pre-treatment tests)
£635
IVF treatment package (true average for one cycle)
£5,310
Medication
£1,600
Total (excluding add-ons)
£7,545
Optional add-ons (if needed):
─ Embryo glue
£275
─ Endometrial scratch
£300
Total (including add-ons)
£9,420
Source: Seen Fertility’s Fertility Clinic True Cost Data
(We’ve used Seen Fertility’s national dataset to estimate average IVF costs — but prices change frequently and vary between patients. We’re continuing to analyse and expand our dataset to reflect the most accurate, real-world costs. We’ll update this guide as more data becomes available.)
Many people also need more than one IVF round, as success is never guaranteed in a single cycle. In fact, on average, patients go through about three embryo transfers to achieve a live birth. [5]
The True Cost of IVF
IVF pricing can be confusing — but we’ve broken it down. Our guide explains real UK IVF costs, hidden extras, and how to plan your budget with clarity.
Most affordable locations for IVF in the UK
IVF costs vary significantly depending on where you seek treatment in the UK. While major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are home to many established clinics, they also tend to carry higher overall price tags once all treatment components are included.
For example, our IVF cost analysis analysis showed:
- In London, the average advertised cost for an IVF package is £3,910, but the true cost rises to £6,150 once additional fees are included. With medications, investigations, and common add-ons, the estimated total cost per round reaches £10,273.
- In Manchester, the average advertised cost is £3,555, but the true cost increases to £5,830, with an estimated total of £8,922 including extras.
- In Birmingham, the average advertised cost is £3,742.50, but the true cost rises to £5,105, with an estimated total of £9,210.50 once all elements are factored in.
It is worth noting that clinics outside the largest cities sometimes offer lower-cost packages, partly due to reduced overheads. Exploring smaller regional clinics may provide more affordable options, but it remains essential to check what is included in each package, as less expensive upfront prices may not always mean lower total costs.
Some people also consider travelling abroad to access the more affordable IVF, considering countries like Greece, Spain, or the Czech Republic. While international clinics may advertise appealing package prices, it is critical to factor in additional costs such as travel, accommodation, time away from work, and the need for repeat visits. Furthermore, international treatments are governed by different legal, safety, and regulatory standards, so careful research and thorough due diligence are essential before pursuing cross-border care. [6]
You can use our Clinic Match tool to compare clinics by location, cost transparency, patient reviews, and — importantly — basic eligibility criteria. This includes whether a clinic offers lower-cost or standard IVF, and if you’re likely to be a good fit based on your age, AMH, or medical needs.
Cost considerations for over-40s, solo parents, and LGBTQIA+ patients
The total cost of IVF can vary significantly depending on an individual’s or couple’s specific treatment needs. For patients in their 40s, solo parents, and LGBTQIA+ families, there are often additional medical and logistical factors that increase the average cost compared to heterosexual couples undergoing treatment with their own eggs and sperm.
Treatment needs — not identity — shape most of the cost variation. But age, the use of donor gametes, or specific protocols like reciprocal IVF can all affect what you pay.
For example, patients ages 43 or over may require higher doses of medication or additional treatment cycles due to the natural decline in egg quantity and quality with age. This can lead to increased costs for ovarian stimulation drugs and sometimes the need for additional procedures, such as preimplantation genetic testing. [7]
Solo parents and same-sex female couples typically need to factor in the cost of donor sperm, which can add more than £1,000 to each treatment cycle. In some cases, reciprocal IVF (where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy) or the use of donor eggs or embryos may also be considered, each carrying its own set of additional expenses.
Fertility path
Fertility MOT
IVF treatment
Donor sperm
Medication
Total average cost
Heterosexual couples
£635
£5,310
N/A
£1,600
£7,545
Same-sex female couples
£858
£5,310
£1,230
£1,600
£8,998
Solo parents (single mothers)
£483
£5,310
£1,230
£1,600
£8,623
Find the right IVF clinic for you
Choosing a fertility clinic is a big decision — and we’ve made it clearer. Our guide walks you through what to look for, what to ask, and how to feel confident in your shortlist.
