If you are looking to undergo IVF treatment in the UK, there are two options to explore – private treatment that you fund yourself or treatment funded by the NHS.
As infertility cases in the UK rise, more people than ever are seeking fertility treatment such as IVF, ICSI and IUI. However, with the rising cost of living, many people depend on the NHS to start or grow their families at a time when cuts mean having access to treatment recommended by NICE – The Nation Institute for Health Care & Excellence isn't always straightforward.
So, what exactly is the NHS 'postcode lottery'?
When it comes to fertility treatment on the NHS, the term 'postcode lottery' refers to differences in fertility care between different geographic areas. Those living within specific locations may ultimately find they can't access the services they need due to a lack of funding or other factors, such as accessibility or personal circumstance.
These decisions relating to the available treatment are down to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Essential Fertility is here to provide the UK's most affordable IVF treatments to those people, as we believe everyone deserves the chance to start a family.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends who should have access to IVF treatment on the NHS in England and Wales. However, the individual NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) make the final decisions about who can have NHS-funded IVF in their local area. Their criteria may be stricter than those recommended by NICE.
Criteria for referral can vary depending on which ICB region you live in. You may struggle to get a referral for treatment if you:
- Already have a child of your own
- Have a partner who has a child
- Haven't been trying to conceive naturally for at least two years
- Are in a same-sex relationship
- Are single
As it can vary from region to region, you may want to inquire with your local ICB. You can find more information and contact details on the NHS website here.
How long is the NHS IVF waitlist?
As treatment options vary from region to region, so do wait times. Without paying for private treatment, it could take anywhere from a few months to three years to access IVF treatment through publicly-funded healthcare. It requires a GP referral, restricts you to a limited number of cycles and requires you to have been either trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for two years or have had 12 cycles of artificial insemination, with at least 6 of the cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Unsurprisingly, many people invest in private treatment and avoid long wait lists. It may seem like a big step, but at Essential Fertility, we make sure to make your experience as seamless and hassle-free as possible. You won't need a referral from your GP to apply, and thanks to our transparent pricing and all-inclusive packages, you will be given peace of mind from your first consultation throughout your treatment.
Why should I consider Essential Fertility for my IVF treatment?
Essential Fertility offers patient-focused care at some of the UK's lowest prices, making it affordable and convenient for those all over the UK to undergo treatment at our state-of-the-art South Manchester clinic. The team here at Essential Fertility believes everyone should have the opportunity to have fertility treatment and experience the wonderment of parenthood.
How much does IVF treatment cost at Essential Fertility?
We offer all eligible patients our Essential IVF package for only £2950. This includes all the medication you will need during your cycle, one free frozen embryo transfer, and freezing and storage of embryos for the first year. We also include blastocyst culture, EmbryoGlue, time-lapse imagining, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) embryo selection for implantation within these packages that help develop and select embryos.
If you are having difficulty accessing NHS IVF and want to look at low-cost options, then Essential Fertility can help you. Like the NHS, we have eligibility criteria we want patients to meet before proceeding. However, it is a more accessible treatment option than regular private treatment.
Our friendly team is happy to discuss our treatment plans with you, discuss exactly what's involved, and develop a plan based on your situation. You can call us on 0345 646 1778 or request a call back via our online form.
