IVF Payment Plans: How to Fund Fertility Treatment in the UK
The cost of IVF is one of the first things people search when they’re considering treatment — and it’s one of the most stressful parts of the whole process. Here, we break down every option available for paying for IVF in the UK, from NHS funding and clinic payment plans to personal loans, grants, and everything in between, so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
19 min read
Published 12 March 2026
Spotlight:
- A single private IVF cycle in the UK typically costs an average of £4,890 — and that’s before extras like medication, additional tests, or add-ons.
- NHS funding is available in many parts of the UK, but eligibility varies significantly by location — it’s worth checking before assuming you’ll need to self-fund.
- Clinic-based IVF payment plans let you spread the cost in monthly instalments, often with 0% interest for the first 12 months.
- Personal loans, credit cards, grants, crowd-funding, and refund packages are all legitimate options — each with different trade-offs worth understanding.
- There’s no single “best” way to pay for IVF. The right option depends on your financial situation, your treatment plan, and your risk tolerance.
Do you have to pay for IVF?
Not necessarily — though the answer isn’t quite as simple as yes or no.
In the UK, IVF can be funded by the NHS, paid for privately, or accessed through a combination of both. Whether you’ll need to pay depends largely on where you live, your personal circumstances, and whether you meet your local area’s eligibility criteria for NHS-funded treatment.
What’s worth knowing is that a significant number of people who end up paying privately for IVF hadn’t fully explored their NHS options first — sometimes because the eligibility criteria felt too complicated to unpick, or because they’d heard from someone else that they wouldn’t qualify. It’s always worth checking for yourself rather than assuming.
If you do need to fund treatment privately — either because you’re not eligible for NHS support, because you’ve exhausted your funded cycles, or because you’d rather not wait — that doesn’t mean the full cost lands on you all at once. Payment plans, finance options, and other funding routes mean that self-funding IVF is rarely a single, one-off payment for most people who go down that route.
So while paying for IVF is a reality for many people in the UK, how you pay, how much you pay upfront, and when you pay are all things you have more control over than you might expect.
Not sure where you stand? Use our NHS Eligibility Calculator to find out.
Who is entitled to free IVF?
Let’s start with the most important question: does the NHS pay for IVF? It depends. NHS IVF funding is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — but eligibility isn’t guaranteed, and the rules aren’t consistent across the UK. In England, local bodies called Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) make their own decisions about who qualifies for treatment, how many cycles are funded, and what the additional criteria are. This is often called the “postcode lottery,” and it’s a source of real frustration for many people.
According to NICE guidelines, women under 40 should be offered up to three full cycles of NHS-funded IVF if they’ve been trying to conceive through unprotected sex for 2 years (or after 12 or more unsuccessful rounds of artificial insemination, at least 6 of which were IUI). For women aged 40–42, NICE recommends one cycle if they’ve never had IVF before and meet certain additional criteria. However, ICBs aren’t legally required to follow these guidelines — and many don’t. [1]
Common eligibility requirements across most ICBs in England include:
- Age: Most fund treatment up to age 40, with some offering one cycle between 40–42
- No existing children: Some ICBs in England will only fund IVF if neither you nor your partner has any living children (including from previous relationships)
- BMI: Usually between 18.5 and 30, though this varies
- Smoking status: Both partners are typically required to be non-smokers
- Proof of infertility: Usually 2 years of unprotected sex without conception, or a diagnosed medical cause
For same-sex female couples, most ICBs require evidence of infertility through a number of rounds of self-funded IUI (often 6, sometimes up to 12) before NHS-funded treatment becomes accessible.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking your eligibility before assuming you’ll need to pay privately.
NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator
Our handy tool decodes the NHS postcode lottery, to help you understand if you are eligible for NHS-funded IVF and IUI treatment in England in moments.
How do people afford IVF in the UK?
The reality is that most people pay for IVF in one of several ways, and many combine more than one. Here’s an honest breakdown of the most common routes.
1. NHS funding
If you’re eligible, this is obviously the most cost-effective route — though waiting times can be long, and the emotional impact of navigating the NHS system is real. If you’re not eligible, or you’ve exhausted your funded cycles, you’ll need to consider private options.
2. Self-funding (savings)
Many people save for IVF over time, sometimes over several years. The challenge is that IVF costs are hard to predict — a single cycle might cost anywhere from £2,750 to £13,750 at the base price, but medication, additional consultations, embryo storage, and any add-ons can add several thousand more. Our IVF cost data shows that the average cost of a standard IVF cycle in the UK is £4,890 before medication. [2]
3. IVF payment plans (spreading the cost in instalments)
This is one of the most popular routes for people who need treatment sooner than they can save. Payment plans let you pay for IVF in monthly instalments — which we’ll explore in detail below.