Financing IVF: How to make treatment more affordable
For many individuals and couples, the financial demands of IVF are one of the most significant challenges when pursuing fertility treatment. With an average cycle in the UK costing between £7,500 and £9,500 (including screening tests, medications, and add-ons), there are a few different financing options, each with its own benefits, limitations, and considerations:
NHS funding
There’s no single, straightforward route to NHS-funded IVF — and that can be frustrating. Depending on where you live, your GP or consultant may refer you for assessment — but many people experience pushback or confusion around who’s responsible for the referral. While the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines recommending up to three NHS-funded IVF cycles for eligible patients under age 40, individual NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are responsible for deciding what is offered in their area.
Rather than thinking of this as a step-by-step process, it’s clearer to think of it as a system with multiple routes — each of which depends on your location, personal circumstances, and the willingness of your GP or consultant to advocate for your case.
This has led to what’s often called the “postcode lottery”, where eligibility criteria and the number of funded cycles vary considerably across the country. Some regions offer one funded cycle, while others may offer two or three, and eligibility rules can differ based on factors such as:
- Age of the person undergoing treatment
- Relationship status (single, partnered, or same-sex couple)
- Whether you have any living children
- Length of time trying to conceive
- Previous fertility treatment history
- Lifestyle factors, such as BMI or smoking status
It is important to note that NHS funding covers only around 27% of all IVF cycles in the UK, meaning most people will need to self-fund some or all of their treatment. Even for those eligible for NHS funding, success is not guaranteed in a single round, and many patients go on to pay for additional private cycles. [2]
To find out if you qualify for NHS-funded IVF in your area, you can use our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator — a free, quick tool that helps you check your eligibility based on current regional guidelines. This can help you understand your options early on and support informed planning for your fertility care.
Private health insurance and employer schemes
Most UK private health insurance plans do not cover IVF, viewing it as an elective treatment. Some employers, however, now offer enhanced fertility benefits, including partial or full funding for treatments or fertility testing. It is important to review the details carefully, as these benefits often come with eligibility criteria and may not cover multiple cycles.
Clinic payment plans and loans
Many fertility clinics offer structured payment plans or work with third-party lenders, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over several months or years. Payment plans often come with low interest if repaid within a short term (e.g., 12 months), while longer-term loans typically carry higher interest rates. Always review the terms carefully, including any required deposits or conditions.
IVF refund packages
Some clinics offer refund packages where patients pay upfront for a set number of cycles, often at a higher initial cost, but receive a partial or full refund if treatment is unsuccessful. These packages can provide peace of mind but usually have strict eligibility criteria based on medical history, diagnosis, and age. It is essential to weigh the financial and emotional implications before committing.
Personal loans and credit cards
Personal loans can provide access to needed funds but often come with significant interest rates, particularly for those with lower credit scores. Credit cards may offer flexibility for smaller expenses, but high interest rates can quickly make this an expensive option if balances are not paid off promptly. Careful budgeting and comparison shopping are essential before pursuing these routes.
Fertility grants
If you’re finding the cost of IVF overwhelming, fertility grants may offer some support. These are usually one-off contributions from charities or organisations designed to help with the financial burden of treatment.
Grants are limited and often highly competitive — with specific eligibility criteria around income, location, treatment history, or diagnosis. Some are open to all, while others are aimed at particular groups, such as people experiencing infertility after cancer treatment or LGBTQIA+ families.
Egg sharing programmes
Egg-sharing programmes — where you donate eggs in exchange for subsidised treatment — can be a cost-saving option, but they involve important medical, legal and emotional considerations. Clinics will provide counselling and screening, but make sure you understand what egg donation means for you now and in the future.
Clinical trials
Some fertility clinics and research institutions offer clinical trials that include free or discounted IVF treatment. These trials are designed to test new medications, protocols, or technologies — and for eligible participants, they can significantly reduce costs.
However, clinical trials aren’t open to everyone. Each study has its own inclusion criteria based on age, diagnosis, medical history, or previous treatment. You’ll also need to be comfortable with the idea of taking part in research, which may involve extra monitoring or slightly different treatment protocols.
