NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator (updated February 2026)
Use our free NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator — updated every 6 months with official NHS data — to find out instantly if you qualify for funded fertility treatment, how many cycles you could get, and what to do next.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
14 min read
Updated 23 February 2026
Trying to find out if you qualify for NHS-funded IVF or IUI treatment? You’re not alone. Between postcode rules, changing criteria, and unclear eligibility thresholds, it can feel almost impossible to know where you stand.
That’s exactly why we built the Seen Fertility NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator: to help you find out, quickly and clearly, whether NHS-funded treatment might be on the table for you — based on your postcode and personal circumstances.
This data is updated every 6 months with eligibility criteria received directly from NHS Integrated Care Boards and national health bodies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is the most current, comprehensive NHS IVF eligibility tool available.
How to use the NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator
Enter some basic details into the boxes below, and our calculator does the hard work for you. You’ll get a personalised eligibility assessment emailed straight to your inbox — covering how many funded cycles you may be entitled to, and what the next steps look like in your area. Easy.
All UK fertility clinics covered.
Why we built this calculator
Like many in the fertility community, we grew frustrated with the NHS postcode lottery approach to fertility treatment. Where you live — and your personal circumstances — dictates whether you can access funded care at all. And if you’ve ever tried to find out whether NHS-funded treatment is an option for you, you’ll know another big pain point is simply working out if you’re eligible — and what, exactly, is included.
So we did the legwork: scouring local NHS sites across the UK, pulling together different eligibility criteria and ICB policies into a single, searchable database. It means you get a clear, personalised picture of your NHS options without having to wade through dozens of confusing policy documents.
At Seen Fertility (previously Fertility Mapper), we believe it should be so much easier to understand what help you can expect from the NHS — so you can make informed decisions about your path forward.
How does the NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator work?
First, we ask for the postcode of the GP you’re currently registered with. This lets us match you to the policy of your local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) in England, or your national policy if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. These policies determine who is eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment (including IVF) in your area, and what treatment is offered.
Next, we ask you some straightforward questions about you, your partner and your life together. These cover the main NHS eligibility areas:
- Clinical factors: Your age, and whether you have any underlying conditions.
- Lifestyle factors: Your BMI and smoking history.
- Your fertility journey to date: How long you’ve been trying to conceive, and any treatment you’ve already had — including privately funded cycles.
- Your family history: Whether you or your partner have children already, from any relationship.
Once complete, you’ll receive a personalised email assessment outlining your likely eligibility, the number of cycles typically offered in your area, and what you can do next.
This is an estimate based on your answers and publicly available NHS policy data. We recommend confirming directly with your GP or ICB.
What happens after you get your results?
Whether or not you’re eligible, you’ll have a clearer sense of where you stand — and crucially, what you can do next. We know how important it is to feel informed and empowered, especially when the system can feel overwhelming or opaque.
If you might be eligible:
The next step is speaking to your GP. They’ll play a key role in confirming your eligibility and referring you to a fertility clinic — so being prepared can make a real difference.
- Book a GP appointment as soon as you can — they can take time to arrange, so act quickly once you have your results.
- Bring a copy of your calculator results to help you advocate for yourself and explain what you’ve already explored.
- Ask about next steps — which fertility investigations are covered, how to start the referral process, and what to expect in terms of timelines. It can help to come prepared with a list of questions to ask.
- Check you and your partner meet all local criteria — especially around BMI, smoking status, or prior treatment history, as these can affect when (or if) treatment starts.
- Keep records of your conversations, referrals, and any tests or timelines given to you — the NHS process involves multiple steps, so having everything in one place helps.
You don’t need to have all the answers. That’s what your GP and clinic team are there for. But going in feeling prepared can help you feel more in control.
If you might not be eligible:
Being told you may not meet the criteria can feel incredibly disheartening — but you still have options.
- Understand your private treatment options — costs vary significantly between clinics, so research and transparency are key. Not sure where to start? We can match you to local clinics to help find the best fit.
- Explore egg or embryo freezing if you want to preserve your fertility for the future.
- Consider payment plans or shared risk programmes, which offer more financial predictability — some even refund a portion of fees if treatment doesn’t result in a live birth.
- Speak to a fertility specialist anyway — even without a referral, they can offer insight into your fertility health and what paths might be right for you.