Rather than finding a lump sum upfront, you spread the cost over a set period, often between 12 and 36 months. Many clinics offer these directly, while others partner with specialist healthcare finance providers. Interest rates and eligibility criteria vary, so it’s worth comparing options carefully before committing.
4. Personal loans and credit cards
Some people use personal loans or credit cards to fund treatment. There are pros and cons to both.
A personal loan can offer a fixed interest rate and a clear repayment schedule, which makes budgeting more predictable. Credit cards — particularly 0% interest deals — can work well if you’re confident you can clear the balance before the promotional period ends. The risk with either is taking on debt at a stressful time, so it’s worth thinking through what feels manageable, and getting independent financial advice if you’re unsure.
5. Grants and charities
A smaller number of people access fertility grants or charitable support. This is relatively limited in the UK but worth knowing about. Some organisations offer one-off financial contributions to help cover the cost of treatment, and while the amounts rarely cover a full cycle, they can take the edge off.
Eligibility criteria differ widely — some grants are means-tested, others focus on specific circumstances such as cancer-related fertility preservation or single parenthood. It takes some research, but the support is out there.
6. Multi-cycle or refund packages
Some clinics and providers offer packages covering multiple cycles at a fixed price — sometimes with a refund guarantee if treatment doesn’t result in a baby. These can reduce financial risk, though they require a larger upfront commitment. If you go into treatment knowing you may need more than one cycle, a package can work out more cost-effective than paying per cycle.
The refund element can also offer a degree of emotional reassurance — though it’s important to read the small print carefully, as eligibility conditions and what counts as a qualifying outcome can vary significantly between providers.
7. Egg sharing
Some clinics offer reduced-cost treatment in exchange for donating a portion of your eggs to another patient. Not everyone is eligible, but for those who are, it can significantly reduce the cost of a cycle.
Typically, you’ll need to meet certain criteria around age and ovarian reserve. It’s a decision that deserves careful thought — you’d be helping someone else build their family, and it’s worth taking time to consider how you feel about that before proceeding. For those who are comfortable with it, egg sharing can make treatment genuinely accessible when it otherwise wouldn’t be.
8. Crowd-funding
Crowdfunding has become an increasingly visible way to fund fertility treatment, with platforms like GoFundMe used by people sharing their stories and asking friends, family, and sometimes strangers for support.
It won’t be the right fit for everyone — it asks a lot in terms of openness about something deeply personal — but for some people, the community response can be both financially meaningful and emotionally sustaining. If you’re considering it, being specific about what you’re fundraising for and why tends to resonate more than a general appeal.
Can you pay in instalments for IVF?
Yes — and it’s increasingly common. IVF payment plans typically work in one of two ways:
Clinic-based payment plans are offered directly by (or in partnership with) your fertility clinic. Many UK clinics work with third-party finance providers — such as Kandoo, Humm, or Access Fertility — to offer 0% interest payment plans for the first 12 months, with longer-term options available at interest rates that vary depending on the provider and your credit circumstances.
These plans usually involve a credit check. Some use a “soft” credit check, which doesn’t affect your credit score, while others (like Humm) use a hard credit check, which will leave a footprint on your record. It’s worth clarifying this before you apply.
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) IVF is a growing option that works similarly to consumer BNPL schemes. You access treatment now and pay in instalments — often over 12 months at 0% — with some providers offering longer repayment windows at interest.
But there are some key things to check before committing to any IVF payment plan:
- What’s included in the quoted price? Medication is often separate, and that alone can cost £1,000–£3,000 per cycle. A payment plan that doesn’t include medication costs may be less helpful than it first appears.
- What’s the interest rate beyond the 0% period? Some plans offer 0% for 12 months and then apply significant interest if you haven’t repaid by then.
- Is there a minimum deposit? Many plans require a deposit of 20–50% upfront.
- What happens if treatment doesn’t work and you need more cycles? You’ll still owe the money, regardless of outcome — unless you’re on a refund programme.
- Is it a hard or soft credit check? A hard check affects your credit score; a soft one doesn’t.
How Much Does IVF Cost in the UK?
Private costs for IVF in the UK vary greatly, ranging from £2,750 to £13,750 for an advertised IVF package. But that’s not the most accurate price for those paying for IVF treament, so we crunched the data.
Can you pay monthly for IVF?
