Can You Freeze Your Eggs on the NHS? What You Need to Know
Egg freezing is becoming a more common part of fertility care, but accessing it through the NHS isn’t always straightforward. We’ll walk you through when NHS funding might be available, who could be eligible, and how to get started, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
11 min read
Published 24 October 2025
Spotlight:
- The NHS can fund egg or embryo freezing, but eligibility varies widely across the UK and is assessed case by case.
- Funding is usually reserved for medical reasons — such as cancer treatment, gender-affirming care, or conditions linked to early infertility.
- Each Integrated Care Board (ICB) sets its own criteria, and your GP or fertility specialist can help you check the local policy.
- Even when the freezing procedure is covered, you may need to pay for long-term storage after a certain number of years.
- People with very low AMH are often not eligible, as NHS policies tend to follow IVF funding criteria.
- If you don’t qualify, there are more affordable private options — including freeze-and-share programmes and egg freezing abroad.
Does the NHS cover egg freezing?
Yes, the NHS can fund the freezing and storage of eggs and embryos, but access and eligibility can vary depending on where you live — and on your personal circumstances. Each Integrated Care Board (ICB) has its own criteria, but decisions are ultimately made on a case-by-case basis after a full clinical assessment by your GP and fertility team.
Factors such as your medical history, current health conditions, or previous hormone treatments can all play a role. While your postcode can influence funding, it’s rarely the only factor — and exceptions or caveats do exist. NHS funding for fertility preservation tends to be the exception rather than the rule, but if your situation meets the criteria, your doctor can help you explore your options in detail. [1]
While the initial freezing process may be covered, it’s important to note that there might be a charge for the ongoing storage of eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue after a certain number of years.
If you’re not eligible for NHS funding, you can still proceed with egg freezing through private treatment at a fertility clinic. In this case, there will be costs for consultations, screening tests, the treatment cycle, and storage, and the fertility clinic can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the prices.
Does the NHS cover egg freezing for visitors from abroad?
No, NHS funding for egg freezing is generally not available to visitors from abroad. Under the UK’s charging regulations for assisted conception services, overseas visitors who are paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are required to pay for fertility services, including egg freezing, even if their partner is ordinarily resident in the UK.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, which you can explore in more depth on the Department of Health & Social Care website. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for egg freezing or other fertility treatment funding through the NHS as a visitor from abroad, it’s recommended to contact the DHSC Cost Recovery team. [2]
Your NHS Eligibility
Use our NHS Eligibility Calculator to discover if you can access free IVF and IUI.
When egg freezing might be funded by the NHS
The NHS may cover the cost of egg freezing when it’s considered medically necessary to protect future fertility. This usually applies to specific circumstances, such as:
- Before cancer treatment: If you’re about to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery that could affect your ovaries, egg freezing might be offered as part of your treatment plan.
- Gender-affirming care: If you’re planning medical transition, you may be offered fertility preservation options like egg freezing before starting hormone therapy or undergoing surgery.
- High risk of premature infertility: Some conditions, like severe endometriosis or genetic factors linked to early menopause, can increase the risk of early fertility loss. In rare cases, NHS-funded egg freezing may be considered, but eligibility is assessed case by case. People with very low AMH are often not offered funding, as policies usually follow IVF criteria.
It’s important to know that eligibility isn’t automatic. Funding decisions often depend on local NHS policies and are assessed individually. If you think you might qualify, speaking to your GP or specialist is usually the first step towards understanding your options.
How to start the egg freezing process on the NHS
If you’re exploring the possibility of NHS-funded egg freezing, it can help to know what to expect before you begin.
Note: Pathways can vary by GP, hospital, and Integrated Care Board (ICB). Steps may happen in a different order, especially for urgent medical needs.
- Gather your evidence: Bring your local ICB fertility policy (print or link), a brief medical history, current medications/hormone therapy, and any relevant letters (e.g. oncology, rheumatology, endocrinology). This helps the GP or specialist assess clinical need quickly.
- Speak to your GP (first contact may vary): Explain why you’re considering egg freezing and any time-sensitive factors (e.g. treatment that could affect fertility). Some GPs will refer straight to gynaecology or a fertility clinic; others may seek advice first. If your GP is unsure, ask them to check your ICB’s criteria or consider writing to the ICB for guidance.
- Referral to secondary/tertiary care: If appropriate, you’ll be referred to gynaecology and/or a fertility clinic. In urgent oncology cases, your oncology team may coordinate a fast-track referral directly to a fertility clinic.
- Fertility assessment and suitability: The clinic will review your history and run tests such as AMH and an antral follicle count (and sometimes baseline bloods or infection screening). They’ll discuss likely response to stimulation, potential outcomes, and whether egg freezing is clinically suitable.
- Funding review against local criteria: The clinic (or your consultant) will check you against your ICB’s policy. Policies often mirror IVF criteria, and people with very low AMH are less likely to be offered funding. Decisions are case-by-case with many caveats; very severe cases may be considered even when criteria are tight.
- Funding request submission: If your team believes NHS funding is justified, they’ll submit a request to the ICB (sometimes as an Individual Funding Request). The ICB (or equivalent panel) makes the final decision. Your postcode can influence criteria, but the decision should reflect your individual clinical picture.
- Decision and next steps:
- Approved: the clinic confirms what’s covered (e.g. stimulation, egg collection, and storage length) and schedules treatment.
- Not approved: ask your clinician about appeal routes/IFR, whether additional evidence might help (e.g. letters from oncology/endocrinology), or discuss self-funded options.
