The Complexities of IVF Access: Cost, Postcode Lotteries, and Prior Private Treatment
For many couples facing infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) represents a beacon of hope. However, access to this life-changing treatment in the UK is increasingly fraught with challenges, including significant financial burdens and a frustrating postcode lottery of eligibility criteria. Recent cases highlight the difficult decisions couples are forced to make, and the inequities within the National Health Service (NHS) system.
Sophie Glasby, a 33-year-old from York, is currently navigating these obstacles. After 13 years of trying to conceive, and following an ectopic pregnancy in 2017 that revealed a diagnosis of endometriosis, Sophie and her partner, Carl Rogers, were referred for IVF. However, they were informed they did not qualify for NHS funding because Rogers has a 15-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. “It’s me that’s got the infertility issues,” Sophie stated, expressing her frustration. “We see disgusting, and I’d love to be able to advocate for people who are going through the same thing as I am.”
Sophie’s experience is not isolated. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England determine IVF eligibility, and a common criterion for exclusion is having children from current or previous relationships. This policy, while intended to ensure fair allocation of limited NHS resources, can feel deeply unfair to those affected. Dr. Nigel Wells, executive director of clinical and professional at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, acknowledged this, stating, “We understand how painful and emotionally exhausting fertility challenges can be, and we know that NHS policies affecting access to IVF can sometimes feel deeply unfair.” He emphasized, however, that the NHS “does not have unlimited financial resources which means it cannot afford to offer IVF to everyone who wants to it.”
The financial strain of IVF is substantial. A single cycle typically costs between £3,000 and £5,000, with additional costs for add-ons, potentially exceeding £20,000. Sophie and Carl initially funded a private IVF cycle at a cost of £12,000, relying on financial support from her parents. They are now preparing for a second cycle, benefiting from leftover embryos from the first attempt, which will reduce the cost to £3,500. Friends are rallying to support Sophie, raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to help cover these expenses. As of , the campaign has raised over £2,700.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that some couples, like Sophie and Carl, initially opt for private treatment to bypass lengthy NHS waiting lists. However, a case in Hampton-in-Arden, near Solihull, highlighted in April 2025, revealed that undergoing a private IVF cycle can disqualify couples from receiving subsequent NHS-funded treatment. Andrew and Gemma Standen were shocked to learn they were ineligible for NHS IVF after paying £14,000 for a private cycle, due to a policy in place across much of the West Midlands. This policy is unusual; only two other ICBs in the country deny NHS IVF access to those who have previously pursued private treatment.
Research from Queen Mary University of London underscores the growing trend of individuals being forced into private IVF due to limited NHS funding and lengthy waiting times. The study found that only a fifth of aspiring parents could comfortably afford private fertility care, while 40% would require substantial financial planning, and another 40% simply could not afford it. This often leads to a complex situation where individuals may initially utilize NHS services, only to transition to private care and potentially face further financial barriers if they require additional cycles.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends three cycles of IVF for women under 40. However, access remains inconsistent across the UK, determined by an individual’s postcode and registered general practice. This postcode lottery creates significant inequities, leaving some unable to access the treatment they need.
Sophie Glasby’s story highlights the emotional and financial toll of infertility treatment. She questioned why couples in her situation, where the male partner has children from a previous relationship, are not eligible for at least one round of NHS-funded IVF. “Being a mum is something that should come naturally to people, so people who are struggling to do that just get hit with this massive bill to do something that should be natural,” she said. She also emphasized the physical and mental strain of IVF, noting the “massive toll” the medication takes on the body.
The challenges faced by Sophie and others underscore the need for a comprehensive review of NHS IVF funding policies. While acknowledging the financial constraints faced by the NHS, a more equitable and consistent approach to access is crucial to support those struggling with infertility and fulfill their desire to start a family.
