How Much Does IVF Cost in Manchester in 2026?
Planning IVF begins with understanding the financial side of treatment, and Manchester is no exception. Fees vary across the city, and the price you see advertised rarely reflects the true cost of a complete cycle. Using our updated 2025 and 2026 data, we’ve mapped out the real numbers so you can move forward feeling prepared and informed.
Author
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
15 min read
Updated 6 December 2025
Manchester IVF cost spotlight:
- The true average cost for Manchester clinics based on Seen Fertility 2026 data (excluding medication) is £4,787.50, compared with the UK average of £4,890.
- This means treatment in Manchester typically sits slightly below the national average, by around £102.50 per cycle before medication.
- Using the national median medication estimate of £1,500, the total estimated cost of a Manchester IVF cycle is £6,287.50.
- Advertised prices remain much lower than the real cost. While the UK advertised median is £3,850, the national true average rises to £4,890, and Manchester’s true average is £4,787.50.
- Essential elements such as medication, viral screening, blastocyst culture, and embryo storage are often excluded from package prices, so factoring these in from the beginning is key.
- NHS funding depends on your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). You can review your situation using our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator.
- If you’re comparing clinics, our Clinic Match tool can help you understand which clinics fit your background, needs, and budget, bringing clarity from the start.
- Or browse clinics and transparency on their costs on our Manchester clinic page.
What is the average cost of IVF in Manchester?
From our 2026 dataset, the true average IVF cost for Manchester clinics (excluding medication) is £4,787.50. When you add the national median medication cost of £1,500, a typical Manchester cycle totals £6,287.50.
Manchester’s average sits slightly below the national average of £4,890, making the city a comparatively more affordable location for treatment without compromising access to established, reputable clinics.
As with any region, additional expenses can be expected. These may include consultation fees, blood tests, pelvic scans, semen testing, add-ons, and embryo freezing. Because these can add up quickly, we highlight a benchmark cost range on every clinic page to support easier comparisons.
If you’d like personalised guidance, our Clinic Match tool can help you build a shortlist and plan your likely costs across different clinics.
What does “true cost” actually mean?
Many people begin their research with advertised package prices, only to discover later that these figures exclude essential aspects of treatment. “True cost” reflects the price of a complete IVF cycle with all standard components included.
For clarity, this means understanding that:
- Advertised packages often exclude critical steps such as viral screening, blastocyst culture, or embryo freezing.
- Follow-up consultations or counselling may sit outside the core package.
- Medication is nearly always charged separately.
- Storage fees for embryos can add significantly to long-term costs.
Using true cost figures allows you to make decisions based on the full picture, not the headline price.
“Patients suddenly become consumers when they start IVF and it can be very difficult for people who aren’t medically trained to know what they’re buying.”
— Kayleigh Hartigan, Founder of Seen Fertility, The Observer (2024)
How Manchester IVF costs compare to the UK
| Cost category | UK average (2026) | Manchester true average (2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| True IVF package (excl. medication) | £4,890 | £4,787.50 | –£102.50 |
| Medication (national median) | £1,500 | £1,500 | — |
| Total per IVF cycle | £6,390 | £6,287.50 | –£102.50 |
While the difference is modest, many people choose Manchester for a combination of affordability, strong clinic reputations, and a more personal feel than larger metropolitan hubs.
What is the cost of IVF in Manchester at each stage of treatment?
IVF involves several stages: pretreatment, treatment, and post-treatment. If you’re self-funding, it’s useful to understand the typical cost of each stage. You’re not obligated to complete all stages at the same clinic, although switching between clinics may mean repeating some tests.
Pre-treatment costs in Manchester
Your IVF journey begins with an initial consultation and baseline investigations. These may include blood tests, pelvic scans, and sperm tests. Clinics occasionally bundle these into “Fertility MOT” packages, but many still itemise each test separately.
Typical pre-treatment costs include:
| Treatment | Average cost | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | £200 | £120–£250 |
| Baseline scan | £398 | £225–£524 |
| AMH test | £240 | £110–£370 |
| Thyroid tests | £96 | £40–£249 |
| Semen analysis | £165 | £105–£195 |
Fertility MOT packages help bundle essential testing into one appointment:
| Treatment | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Male + female MOT (true cost) | £549 |
| Same-sex female MOT | £656 |
| Solo parent MOT | £382.50 |
With our Clinic Match tool, you can upload any existing results — such as AMH, AFC, FSH, progesterone/PdG, or semen analysis — so you’re not paying to repeat them unnecessarily. We can also help arrange new tests directly, and partnerships with external providers mean the cost stays the same for you.
Many people mix at-home test kits, GP testing, and clinic-based tests to keep pretreatment costs manageable. Once you have a full set of results, you can speak to multiple clinics without repeating the same tests again.
Tailor your search
Browse and compare clinics tailored to your preferences and budget, putting you in controlof your next step.