- Urgent pathway (if time-critical): If you’re starting treatment that may impact fertility (e.g. chemotherapy), tell your GP/oncology team immediately. Pathways can be accelerated, with rapid coordination between oncology, the fertility clinic, and the ICB.
It’s important to know that NHS referrals and assessments can sometimes involve waiting periods, depending on demand in your area. If you’re facing an urgent situation — like starting treatment that could affect your fertility — let your GP and fertility team know early on. They can often prioritise referrals where time is a critical factor.
Advocating for yourself
Navigating NHS funding for fertility preservation can be complex — and sometimes unclear — so keeping good records and staying informed can make a real difference. Bring a copy of your local ICB policy to every appointment, and keep organised notes or folders (digital or paper) with your letters, test results, and any clinical recommendations. If your GP or specialist isn’t familiar with the fertility funding process, gently refer them to your ICB’s published criteria or ask if they can contact the ICB directly for clarification.
If your referral is declined, you have the right to understand why. Ask for the decision in writing and request a review or second opinion, especially if new information — such as updated test results or a change in your medical situation — becomes available. It can also help to have your specialist include a clear summary of clinical urgency or medical need in their letter to strengthen your case.
Above all, remember that these decisions are rarely black and white. Policies vary, but persistence and clear communication can help ensure your situation is assessed as fully and fairly as possible.
What if you’re not eligible for egg freezing on the NHS?
If you find out you’re not eligible for NHS-funded egg freezing, it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated — but it doesn’t mean your options end there.
Exploring private options
Egg freezing is widely available across the UK, and Seen can help you compare clinics to find one that fits your needs, priorities, and budget. Whether you’re focused on cost, patient care, or the latest technology, our clinic profiles include transparent pricing, success rates, and real patient reviews to help you make an informed choice.
Many clinics offer flexible payment plans or finance options, and some employers now include fertility benefits as part of their healthcare packages — so it’s always worth checking.
Affordable egg freezing
If cost is a major consideration, there are a few more affordable routes to explore:
- Essentials Fertility currently offers one of the UK’s lowest-cost egg freezing programmes, designed for those who meet specific medical and age criteria — though eligibility is strict, and not everyone will qualify.
- Freeze-and-share programmes are another option in which you donate some of your eggs to someone else in exchange for reduced treatment costs. While this can significantly lower expenses, it’s important to fully understand the medical, emotional, and ethical implications before proceeding. Clinics should provide independent counselling as part of this process.
- Egg freezing abroad can also offer savings, with many European clinics providing high-quality care at lower prices. However, it’s crucial to factor in travel, medication, and storage costs, and to check that any clinic abroad meets recognised safety and ethical standards.
Whichever path you choose, take time to review your options carefully and ask plenty of questions about success rates, aftercare, and ongoing storage fees. Feeling informed and supported at every stage is key to making a decision that feels right for you.
Find the right egg freezing clinic for you
Choosing a fertility clinic is a big decision — and we’ve made it clearer with our fertility clinic matching tool.
NHS egg freezing FAQs
Can you freeze your eggs on the NHS without a medical reason?
At the moment, no, the NHS does not typically fund egg freezing for non-medical reasons, such as wanting to preserve fertility for personal or lifestyle choices. NHS funding is usually reserved for people facing a significant risk to their fertility due to medical conditions or treatments.
If you’re thinking about freezing your eggs for reasons like wanting more time before starting a family, private clinics are currently the main route for accessing this option. Fertility Mapper can help you explore clinics and find the one that feels right for you, with transparent information to support your decisions.
How long will the NHS store my frozen eggs?
Eggs can be stored for up to 55 years, following changes to the law on 1 July 2022. However, you must renew your consent every 10 years to keep them in storage. Your clinic will contact you when it’s time to renew, and it’s essential to keep your contact details up to date. If you don’t pay for storage (unless the NHS is funding your frozen egg storage), your eggs may be disposed of. Be sure to discuss storage options and costs with your clinic before making decisions. [3]
Does the NHS cover egg freezing for transgender people?
Yes, the NHS may offer funding for egg freezing as part of gender-affirming care. If you’re planning medical transition, you may be eligible to preserve your fertility before starting hormone therapy or surgery. Access can depend on local policies and individual circumstances, so speaking to your GP or gender clinic is a good starting point to understand the options available to you. [4]
Is there an age limit for NHS-funded egg freezing?
Yes, there is generally an age limit for NHS-funded egg freezing. Most areas recommend it for people under 35, as egg quality and quantity tend to be better at this age. However, this can vary depending on local NHS policies and individual circumstances. Some regions may allow funding up to the age of 42, just as with IVF, particularly if there’s a medical reason for freezing your eggs. [5]
How do I find out my local NHS policy?
To find out your local NHS policy on egg freezing, start by speaking to your GP. They can provide guidance on eligibility and help you understand what’s available in your area. You can also visit your local NHS website or check with your fertility clinic, as many have information on the specific policies set by your Integrated Care Board (ICB). Each ICB has different rules, so it’s important to get the details relevant to your location.
Sources
- NHS, Guy’s and St Thomas’, NHS Foundation Trust. Freezing eggs or embryos. Last reviewed: July 2024.
- Gov.uk. Charging overseas visitors in England: guidance for providers of NHS services. Updated 30 September 2025.
- Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. Egg freezing.
- Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. Information for trans and non-binary people seeking fertility treatment.
- Seen. Am I Eligible for IVF on the NHS? Criteria and Eligibility Explained. Updated 07 July 2025.