One in seven couples in the UK has trouble conceiving. But why are the remaining patients opting to undergo IVF treatment abroad when over 50,000 have elected to receive their care at home?
It’s all about the money!
For a number of patients, cost is the main concern. IVF centres in Scotland charge as much as £4000. Those in the UK and Wales around £5000. Therefore, it makes sense that many are seeking fertility treatment abroad. Your UK charges may increase to about £7,000 when other costs such as medication, tests, and consultations are taken into account. * excluding medication.
You’ll immediately see how much you can save when you start looking into IVF abroad. You might want to consider which country is best for you. A cycle in Spain might cost between €4,000 and €7,000. This includes medication. Prague and Egypt can cost roughly €2,500. This excludes medication.
No lengthy waits
With no waiting lists, it makes sense that patients are choosing to travel overseas. The average wait time for IVF on the NHS in the UK is anywhere from a few months. It can also be as long as three years.
Age is nothing but a number
IVF abroad could be a wise choice if you are of a higher reproductive age. North Cyprus has a 55-year-old upper age limit. Women must undergo further testing and a psychiatric examination. Spain and Prague will accept women up to the age of 49.
BMI
A patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the factors used to deny them NHS care. In this case, private treatment is the only option. The standard criteria in the UK is to have a BMI of 30 or below. Many women find losing weight challenging.
When researching clinics, please remember that each country will have different requirements. Spain has a limit of 35, but in Greece the limit is much lower (25 or below). It was for this very reason that one of our patients switched from Greece to Spain. She is now 5 months pregnant.
Even if you have what is deemed to be a higher BMI, don’t give up hope.
The cost of medication
As this article’s introduction states, one of the primary factors motivating patients to choose IVF abroad is cost. Not only can you save on treatment, but also on medication costs.
You can expect to spend between £1000 and £2000 in the UK! For this reason, patients often travel to the clinic in advance of their treatment so they can pick up their medication. You won’t need to worry about travelling home. The clinic will give you a letter to show to the airline.
Relax, chill out!
Travelling overseas allows you to receive treatment in a stress-free environment. You won’t have to juggle commitments or rush back to work.
Why not complete the entire course of treatment at the clinic if your schedule permits? If you combine it with a holiday, you can benefit from the free scans, consultations, and cheaper medication. In addition, your doctor will be available to you for any queries you have.
Saving money, more flexibility, and the ability to combine your treatment with a holiday all sound great. However, you need to do a great deal of research to find the right clinic for you. In our next blog, we’ll explain how to shortlist a clinic. Make sure you check back to find out more.
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