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Can I get IVF on the NHS?

Yes — IVF can be available on the NHS, but it depends on your local NHS fertility pathway. Each Integrated Care Board (ICB) in England, and the national systems in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, set their own NHS IVF eligibility criteria and IVF funding rules.

Am I eligible for IVF on the NHS?

Eligibility depends on factors such as your age, BMI, how long you've been trying to conceive, whether either partner already has children, smoking status and your local funding criteria. Our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator gives you a quick indication based on these IVF eligibility requirements.

Who qualifies for NHS IVF?

Typically, NHS-funded fertility treatment is offered to couples who have been trying to conceive for a defined period (often 1–2 years) and who meet local NHS IVF eligibility criteria around age, BMI and existing children. Single women and same-sex couples may qualify in some areas but often after self-funded investigations or insemination cycles.

How many IVF cycles does the NHS fund?

NICE recommends up to 3 full cycles of IVF for eligible women under 40 and 1 cycle for women aged 40–42. In practice, the number of NHS-funded IVF cycles varies — Scotland often funds up to 3, Wales up to 2, and most English ICBs fund just 1. This is the so-called IVF postcode lottery.

Is IVF free on the NHS?

If you meet your local NHS IVF eligibility criteria, NHS-funded IVF is free at the point of use. You may still pay privately for any add-ons that aren't covered by the NHS, or for storage of frozen eggs or embryos after a set period.

What age can you get IVF on the NHS?

Most NHS policies fund IVF up to age 40, with some areas extending eligibility to age 42 (most commonly Wales). A lower age limit usually applies too — typically around 18 or 23, depending on the region.

Does the NHS pay for IVF?

Yes, the NHS does pay for IVF for patients who meet local NHS fertility funding criteria. The exact level of NHS-funded fertility treatment depends on where you live, which is why the IVF postcode lottery is so often discussed.

How do I qualify for NHS IVF?

Speak to your GP first. They can arrange initial fertility investigations and, if appropriate, refer you to a specialist. You'll then be assessed against your local ICB's IVF funding rules, which look at age, BMI, smoking, length of time trying and existing children.

Can same-sex couples get NHS IVF?

In some areas, yes. NHS IVF eligibility for same-sex female couples often requires evidence of self-funded donor insemination cycles (commonly 6–12) before NHS-funded IVF is offered. Rules vary by ICB and across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Can single women get NHS IVF?

Single women may be eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment in some regions, often where there's a diagnosed cause of infertility or after a number of self-funded IUI cycles. As with same-sex couples, criteria vary depending on local NHS fertility funding policies.

NHS IVF Funding & Eligibility

🇬🇧 UK Only

NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator

Check whether you may qualify for NHS-funded IVF treatment in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Answer a few quick questions to receive an indication of your potential eligibility for NHS-funded fertility treatment. Eligibility criteria vary across the UK and final decisions are made by your local NHS authority.

One of the UK's most comprehensive NHS IVF eligibility tools

Check your potential eligibility for NHS-funded IVF using current criteria from NHS Integrated Care Boards and national health bodies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our eligibility data is reviewed and updated every six months to help you understand what NHS fertility funding may be available based on your location and circumstances.

✓ UK-wide coverage✓ Reviewed every 6 months✓ Local eligibility criteria✓ Personalised results

Our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator helps you understand whether you may qualify for NHS-funded IVF, NHS fertility treatment and fertility funding in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Access to NHS-funded fertility treatment varies across the UK and depends on factors such as age, fertility history, previous treatment, relationship status and local funding criteria. While national guidance exists, NHS IVF eligibility criteria and IVF funding rules are set locally — so where you live shapes the NHS fertility pathway available to you.

If you'd like the background first, read our complete guide to NHS fertility treatment and IVF funding.

This page brings together the IVF eligibility requirements used across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, alongside answers to common questions about NHS fertility funding and the IVF postcode lottery, so you can plan your next steps with confidence.

⭐ Start here

Postcode Lottery Check

🇬🇧 UK Only

Free · Instant

What NHS-funded IVF is my area entitled to?

