IVF is a safe, proven, and widely used medical procedure designed to help couples who are experiencing fertility issues. Thousands of new arrivals are delivered safely every year in the UK using IVF. This comprehensive article will explain what IVF is; whether you are eligible for free NHS IVF; and how you go about applying. We’ll also cover how to appeal if your application is rejected and your options going forward if you are ultimately unsuccessful.
What Is IVF?
IVF is the process of artificially combining sperm and an egg and then implanting them in an embryonic stage into the womb lining. It is a safe, regulated, and proven medical procedure that uses artificial hormone injections to maintain a pregnancy and effectively kickstart the body into nurturing a healthy growing baby.
Can You Get IVF Free On the NHS?
The good news is that it is possible to get IVF on the NHS. What’s more, as it is not means tested, your level of income or employment status will have no impact on your application. IVF is designed for those who have tried for 2 years or more to conceive without falling pregnant. It is, however, a complex medical procedure, so there are a number of lifestyle and physiological restrictions you need to be aware of:
- You and your partner must not have undergone any form of medical sterilisation
- During testing, your fertility doctor will check the levels of two key hormones associated with maintaining a healthy pregnancy (AMH and FSH)
- The prospective mother should have a BMI in the 19-30 range for at least 6 months prior to starting free IVF treatment on the NHS
- Neither the prospective mother or father should have smoked within at least 6 months prior to starting an IVF treatment pathway on the NHS
If you have a living child from your relationship, or you both have a living child from a previous relationship, you will not be eligible for free IVF on the NHS.
How Can I Apply for Free NHS IVF?
You can search for IVF support in your local area and then contact your local GP as your first steps on the journey. Your GP will assess your circumstances and can then advocate on your behalf as you look to get free IVF treatment via the NHS.
Due to the complex nature of the IVF process, there is no simple online form to complete. Everything will typically be done face-to-face via in-person appointments with specialists. The first such meeting is typically with an NHS fertility specialist at a nearby hospital. They will follow up on your GP’s initial recommendation and start assessing your fertility status by looking more closely at your hormone levels.
Are There Regional Differences in NHS IVF Support?
Yes, unfortunately there is something of a postcode lottery when it comes to IVF. This is because NHS trusts are allowed to allocate different amounts of funding to fertility testing and IVF support. Many will also put a different level of emphasis on the risks associated with IVF, preferring instead to direct substantial parts of their budget to other healthcare procedures.
The overall guideline is for 3 cycles of IVF to be offered on the NHS, but you will find that some trusts reduce this to just a single cycle. You can learn about your options in your local area here or by booking a phone appointment with your local GP.
Did you know that if you are pregnant, you are entitled to free prescriptions and dental care even 12 months after you give birth? Follow the link to learn more about this important health benefit.
How Do I Get Referred for Free IVF?
Online searches will direct you to a large number of private advocates, but it’s important to note that the discretion ultimately lies with your GP as the first point of contact. The expense and stress of advocating for a treatment the NHS insists you are not eligible for can be far greater than choosing to pursue a private IVF journey.
How Do I Appeal if I’ve Been Rejected For IVF?
There is not a simple online form for appeals, unfortunately. The process can be distressing and longwinded, with groups like HealthUnlocked IVF community designed to offer support. You may also wish to pursue counselling. Your local GP will guide you through the appeals process that is specific to your local area.
It should be noted that unless you can demonstrate a notable change in your circumstances (stopping smoking, weight loss, etc.), your appeal is likely to be rejected.
Your GP Is your IVF pathway starting point
IVF is available for free on the NHS if you have no living children and are a woman aged under 42 years of age. You will need to have a healthy BMI, be a non-smoker, and pass a series of hormone-level tests conducted by a fertility expert. Your first point of contact, both for applications and appeals, should be your local GP. This is because there is still something of a postcode lottery in the UK, with IVF receiving different levels of funding throughout the UK.
FAQ’s
1. What is the success rate of NHS-funded IVF?
This depends heavily on the age of the woman. The latest NHS figures show a success rate of 32% for women 35 and under, falling to 25% (36-37),19% (38-39) and just 11% for women aged 40 to 42.
2. What is the waiting time for NHS-funded IVF?
Unfortunately, this varies significantly across the country and can be anywhere from 3 months to 3 years. Estimates can quickly become out of date depending on uptake, which makes your local GP the most suitable source of information.
3. What are the alternatives to NHS-funded IVF?
You can search for private IVF treatments, with cycles ranging from £3,000-£5,000 depending on the level of aftercare offered by the institution.