Before signing up, make sure:
- You understand exactly what’s being tested and how it differs from standard IVF
- You’ve asked about risks, time commitments, and what happens if treatment is unsuccessful
- You’re clear on any costs that aren’t covered, like additional scans, medication, or travel
You can search for current fertility-related trials on Be Part of Research or ask your clinic if they’re running any studies that might be relevant to you.
Crowdfunding or family financial support
Some individuals turn to friends, family, or crowdfunding platforms to raise funds for IVF. While this can help bridge financial gaps, it is important to set clear expectations and boundaries, particularly when involving loved ones, to avoid misunderstandings or strain on personal relationships.
Going abroad for IVF
In the past, many people looked abroad for lower-cost fertility treatment, in countries like Spain, Greece, or the Czech Republic. But with new UK-based clinics offering affordable IVF, travelling internationally is now just one of several options — and it may not always save money once travel, time off work, and logistics are factored in.
While IVF abroad can offer lower costs or shorter waiting times, it comes with important considerations. Regulations and safety standards, and legal protections vary widely between countries, and not all clinics follow the same best practices seen in the UK — such as limiting multiple embryo transfers to reduce health risks. [6]
Patients should research overseas clinics carefully, asking for clear success rate data and understanding local laws, particularly if using donor eggs or seeking treatment as a single person or same-sex couple.
Your NHS Eligibility
Not sure where you stand with NHS reciprocal IVF funding? Let our calculator do the work and get a personalised answer in seconds.
Planning your IVF budget
Carefully planning your IVF budget can help reduce financial stress and ensure you are fully prepared for the costs ahead.
Step 1: Estimate your likely total cost
Begin by calculating the full cost of treatment based on your personal circumstances. This includes not only the advertised IVF package price but also pre-treatment investigations such as fertility MOTs, diagnostic tests, medications tailored to your individual needs, any recommended add-ons, and post-treatment costs like embryo freezing and storage. If you require donor sperm, donor eggs, or procedures such as reciprocal IVF, include these in your calculations, as they can add substantially to the overall figure.
Step 2: Identify potential cost savings
Look for opportunities to reduce expenses where possible. Some patients are able to purchase medications from external pharmacies at a lower cost, although this may involve a prescription fee from the clinic. Additionally, if you are consulting multiple clinics, you may be able to use existing valid test results to avoid paying for duplicate investigations. Comparing cost breakdowns carefully across clinics will help you understand the full value of each offering, beyond just the headline package price.
Step 3: Plan for the possibility of multiple cycles
Many individuals and couples need more than one IVF cycle to achieve a successful pregnancy. Including this possibility in your budget from the beginning can help you assess what is financially sustainable over time. Consider not only the cost of repeated full cycles but also the cost differences if you use frozen embryo transfers in later attempts. Preparing for these scenarios early can provide greater financial clarity and reduce pressure if additional cycles become necessary.
Step 4: Review financial support and financing options
Take time to explore all available funding and financing routes. Check your eligibility for NHS-funded IVF using our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator. Investigate whether your employer offers any fertility benefits or whether your private health insurance includes relevant cover. Many clinics provide payment plans, refund packages, or partnerships with third-party lenders, each with their own terms and eligibility requirements. Additionally, some patients may qualify for fertility grants, egg-sharing schemes, or participation in clinical trials, which can lower costs. If you are considering personal loans, credit cards, or family assistance, set clear agreements and expectations to ensure responsible financial planning.
Is there a cheaper version of IVF?
For those looking to reduce the cost of IVF, several lower-cost alternatives to standard IVF protocols have emerged, each with distinct clinical approaches, benefits, and limitations.