Where you live decides how many rounds of NHS-funded IVF you may be entitled to — anywhere from none to three full cycles — and each region also sets its own age range and eligibility rules. Pick your Integrated Care Board (ICB) or nation below.

Interactive UK map

Tap a region to select it

3 full cycles

2 full cycles

1 cycle or partial funding

Under review / limited

Regions shown are approximate — not a postcode finder. For exact ICB boundaries use the NHS ICB finder.

Not sure? Find your ICB

Filter by funding band

This is an indicative summary of publicly-available ICB fertility policies. Cycle counts and criteria are updated frequently — your age, BMI, existing children, relationship length and previous treatment all affect whether you'll qualify. Always confirm with your GP and local ICB.

Free Tool

🇬🇧 UK Residents Only

NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator

Answer a few quick questions for an indicative idea of whether you may be eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment in the UK.

This calculator provides an indication of your potential eligibility for NHS-funded fertility treatment. Final funding decisions are made by your local NHS authority and individual circumstances may affect eligibility.

Where do you live?In England, eligibility varies by Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Your ageAge at the start of any potential treatment.Your genderGender assigned at birth — used for NHS pathway guidance.Partner's genderSelect 'No partner' if applying on your own.

Your BMI

Not sure? Switch to 'Use height & weight', or use the NHS BMI calculator or IVFbabble BMI calculator.

Do you (or your partner) smoke?

How long have you been trying to conceive?Months of regular unprotected sex / attempted conception.Have you had IVF before?

Including privately funded cycles.Do you or your partner already have children?

Including from previous relationships and adopted children.Have you been in a stable relationship for at least 2 years?

Choose 'Single applicant' if you're applying on your own.

I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions and agree to be contacted by email.

How Does NHS Fertility Funding Work?

In the UK, fertility treatment funding is managed locally by organisations called Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Each ICB sets its own criteria, which means eligibility can vary depending on your postcode — often referred to as the "postcode lottery."

While the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance, local areas decide how these guidelines are applied.

Am I Eligible for NHS-Funded Fertility Treatment?

Eligibility criteria can vary, but may include:

Age (often under 40, though this varies)
BMI (Body Mass Index) within a specific range
Whether you or your partner already have children
How long you've been trying to conceive
Lifestyle factors such as smoking

In some areas, the NHS may fund one or more IVF cycles, while in others, funding may be more limited.

What Is the Process? Your Step-by-Step NHS IVF Action Plan

If you think you may be eligible, here's how to get started:

Step 0: Find Your Integrated Care Board (ICB)

Your very first step is to find your exact Integrated Care Board (ICB) by entering your GP surgery's postcode into the official NHS Find Your Local ICB tool. Because IVF funding in England is an "NHS postcode lottery," your eligibility and the number of funded cycles change completely depending on which local board covers your GP.

Find your local ICB

Once you know which board you belong to, follow this exact action plan:

1. Request Your ICB's Fertility Policy

Search your specific ICB's website or contact their Patient Experience Team for their 'Assisted Conception' or 'Fertility' policy document. Look closely at their specific local limits:

Number of cycles — they may offer 1, 2, or the full 3 NICE-recommended cycles.
Age cut-offs — many boards cut off funding at age 35, 40, or 42.
Social criteria — strict rules on existing children (including step-children or children from previous relationships), BMI limits, and smoking status.

2. Book a 'Fertility Referral' Appointment With Your GP

You cannot self-refer to an IVF clinic. Book an appointment with your GP and explicitly state you want to start the NHS fertility pathway.

Tell the GP how long you've been trying to conceive (usually 2 years of unprotected sex, or 6–12 cycles of artificial insemination).
Ask the GP to order the standard 'Tier 1' fertility tests required by your specific ICB.

3. Complete the Mandatory Preliminary Tests

Your GP must prove you meet the clinical criteria before your local ICB will approve funding for a hospital specialist. Your GP will arrange:

For women / individuals with a uterus: blood tests for hormone levels (e.g. AMH for ovarian reserve, Progesterone to confirm ovulation) and Chlamydia screening.
For men / individuals with testes: a formal semen analysis to check sperm count, motility and morphology.