Yes. Pay monthly IVF plans — sometimes called “IVF finance” — allow you to break down the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments, rather than paying a large lump sum upfront. Most plans structured at 0% interest run over 12 months, and some providers offer longer repayment windows of up to five to seven years, though these will likely carry interest.
The exact amount you pay each month depends on your total treatment cost, how much you put down as a deposit, and the repayment period. For example, if your cycle costs £6,000 and you put down a £1,500 deposit, you’d be repaying £375 per month over 12 months at 0% — though the specifics will vary by provider and individual circumstances.
Pay monthly IVF plans are generally easiest to access through your clinic, since the finance is tied to your treatment plan and pricing. It’s a good idea to ask about payment plan options at your very first consultation, before you’ve committed to a clinic — payment terms can genuinely differ, and it’s a legitimate factor in choosing where you’re treated.
Which IVF clinics offer payment plans?
A number of UK clinics now offer this, either directly or through a third-party finance partner. Among the most widely available:
Access Fertility
Access Fertility is one of the most established finance providers in the UK fertility space, partnering with clinics including Manchester Fertility and Bourn Hall. They offer 0% interest finance on amounts up to £12,000, repayable over 12 months, and for larger amounts or longer repayment periods, work with their lending partner Kandoo.
Care Fertility
Care Fertility, one of the UK’s largest clinic groups, also partners with Access Fertility for 0% interest finance, and additionally offers Klarna for pre-treatment costs, allowing patients to either pay within 30 days or split into three monthly instalments.
CREATE Fertility
CREATE Fertility offers in-house payment plans through their partner Humm, which requires a minimum 20% deposit and runs a hard credit check as part of the application process.
ABC IVF
ABC IVF is built around making private IVF more accessible on price. Packages start from £2,850 and include medication and blood tests — costs that are often charged separately elsewhere.
Their payment plans run through finance partner Humm. 0% interest is usually available over 12 months, with 24 and 36-month options also available. The application is fully digital, with many applicants receiving an instant decision, though a hard credit check is carried out as part of the process.
Gaia Family
Gaia Family takes a different approach altogether — rather than a traditional loan, you pay a protection fee to start treatment, and only repay your cycle costs in monthly instalments once you have a child. If treatment across 3 cycles is unsuccessful, you don’t repay anything. Gaia works with a number of UK clinics including London Women’s Clinic and Bourn Hall.
How can I do IVF if I can't afford it?
This is one of the most common questions in fertility communities online — and it’s a completely valid one. There isn’t a single answer, but here are the realistic options for people who are concerned about affordability.
Check your NHS eligibility first
It sounds obvious, but many people assume they won’t qualify before they’ve actually checked. Given how much criteria varies by area, it’s always worth a proper look.
Consider lower-cost clinic models
Some clinics specifically position themselves as more accessible, lower-cost providers — sometimes with standardised treatment plans designed to keep costs down without compromising clinical standards. These aren’t the right fit for everyone, particularly if your situation is complex, but for straightforward cases they can make a significant difference to overall cost.
Look into refund packages carefully
Refund or multi-cycle packages — where you pay for a set number of cycles at a fixed price, often with a money-back guarantee if treatment is unsuccessful — can feel like a safety net. They can be genuinely useful, but they require a larger upfront investment and can be tricky to understand. Read the small print carefully: what exactly constitutes an “unsuccessful” cycle? Are there exclusions? What are the eligibility criteria for the refund?
Explore egg sharing
If you’re under 35 with a good ovarian reserve, egg sharing might be worth exploring. In exchange for donating a proportion of your eggs to another patient, you receive a significant reduction in your treatment costs. It’s not right for everyone, and eligibility criteria apply — but it can make a real difference for those who qualify.
Look into fertility grants
A small number of charities and foundations in the UK offer grants to help cover IVF costs. These are limited and competitive, but they exist. Organisations like Fertility Network UK can point you in the right direction.
Consider IVF abroad
Some people choose to have IVF abroad — particularly in Spain, Czech Republic, or Greece — where costs can be significantly lower. This comes with its own considerations: travel, time off work, continuity of care, and regulatory differences. It’s not the right option for everyone, but for some people it’s a genuinely viable route. If you’re exploring this, do your research carefully and check that any clinic you’re considering is regulated by the equivalent of the HFEA in their country.
“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.
How to pay for IVF with bad credit
If you have a poor credit history, your options for IVF finance narrow — but they don’t disappear entirely. Some IVF finance providers use open banking data in addition to credit scores, which can be helpful if your income is stable even if your credit history isn’t strong. Others use soft credit checks that give you a sense of your eligibility without affecting your score.