- Don’t give up on the NHS completely — in some cases, criteria can be appealed, especially if your circumstances change or you believe you’ve been wrongly assessed.
NHS IVF Eligibility Criteria Explained
Access to NHS IVF and IUI is a postcode lottery that’s hard to navigate. Get the lowdown on how eligibility criteria for treatment works in our straightforward guide.
How to qualify for IVF on the NHS
NHS IVF eligibility isn’t universal — it depends on where you live and your personal circumstances. In England, each of the 42 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) sets its own policy, which means someone in one postcode might be offered three funded IVF cycles, while someone a few miles away is offered none.
While local differences can be frustrating, there are common themes across most NHS fertility policies:
- Aged between 23 and 39 (some ICBs allow treatment up to 42)
- Trying to conceive naturally for 1–2 years without success
- No existing children (in some regions, this applies to either partner)
- BMI usually between 19 and 30 (some allow up to 35)
- Non-smoker, or have quit for a set period
- No privately funded IVF cycles already completed (varies by region)
Your GP or fertility clinic will confirm your exact criteria based on local guidance — or use our calculator above for a personalised assessment right now.
How many rounds of IVF does the NHS fund?
The number of funded IVF cycles you can access depends entirely on where you live. Here’s the current picture by country:
| Country | Funded cycles | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| England | 0–3 cycles (most ICBs offer 1) | Varies by ICB; some have temporarily suspended funding |
| Scotland | Up to 3 full cycles | More consistent eligibility nationally |
| Wales | Up to 2 cycles | FETs may count separately depending on local policy |
| Northern Ireland | 1 cycle | Eligibility for cohabiting couples varies |
Even within England, some ICBs count frozen embryo transfers (FETs) as part of a funded cycle, while others do not. Some also disqualify you if you’ve had any privately funded IVF — others will still offer NHS support regardless. Our calculator accounts for all of these regional variations. [7]
How long is the IVF waiting list in the UK NHS?
There’s no single answer — and that’s one of the most frustrating parts of navigating NHS fertility treatment. Waiting times vary by country, region, clinic capacity, and individual circumstances.
In England, typical waiting times range from 6 weeks to 4 months after your referral is approved — but in high-demand areas, this can stretch significantly, sometimes up to 3 years. Some regions also prioritise based on age.
Once your GP has referred you and you’ve completed the required fertility investigations, you’ll be assessed for eligibility under your local ICB policy. If you meet the criteria and funding is approved, you’ll be referred to a fertility clinic — but how long you wait after that depends on:
- Your ICB’s funding cycle and backlog: Some areas release fertility treatment funding in set windows, while others approve on a rolling basis.
- Clinic capacity and demand: Even after funding is approved, local clinics may have long queues depending on staffing, lab space, and regional demand.
- The pace of your diagnostic process: If initial tests like bloodwork, semen analysis or ultrasounds need to be repeated or delayed, this can push your timeline back.
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, national policies mean timelines tend to be more predictable — though still not immediate:
- Scotland: Most people begin treatment within 6 months of approval, with up to 3 cycles available. [1]
- Wales: Wait times are typically 6–9 months, with up to 2 cycles available. [2]
- Northern Ireland: Average waits of around 6–12 months for 1 funded cycle. [3]
What weight do you have to be to get IVF on the NHS?
Your weight influences NHS IVF eligibility, typically assessed using BMI. The specific range varies by local policy, but typical NHS weight criteria include: [4]
- BMI between 19 and 30 in most regions.
- Some ICBs extend this to a BMI of 35, particularly for treatments like IUI or egg freezing.
- In many areas, both partners are assessed — particularly if the sperm provider is also involved in the treatment process.
- You may be asked to maintain your BMI within the required range for at least 6 months before treatment begins.
If your BMI falls outside the required range right now, it doesn’t mean IVF is off the table permanently. Speak to your GP about what support is available and what a realistic timeline might look like.
How much does IVF cost on the NHS?
If you’re eligible for NHS-funded IVF, the treatment itself is free at the point of care. That typically includes ovarian stimulation, egg collection, embryo transfer, and the necessary medications and scans during your cycle.