4. Ask for a Referral to Secondary Care

Once your test results are back, if you meet your local ICB's criteria, your GP will write a referral letter to a local hospital's Gynaecology or Fertility clinic. That hospital specialist will then do final checks and officially apply to your ICB for your IVF funding voucher.

Important Things to Know

Waiting times can vary significantly depending on your area
You are entitled to initial investigations on the NHS, even if treatment isn't funded
Funding criteria can change — always check with your GP or local ICB

What If I'm Not Eligible for NHS Funding?

Not qualifying for NHS-funded fertility treatment can feel disappointing, but it doesn't mean your fertility journey has to stop.

Many people choose to explore private fertility treatment, either in the UK or abroad, giving them access to a wider range of treatment options, shorter waiting times and greater flexibility in choosing a clinic or specialist.

Private fertility treatment may offer:

Faster access to treatment
Greater choice of clinics, specialists and treatment options
Access to donor programmes, fertility preservation and advanced treatments
More flexibility around treatment timelines

Understanding Your Financial Options

Fertility treatment can be a significant investment, but there are often more funding options available than many people realise.

Depending on where you live and the clinic you choose, you may be able to explore:

Clinic payment plans and finance options
IVF refund programmes or money-back guarantees
Fertility treatment loans
Fertility grants and charitable funding programmes
Employer fertility benefits and workplace support schemes
Insurance-funded fertility treatment (where available)

If you're considering treatment abroad, it's also important to factor in travel, accommodation and medication costs alongside the treatment itself.

Choose Regulated Clinics

Whether you're considering treatment in the UK or overseas, always ensure your chosen clinic is appropriately regulated and licensed.

In the UK, fertility clinics are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). If you're exploring treatment abroad, look for recognised national regulators and accredited clinics that meet high standards of patient safety and care.

Find HFEA and UK regulators

Explore Your Options

Before making any decisions, take time to compare:

IVF costs and treatment packages
Funding and finance options
Refund programmes
Clinic success rates
Regulation and accreditation
Fertility treatment laws in your chosen country

Because understanding how to fund treatment is just as important as understanding the treatment itself.

Explore IVF Costs, Funding & Global IVF Access Finance options Global IVF access

NHS IVF Funding & Eligibility — Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about NHS-funded fertility treatment, IVF eligibility requirements and local funding criteria across the UK.

Campaigning for fairer access to NHS fertility treatment

IVFbabble has long campaigned for fairer access to fertility treatment across the UK. Together with Fertility Network UK, we helped take a petition signed by 116,000 people to 10 Downing Street, calling for greater fertility fairness and highlighting inequalities in access to NHS-funded fertility treatment.

Learn more about NHS fertility treatment, funding and eligibility Read about the petition

Preparing for Your First Fertility Consultation

Whether you've been referred through the NHS or going private, your first appointment is one of the most important.

Knowing what to ask can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, success rates, costs and what happens next. Our expert-informed guide walks you through 15 essential questions every UK patient should ask at their first fertility appointment.

Read: 15 Questions to Ask at Your First Fertility Consultation

Create Your Free Fertility Hub

Your personal space to track your fertility journey, save clinics and experts, follow trusted guidance, and get tailored next steps — whether you're going through the NHS, exploring private treatment, or somewhere in between.

Create your Fertility Hub

Join the Pineapple Community

Connect with others navigating NHS waiting lists, eligibility decisions and private treatment. Share experiences, ask questions and get support from people who truly understand the fertility journey.

Join the Pineapple Community

Ask a Fertility Expert

Post a question about NHS funding, ICB criteria, referrals or private treatment — and get answers from verified fertility experts, clinics and others who've been through it.

Have a Question? Ask Our Experts

How Babble Connect Can Help

At IVFbabble, we understand how confusing fertility pathways can feel — especially when navigating funding, referrals, and treatment options.

Through Babble Connect, we help guide you from trusted education into action — connecting you with regulated clinics, experts, and support tailored to your journey.

Whether you're exploring NHS options or considering private treatment, we're here to help you understand your choices and take your next step with confidence.

Browse UK Clinics Read Expert Advice Fertility Support Hub

If you have any questions about this topic or anything else on IVFbabble, we're here to support and guide you — our team and leading global experts are here to help. You're not alone.

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