Answering your questions: Is it really cheaper to go abroad for IVF when you include everything?

"Is it really cheaper to go abroad for IVF when you include everything?"

If you're struggling to conceive and on the path to parenthood, looking to have a baby and are considering, planning or about to have fertility treatment like IVF, ICSI, Egg Donation, Sperm donation, Embryo donation treatment in Europe and in places like Spain, Greece and Czech Republic, then you're in the right place.

I'm Emma Haslam, and since the birth of our son in 2018, I have made it my mission to make fertility treatment more transparent, accessible, supported and affordable. I now help people around the world just like you to find a safe, best-fit clinic and navigate fertility treatment in Europe. And since 2019 I have helped over 200 people around the world to make informed decisions that are right for them and to have fertility treatment in Europe and achieve their dreams of starting, or expanding their families.

"Is it really cheaper to go abroad for IVF when you include everything?" This is a popular question I get asked a lot. It's a critical question, and understanding the cost implications is essential for most people if you're considering fertility treatment abroad.

Comparing IVF & Fertility Costs: Home vs. Abroad

First, let's consider where you live. Many of my clients are from the UK, Ireland, and the United States. It's important to understand the cost of treatment in your home country before comparing it to options abroad. During our IVF journey, we saved thousands of pounds by opting to have treatment abroad. Our total budget was utilised effectively, giving us more rounds of treatment for our money, and we were able to have multiple attempts, leading to the birth of our son. If we had chosen local treatment, our funds would have depleted quickly, leaving us without the money needed to cover the treatment we needed to have our son. Quite simply put, if we had stayed in the UK for our fertility treatment,, we would not have our son today as our money would have run out.

In countries like the UK, Ireland, or United States, treatment can be significantly more expensive compared to Europe. Even when you include flights and accommodation, the cost savings can be substantial. For instance, a full own egg/sperm IVF cycle in the UK, Europe or the US can range from;

• UK IVF Average Cost: £10,000 + per cycle including everything.

• US IVF Average Cost: $20,000 + per cycle including everything.

In contrast, many European clinics in countries like Spain, Greece, Czech Republic, and Portugal offer competitive packages that can cut costs by up to 50%, even when including flights and accommodation.

When considering having fertility treatment abroad, costs vary by country. Central and European countries tend to be cheaper than Western European countries like Spain. However, even in more expensive European countries, the total cost, including flights and accommodation, often remains considerably lower than in the UK or the US. Some of my clients have reported savings of up to 70%, particularly on egg donation treatment and for 9/10 people in my experience, going abroad is cheaper, including everything, than having treatment in their home countries.

However, beyond the numbers, there are some other benefits to consider:

• Advanced Treatments: Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative treatments at the best clinics for your needs

• No Waiting Lists: Faster access to advanced testing and treatments at the right clinics

• Good Success Rates: There are European clinics who have great success rates

• Transparent pricing: At the right clinic you will find more transparent pricing and with more included in the baseline costs.

• Time away: Time away from the stresses and strains of home life

• More options: More options for testing and treatment and for donor conception, like egg donation

Other Treatment Costs To Be Aware Of

When comparing costs, ensure you account for everything. Clinics often advertise attractive packages but omit essential services. Here are some hidden costs to watch out for:

• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): Often not included, almost always needed when having IVF and can cost between £1,000 to £1,500 in the UK.

• Freezing and Storage: For semen and embryos.

• Consultations and Ultrasounds: Usually always extra and charged for each time

• Medication: Can vary widely, costing from £500 to £2,500 per cycle and much more if you are in the USA, but you can save money by shopping around. If you need an introduction to a specialist online fertility pharmacist that provides no-obligation quotes for medication and global delivery, even if you decide to have treatment locally, you can request a private prescription from your clinic and compare prices. For more information, click here.

• Blood Work: Usually charged for separately and can be very expensive in the UK and USA but you can save money by shopping around.

Choosing the wrong clinic: All fertility clinics are not the same and have different skills, and if you get the wrong clinic, then you can waste time, money, energy, and decrease your chances of growing your family, so you must get the right one for you and one that is also safe and well-regulated.

Going abroad for IVF can indeed be cheaper when all factors are considered. While no one can guarantee success, extending your budget and choosing a cost-effective, high-quality clinic that best meets your needs can increase your chances of success, and you will have no regrets about the things you didn’t do, especially when you are with the right clinic for your needs, personality and budget. 

If you want to know more about how to find the best-fit clinic for you and learn more about the process of having fertility treatment abroad, including the highlights and watch-outs too, then watch my free training to learn everything you need to know.  FREE TRAINING HERE

Want to learn more about going abroad for fertility treatment? 

Access my Conceive Abroad Course. A step-by-step and comprehensive course for people globally on their fertility treatment journey who want to fully understand the process of IVF Abroad, know the steps it takes and feel confident about doing it themselves.

Or take my free quiz: yourivfabroad.co.uk/quiz

Still undecided if going abroad is right for you? Book a 121 Pick My Brain call: yourivfabroad.co.uk/pick-my-brain

Services - to find out more about my services visit: yourivfabroad.co.uk/services

FREE 15 minute video call - ready to take the next step and want to discuss the services Emma offers: calendly.com/yourivfabroad/15min

FREE Online fertility pharmacy introduction - Need an introduction to a specialist pharmacist for a no obligation quote for all your fertility medication at competitive rates and delivered globally?yourivfabroad.co.uk/online-fertility-pharmacy-service

Your IVF abroad planner/journal - Keep everything organised and in one place and document your journey and feelings along the way. Find out more/buy one here: yourivfabroad.co.uk/shop