IVF treatment costs in Manchester
Most clinics present treatment-stage costs within an “IVF package”, although what’s included varies. These packages typically cover staff expertise, surgical equipment, consultation rooms and core laboratory processes.
The average advertised IVF package in the UK is £3,850–£3,910 (depending on region). Manchester’s advertised rates follow a similar pattern, although the true average Manchester cost for 2026 is £4,787.50 once essential items are added.
If a clinic doesn’t include certain elements within the package, these will be charged separately. To help you understand what each line item usually costs, here’s a breakdown:
| Core components of IVF treatment | Average cost | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse consultation | £185 | £100–£220 |
| Female viral screening | £250 | £80–£330 |
| Male viral screening | £235 | £80–£330 |
| Sedation | £300 | £175–£400 |
| Blastocyst culture | £550 | £450–£1,090 |
| Follow-up consultation | £200 | £80–£275 |
| Counselling session | £90 | £70–£150 |
| Pregnancy scan | £225 | £100–£260 |
| Embryo freezing | £550 | £292–£1,250 |
| Embryo storage (1 year) | £400 | £275–£499 |
| HFEA fee | £100 | £100 (set nationally) |
Find the right clinic for your budget
Finding a clinic that suits your budget, background and clinical needs is essential. We’ll match you to the clinics that are the right fit on all counts, so you can access your best options and have a clear plan from here on.
IVF treatment add-ons in Manchester
Some people are advised to consider treatment add-ons based on their individual medical background. Others explore add-ons for reassurance or because they’ve read about them online. It’s important to know that add-ons, like ICSI, EmbryoGlue, and endometrial scratches are an additional cost unless explicitly included.
The HFEA continues to emphasise that the evidence for many add-ons remains limited. [1]
The average prices for common add-ons remain consistent across the UK:
| Add-on | Average cost |
|---|---|
| ICSI | £1,375 |
| Blastocyst culture | £550 |
| EmbryoGlue | £258 |
| Endometrial scratch | £305 |
IVF medication costs in Manchester
Medication is the most variable part of IVF costs. Doses depend on hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and medical history, which is why clinics keep medication separate from the core package.
We use a standard estimate of £1,500 for medication on all clinic pages, based on the national median.
| Service | Average cost | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | £1,500 | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Prescription | £53 | £15–£140 |
Some clinics charge lower prices if medication is purchased through a partner pharmacy. You can also shop around using your prescription — many people find community pharmacies or supermarkets offer competitive prices.
Post-treatment costs in Manchester
Post-treatment costs depend on whether embryos are created, whether you freeze embryos, and whether you plan a frozen cycle in the future.
The 2026 UK figures still apply here:
- Embryo freezing: £550 (median)
- Embryo storage: £400 per year (median)
A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycle is charged separately and is particularly relevant if you hope for more than one pregnancy or if you do not conceive in your fresh cycle.
Total cost of IVF in Manchester
As you can see, there is a lot to take into account when adding up your total cost of IVF in Manchester, and a lot of potential variation. Below is an estimate of the true average cost of one round of IVF for a heterosexual couple, for you to use a starting point:
| Treatment | Average cost |
|---|---|
| True average cost of a fertility MOT (male + female) | £549 |
| True average IVF package (Manchester clinics, 2026) | £4,787.50 |
| Estimated medication cost | £1,500 |
| Total excluding add-ons | £6,836.50 |
| Optional add-ons (subject to clinical need): ICSI EmbryoGlue Endometrial scratch | £1,375 £258 £305 |
| Total including all common add-ons | £8,774.50 |
For the easiest way to compare clinics and understand your likely cost structure, our Clinic Match tool can guide you through your options.
Financing IVF in Manchester
There are many different ways to pay for IVF in Manchester. Though the majority of people in the UK (73%) pay for IVF themselves, some receive funding from the NHS, while others fund treatment with the help of private health insurance or employee benefit schemes. Some clinics offer financing plans; and given the growing demand for IVF, there are now various IVF-specific lenders that offer personalised finance and insurance plans (subject to eligibility, as is usual with loans and financing options). An interesting option for some might be donating your eggs, either in clinical trials for research purposes or via egg sharing schemes. In these cases, IVF cycles — specifics vary person to person — are offered for free in exchange for a number of eggs, though again you would need to be eligible to participate in one of these schemes.
NHS-funded IVF treatment in Manchester
Navigating NHS-funded fertility care in Manchester can feel complicated, and you’re not alone if you’ve struggled to find clear, up-to-date guidance. Greater Manchester has its own Integrated Care Board (ICB), and this organisation decides who is eligible for NHS-funded investigations and treatment across the region. That means your access to IVF isn’t determined nationally, but locally — and criteria can differ from the NICE guideline recommendations.