But even NHS-funded treatment isn’t always fully free. Here’s what’s typically covered: [5]
- Fertility medications (including stimulation drugs)
- Monitoring scans and blood tests during treatment
- Egg collection and embryo transfer
- Anaesthesia during procedures
- Embryo freezing (sometimes limited to 1 year of storage)
- A set number of treatment rounds, based on your local ICB policy
There may still be costs you’ll need to cover:
- Initial fertility investigations: Some early tests (like AMH, thyroid function or semen analysis) may not be covered on the NHS — especially if you want to bring results to your GP to speed up a referral.
- Travel and accommodation: NHS fertility treatment isn’t always at your nearest hospital, which can add costs.
- Add-ons not always funded: Treatments like ICSI, blastocyst culture or embryo glue may not be covered even if clinically recommended. If so, you may be asked to pay for these privately during your NHS cycle.
- Embryo storage beyond a certain timeframe: Many ICBs only fund one year of storage for frozen embryos. If you want to preserve them longer, you’ll usually need to cover the additional annual cost yourself — typically between £175 and £440 per year, from our IVF cost research. [6]
The True Cost of Fertility Report
NHS funding is only part of the story. Our report reveals how costs across both public and private fertility treatment are shaping access in the UK.
Why does NHS IVF funding vary by postcode?
If NHS IVF feels like a postcode lottery, that’s because it effectively is. In England, 42 Integrated Care Boards control their own fertility budgets and set their own rules. Because each ICB has a different pot of money — and different views on where fertility sits in the priority list — eligibility criteria, number of funded cycles, and even the definition of a ‘cycle’ can change the moment you cross a county line. Your GP’s postcode — not your home address — locks you into that local policy. [4]
When budgets tighten, fertility funding is often one of the first to be cut, viewed by some commissioners as ‘elective’ compared with cancer care or emergency services. That’s why several ICBs have temporarily — or permanently — suspended NHS IVF in recent years.
So if someone in Oxfordshire might be entitled to two IVF cycles after 12 months of trying to conceive, while in Newcastle the same person has to wait 24 months to qualify for one cycle — that’s the NHS IVF postcode lottery at play.
Disclaimer on NHS IVF eligibility calculator data
We work hard to keep our database current with the latest ICB policy documents and national guidance. Our eligibility data is updated every six months, with criteria received directly from NHS sources — making this the most up-to-date NHS IVF eligibility tool available in the UK. That said, criteria can change without notice and some policies may not be published in full.
Always speak to your GP or contact your local ICB to confirm the most current rules for your area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get IVF on the NHS?
Yes — but eligibility depends on where you live and your personal circumstances. In England, each local Integrated Care Board sets its own criteria and funding levels. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland follow national policies. Use our calculator above to check your specific situation instantly.
Is IVF free on the NHS?
Eligible patients receive IVF free at the point of care, covering core treatment including medications, scans, egg collection and embryo transfer. However, some additional costs may still apply — including certain add-on procedures, extended embryo storage, or initial fertility investigations not covered in your area.
Can you get IVF on the NHS if you already have a child?
In many areas, having an existing child — from either partner, including from previous relationships — makes you ineligible for NHS-funded IVF. However, policies vary by ICB: some regions only consider children within the current relationship. Our calculator accounts for this variation when generating your result.
Does Bupa cover IVF?
Most standard health insurance policies — including Bupa — do not cover IVF treatment. Some policies may cover diagnostic investigations or initial consultations, but full IVF cycles are typically excluded. Always check the specific terms of your policy. If you’re not eligible for NHS funding and need help navigating private costs, our clinic matching tool can help you find the most cost-effective option for your circumstances.
Can you get IVF on the NHS if you’ve had private IVF before?
This varies significantly by ICB. Some areas will disqualify you entirely if you’ve had any privately funded IVF cycles. Others will still offer NHS support regardless of prior private treatment. Use our calculator to check how your local policy handles this.
Sources
- Scottish Government, Riaghaltas na h-Alba. Increasing access to IVF. Published: 24 Marxh 2017.
- Senedd Cymru, Welsh Parliament. What’s the latest on access to IVF Treatment in Wales? Published 17/12/2015, Last updated 16/12/2024.
- Department of Health, Ann Roinn Slainte, Mannystrie O Pouste. Increase in funded IVF provision. Date published: 15 February 2024.
- Department of Health & Social Care. NHS-funded in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in England. Updated 11 September 2025.
- NHS. IVF. Page last reviewed: 15 April 2025.
- Seen Fertility. How Much Does IVF Cost in the UK? 23rd September 2024.
- Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. Costs and funding.