If you’re declined for 0% finance through a clinic, a personal loan via a specialist broker like Kandoo can sometimes still be an option — though rates will be higher. Some patients also use credit cards with 0% purchase periods to fund treatment, repaying within the interest-free window.
It’s worth being realistic with yourself about affordability here. Taking on debt for IVF is a significant financial commitment, and if treatment requires multiple cycles, that commitment compounds. Speaking to an independent financial adviser before committing to any loan or credit product is always a sensible idea.
Do you pay for IVF if it doesn't work?
This is one of the most emotionally loaded questions in this whole area — and the honest answer is: in most cases, yes.
With standard private IVF, you pay for each cycle regardless of whether it results in a pregnancy. If treatment is unsuccessful, that cycle’s costs don’t carry forward or get refunded.
The exception is refund packages — where a provider (often Access Fertility, in partnership with your clinic) offers a fixed fee for multiple cycles and a partial or full refund if you don’t have a baby at the end of the programme. These packages can offer genuine peace of mind, but they cost more upfront, have eligibility criteria, and the refund conditions can be more complex than they first appear. For example, you’ll typically still pay for the full package if you get pregnant on your first cycle — the remaining cycle costs don’t come back to you.
Some newer models are starting to challenge this structure entirely — with providers offering payment-on-success models, where repayment is only triggered when you have a child. These are still relatively new in the UK market and not yet widely available.
Is there insurance that pays for IVF?
Standard UK health insurance policies generally don’t cover IVF — it’s typically excluded from private medical insurance (PMI) on the basis that fertility treatment is elective. Some specialist insurers offer fertility-specific cover, but this tends to be expensive and comes with significant exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
An increasing number of employers now include fertility benefits in their employee packages, including contributions toward IVF costs or access to discounted clinic networks. If you’re employed, it’s always worth checking your benefits package — this is a space that’s changing quickly.
How to move forward with funding your IVF
Paying for IVF can be challenging — not just financially, but emotionally. There’s something particularly difficult about having to think so carefully about money at the same time as navigating something as profound as building your family. If you’ve made it to the end of this guide, you’re already doing the right thing: getting informed before you commit to anything.
The most important takeaway is this: you have more options than you might think. NHS funding is worth checking properly before you rule it out. Payment plans and IVF finance can make private treatment genuinely accessible. And if the first route you explore doesn’t work out — whether that’s a funding application or a credit check — there are others worth trying.
What you don’t need to do is rush into a financial commitment you don’t fully understand, or one that’s driven by panic rather than a clear plan. IVF is time-sensitive in real ways, but taking a few extra weeks to understand your options properly is almost always worth it.
A few things to carry with you as you move forward. Always get a full, itemised cost breakdown from any clinic before you plan your finances — the headline price rarely tells the whole story. If you’re considering a payment plan, understand exactly what happens if treatment takes longer than expected or doesn’t work first time.
And if the financial weight of all this is getting to you, you don’t have to carry it alone. Counselling is a mandatory offer at every licensed fertility clinic in the UK, and Fertility Network UK offers free support to anyone navigating treatment, at any stage.
You’re making one of the biggest decisions of your life. You deserve to make it with clear information, not confusion. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
IVF payment plans FAQs
Can you get help paying for IVF?
Yes — in various forms. NHS funding is available to those who meet their local ICB’s criteria. Clinic-based payment plans and BNPL options make private treatment more accessible for many people. A small number of grants and charitable funds also exist. The options are more limited than many people would like, but they’re not zero.
How much does a cycle of IVF cost in the UK?
A single cycle of private IVF typically costs between £2,750 and £13,750 (an average of £4,890), not including medication (which can add £1,000–£2,500), embryo storage, additional consultations, or optional add-ons.
For a full breakdown on the true cost of IVF, see our comprehensive guide: How Much Does IVF Cost in the UK?
What’s the difference between a refund package and a standard payment plan?
A standard payment plan spreads the cost of one (or more) IVF cycles over monthly instalments. A refund package is a multi-cycle programme where you pay a fixed fee upfront and receive a partial or full refund if treatment doesn’t result in a baby. The two can sometimes be combined — some providers allow you to pay for a refund package via a payment plan — but not always.
Sources
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Fertility problems: assessment and treatment. CG156. Published 20 February 2013. Last updated 6 September 2017.
- Seen Fertility. How Much Does IVF Cost in the UK? (Updated for 2026). Updated 18 November 2025.
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