Minimal stimulation IVF (mini-IVF)
This approach uses lower doses of fertility drugs to produce fewer eggs — typically five or six — compared to conventional IVF. Research suggests that when combined with modern techniques such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist triggers and frozen embryo transfer strategies, mini-IVF can achieve reasonable pregnancy and live birth rates while significantly lowering costs, reducing medication use, and minimising the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). [3]
Natural cycle IVF
Natural cycle IVF goes even further by using no stimulation drugs at all. Instead, the single egg released during a patient’s natural menstrual cycle is retrieved and fertilised. This method avoids the risks and side effects of fertility drugs and allows for more frequent treatment cycles. However, it offers lower success rates and is not currently recommended by national clinical guidelines, such as those from NICE. [4]
Mild stimulation IVF
Mild stimulation IVF uses lower doses of fertility medication over a shorter timeframe, reducing treatment length and drug-related side effects. While success rates may be slightly lower than with conventional IVF, the overall treatment burden and cost can be reduced. [4]
In vitro maturation (IVM)
Another developing approach is in vitro maturation (IVM), where eggs are retrieved while still immature and matured in the laboratory, eliminating the need for hormone stimulation before collection. While promising, IVM remains relatively new, and long-term safety data are still limited. [4]
What is “Affordable IVF”?
Over the last two years, several UK fertility clinics have introduced new low-cost IVF models designed to improve access for eligible patients. You might see this described as “Affordable IVF” or “budget IVF” — but what does that actually mean?
Affordable IVF typically means:
- A nurse-led protocol (still prescribed by a doctor, but day-to-day care is delivered by nurses)
- A standardised treatment plan (fewer personalised tweaks, same medication and scans for everyone)
- Eligibility criteria based on things like age, AMH levels, and BMI
These clinics can reduce costs by limiting the treatment to people with a higher likelihood of success using a standard protocol. That means it won’t be right for everyone — but if you meet the criteria, it could be a way to save thousands on IVF without going abroad.
How to know if you’re eligible for Affordable IVF
Low-cost IVF isn’t just about the clinic — it’s also about whether you’re likely to respond well to a simplified, standard protocol. Most affordable IVF clinics have the following criteria:
- Age: Under 38 (some may accept slightly older with strong fertility indicators)
- AMH: Above 10 (shows a healthy ovarian reserve)
- BMI: Usually under 32
You’ll likely need an AMH test before you can be accepted for this kind of treatment. If you haven’t had one, we recommend Randox Health, which offers in-person and at-home AMH testing, cheaper than private clinics, and accepted by most fertility providers.
Not sure where to start? Try our Clinic Match tool — it’s free to use and filters clinics based on your eligibility for low-cost IVF, helping you avoid unnecessary research or wasted time.
Fertility clinics that offer Affordable IVF in the UK
Several UK clinics now offer lower-cost IVF packages through what’s known as a “diffusion model” — a separate brand or treatment pathway, often in the same building as a traditional clinic, but with a fixed-price, nurse-led approach.
Clinics offering this kind of treatment include:
- Essential Fertility: From £2,950, available in Manchester and select locations. For patients aged ≤37 with AMH ≥10 and BMI <32.
- Kind IVF (by London Women’s Clinic): A simplified pathway operated within a larger clinic framework. Eligibility criteria apply.
- Fair IVF (by Avenues Fertility): A London-based, AI-led clinic offering a streamlined, fixed-cost treatment for those who qualify.
- ABC IVF: One of the first to introduce this model, offering low-cost IVF across several UK locations. Eligibility varies.
Because these models have strict criteria, they’re best suited to first-time patients with no complex medical conditions. If you don’t meet the criteria, don’t worry — there are still other clinics and options worth exploring.
To check which of these clinics is best matched to your age, AMH, and location, try the Clinic Match tool — it’s the fastest way to see what’s realistic and relevant for you.
Choosing the right IVF clinic for you
Choosing an IVF clinic is about much more than finding the cheapest option — it’s about finding the clinic that offers the best combination of value, transparency, clinical quality, and care for your specific needs.
Look for clinics that share clear, detailed cost breakdowns upfront, provide independent success rate data (using sources like the HFEA), and have positive patient reviews. Practical factors like location and convenience also matter, since you’ll probably have several visits to the clinic.
To help you find the right IVF clinic for you, try our Clinic Matcher and NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator tools to help you compare clinics, understand your options, and get all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
Sources
1. https://seenfertility.com/fertility/cost/ivf/
2. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/key-facts-and-statistics/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4948065/
4. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/ivf-options/
5. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2018-trends-and-figures/
6. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/fertility-treatment-abroad/
7. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/national-patient-survey-2024/