5 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Country for Fertility Treatment Abroad (And What to Do Instead)
- Your IVF abroad
- May 20
- 4 min read
Considering IVF or egg donation abroad can be a life-changing decision — offering access to high-quality care, shorter wait times, and lower costs. However, if you're not careful, choosing a country for treatment can become overwhelming, confusing, and costly in more ways than one.
Here are 5 common mistakes people make when choosing a country for fertility treatment, along with what to do instead, so you can move forward feeling confident, empowered, and informed.
❌ Mistake 1: Choosing a Country That Doesn’t Meet Your Needs
Not every country will meet your unique fertility, legal, or personal requirements.
Some important things to check:
· 💷 Financial — Costs vary massively by country.
· 🧬 Medical access — Certain treatments, like PGT-A or immune protocols, may not be available everywhere.
· 🏳️🌈 Legal restrictions — Some countries restrict treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals or solo parents.
· 🌍 Cultural factors — You might not feel comfortable or safe as a person of colour or queer person in certain regions.
👉 What to do instead: Start with your needs. Before you fall in love with a clinic or destination, make sure the country:
Legally allows you to receive treatment.
Offers the tests and procedures you need.
Feels safe and welcoming.
Getting emotionally or financially invested in a country that later turns out to be unsuitable can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment.
🏥 Mistake 2: Assuming All Healthcare Standards Are Equal
Healthcare standards — especially for fertility treatment — can vary wildly from country to country.
This isn’t about scaring you. It’s about making sure you’re informed:
Some countries have excellent standards, equal to or better than the UK, US, or Western Europe.
Others might lack clear protocols, thorough hygiene standards, or proper medical oversight.
👉 What to do instead: Research how a country’s general healthcare system and fertility sector operate:
Are clinics accredited or inspected regularly?
Are there medical standards in place to protect patients?
Remember, this is a medical procedure — you deserve to feel safe and supported, wherever you go.
⚖️ Mistake 3: Overlooking Regulation (Or Lack Of)
One of the biggest risks of going abroad for fertility treatment is entering a system with little to no oversight.
In some countries:
Clinics don’t need to be registered.
There's no national fertility body overseeing ethics or safety.
Paperwork might be expired — and no one’s checking.
👉 What to do instead:
Ask: Does this country have national regulations for assisted reproductive technology?
Check: Are clinics licensed and monitored?
Avoid: Countries with “grey zones” or where regulation exists in name but not in practice.
You deserve full transparency. You need to know who’s making the rules — and whether anyone is actually enforcing them.
🧬 Mistake 4: Not Understanding Donor Conception Laws
If you’re planning to use egg or sperm donation, you’ll need to dive into the fine print of that country’s laws. They can vary drastically.
Things to consider:
Is donation anonymous or open-ID?
Are there limits on how many families a donor can help create?
Is there screening, consent, and ethical oversight in place?
👉 What to do instead:
Before choosing a country, ask:
Can this country provide donors that match my ethnicity and preferences?
Are donors well cared for — and not over-used or financially exploited?
Are future children protected legally and ethically?
Donor conception laws matter not just for now, but for your child’s future too.
🧭 Mistake 5: Diving In Without Doing the Deep Work First
It’s easy to focus on the clinic, the success rates, or the destination — but unless the country itself meets your needs, everything else falls apart.
Making an uninformed decision can cost you:
Time and money
Mental and emotional energy
Potential heartache or regret
👉 What to do instead:
Flip the process:
Start with the country — is it safe, legal, ethical, and right for YOU?
Then choose a clinic within that country that aligns with your goals and values.
This avoids wasted effort and helps you move forward with confidence and clarity.
🎯 Final Thoughts
When you get this right, it can truly change everything. Choosing the right country sets the foundation for a safe, supported, and successful fertility journey abroad.
Quick recap of what to consider:
✅ Not all countries will meet your personal, legal, or financial needs
✅ Healthcare standards vary
✅ Some countries lack regulations entirely
✅ Donor laws and ethics differ — do your homework
✅ Start with the right country, then find the right clinic
🎁 Need more help?
If you’re still unsure where to start, check out the free masterclass below. You’ll learn
How to choose a country that fits your needs
Common pitfalls to avoid
What your options really are
Free Resources & Step-By-Step Guides
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