NICE guidance recommends that eligible people under 40 are offered up to 3 full cycles of IVF on the NHS if they haven’t conceived after two years of trying to conceive or after 12 cycles of artificial insemination. It also recommends one full cycle for those aged 40–42 under specific conditions (no previous IVF, adequate ovarian reserve, and no existing children). [2]
However, ICBs are not required to follow NICE in full. In practice, Manchester’s ICB — like many in England — sets its own criteria based on local budgets, population needs, and regional policies. This means the support available in Manchester may differ from what you’d expect if you’ve read the national recommendations.
Across Greater Manchester, access to NHS-funded IVF typically depends on several factors, such as:
- How long you’ve been trying to conceive, naturally or with assisted methods
- Your age at referral
- Whether either partner has existing children
- Body Mass Index (BMI) thresholds, which some ICBs still apply despite ongoing debates about their fairness
- Lifestyle factors, such as smoking cessation requirements
- Whether donor sperm or donor eggs are needed, which can sometimes alter eligibility pathways
Local NHS fertility care usually begins with investigations and first-line treatments at your GP or local hospital trust. If IVF is recommended and you meet Manchester ICB criteria, you’ll then be referred to one of the regional NHS fertility providers.
If you’re unsure where you stand, you’re certainly not alone — the variation between regions is one of the biggest challenges people face. Our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator helps simplify this process by walking you through the criteria that apply in your postcode and giving you a clearer sense of what to expect before you speak to your GP or clinic.
Above all, it’s important to remember that eligibility criteria aren’t a reflection of your medical need. They’re administrative rules shaped by local funding pressures. If you find yourself outside the thresholds, self-funded treatment remains an option, and we’re here to help you understand what that might look like.
Private health insurance funded IVF
Private health insurance can feel like a safety net when you’re navigating fertility care, but it’s important to understand that fertility coverage is still limited across most UK policies. Providers such as BUPA, Aviva, and AXA Health may include elements of fertility support — for example, diagnostic testing, specialist consultations, or partial funding toward IVF — but every policy is written differently. Some only cover investigations, while others contribute to a small part of the treatment cycle itself. That’s why reviewing your policy wording closely, or speaking directly with your insurer, can make a real difference in understanding what support is genuinely available to you.
A growing number of employers also recognise how significant fertility care is and offer enhanced benefits through platforms like Fertifa or Progyny. These benefits can range from fertility MOTs and nurse support to more comprehensive financial contributions toward IVF, donor treatment, or preservation. These schemes are helping to make treatment more accessible, but they still vary widely in what they include.
Even with insurance or employer-funded programmes, most people will still pay out of pocket for some aspects of treatment, whether that’s medication, storage, add-ons, or parts of the cycle that sit outside policy limits. Understanding these distinctions early helps you plan confidently and avoid unexpected costs later on.
Explore the costs at IVF clinics in Manchester
If you’re comparing clinics, having clear, trustworthy cost information can make the process feel more grounded. Our Find a Clinic directory brings together Manchester’s leading fertility clinics with estimated prices for IVF, Fertility MOTs, and other essential services. Each clinic page includes a cost transparency rating, which reflects how clearly a clinic communicates its pricing and what is (and isn’t) included in its packages.
If you’d like a more personalised route through the decision-making process, our Clinic Match tool can help you identify the clinics that align with your medical profile, goals, and budget. By sharing your recent test results or using our testing support, you’ll be able to speak to multiple clinics with the information they need to give you accurate recommendations. This removes a lot of the guesswork and helps you feel more in control before committing to treatment.
Real IVF experiences in Manchester
Nearly one in ten members of our community have shared reviews of their Manchester clinics, offering an honest, real-world picture of what IVF has looked like for them. Each clinic receives an overall rating based on cost transparency, communication, care, and the day-to-day experience of treatment. At the moment, Manchester clinics hold an impressive average rating of 4.375 out of 5, compared with 4.125 out of 5 across the UK.
Cost transparency is one of the strongest areas for Manchester clinics. They score 4.5 out of 5, which is notably higher than the UK average and reflects how clearly many clinics in the city explain their pricing and what’s included. For anyone trying to plan their treatment confidently, this clarity can make a real difference.
These reviews aren’t just numbers. They capture the lived experiences, reflections, and insights of people who’ve sat in those waiting rooms, navigated those appointments, and asked many of the same questions you might be asking now. They can help you build a more rounded understanding of your options and feel more supported as you plan your next steps.
How Seen Fertility can help you manage your IVF costs
Our goal is to help you understand the full financial landscape before you commit to treatment. Every clinic page includes both advertised and true average costs, plus a transparency rating to support clear comparisons.
Through our Clinic Match tool, we help you organise essential tests and create a complete medical profile so you can speak to multiple clinics without repeating — and repaying for — the same assessments. This keeps you in control from the outset and helps prevent unexpected costs later.
Browse Manchester fertility clinics and find your best match
Sources
- Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. Treatment add-ons with limited evidence.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Fertility problems: assessment and treatment. Last updated: 06 September 2017.