How Much Does IVF Cost?

A single cycle of IVF treatment costs between £3,000 and £10,000 depending on treatment specifics. NHS treatment provision varies between health boards and regions, though NICE guidelines typically recommend funding two to three treatment cycles for under 40s and one cycle for women aged 40 to 42. Typically, the total cost of IVF in the UK is comprised of:

• Assessment - the initial tests, scans and consultations to determine treatment path and specifics.
• IVF treatment cycle - the pre-treatment tests, egg retrieval and fertilisation, and embryo transfer and monitoring.
• Medication - typical IVF medications include follicle-stimulating hormones, GnRH regulators, and trigger shots. The medication required (and associated cost) vary considerably between individuals.
• Embryo freezing cost - embryos can be frozen and stored for future use, should the treatment be unsuccessful or you desire another child.
• Admin & shipping fees - fertility clinics, national registries and sperm banks will often charge additional fees for administrative essentials.

Donor sperm typically adds £1,800 - £3,000 to the cost of IVF treatment. The total cost depends on the number of straws purchased, MOT level and the donor’s family limit. Sperm banks will also typically charge admin and shipping fees.

While it is difficult to estimate total costs, we have calculated an approximate IVF price list for a single cycle of IVF using donor sperm in the UK.

The cost of IVF with donor sperm is impacted by:

• Location - IVF costs differ from country to country. 
• Donor sperm - the cost of donor sperm varies depending on whether you choose a donor with stricter family limits or use sperm straws with a higher  MOT.
• Clinic and success rates - clinics with higher IVF success rates and strong reputations may charge more for their services. 
• Treatment complexity - the cost may increase if a donor egg is also required or if ICSI or similar treatment techniques are used.
• Medication costs - fertility drugs impact total cost.

IVF is also often priced per cycle, so each additional cycle required increases the total cost. Since success rates increase with multiple attempts, you may need to go through more than one cycle.

The cost of a single IVF treatment cycle with donor sperm ranges from € 1.600 to tens of thousands of euros, depending on where you are and what treatment you require. Location has a significant impact on IVF costs, and there are considerable regional variations in treatment pricing.

You can get an overview of the average IVF costs (without donor sperm) in the table below.

*Sources: NHS, IVF SYD, Nij Geertgen,Aagaard Klinik and PMA.

In some countries, public healthcare systems or private insurance may cover parts of the treatment. In others, you must pay entirely out of pocket. It’s a good idea to check the rules, so you know if it is possible to get your treatment funded.

As well as the standard fees for IVF treatment, there are often additional costs to consider. Follow-up appointments, including ultrasound scans and blood tests, can add to the total cost. If you are having treatment abroad, you should also consider the cost of transportation, accommodation and time off work. 

Some advanced techniques, such as ICSI and genetic testing, are more expensive, while choosing to freeze and store extra embryos for future use will also add to the cost.

IUI is a less complex, invasive and costly treatment than IVF. While a single IUI treatment cycle is less expensive than a single IVF cycle, cost is just one consideration when determining which treatment is right for you. Treatment suitability also depends on age, fertility assessment, medical history, success rates and clinical guidance.

IVF can be expensive, especially if you have to pay for it yourself. Fortunately, financial support options are available to help make the process more manageable. Many fertility clinics offer financing options, allowing you to spread payments over time rather than covering the full amount upfront.

What extra costs come with donor sperm IVF?

When using donor sperm for IVF, the additional costs include sperm straws, a pregnancy slot, genetic testing, shipping and storage fees. 

Is donor sperm included in IVF treatment prices?

Donor sperm is not typically included in IVF treatment packages. Donor sperm is sourced from sperm banks, while IVF treatment is usually provided by a fertility clinic. The two collaborate closely to coordinate treatment but charge separately for their services.

Does IVF with donor sperm require ICSI?

No, IVF with donor sperm does not necessarily involve ICSI. Traditional IVF techniques in which the sperm and egg are placed together in a dish to fertilise naturally are regularly used. However, your clinic may recommend ICSI to improve the likelihood of treatment success.  

Is IVF with donor sperm cheaper than IVF with donor eggs?

IVF with donor sperm is typically cheaper than IVF with donor eggs, as the latter involves more complex treatment procedures and greater commitment from donors.

Is IUI with donor sperm cheaper than IVF?

A single IUI treatment cycle with donor sperm tends to be cheaper than IVF because it is a less invasive and complex procedure. However, cost is only one factor when deciding the most appropriate treatment. If IVF offers a significantly higher likelihood of success, it may prove less expensive than pursuing multiple rounds of unsuccessful IUI treatment. We recommend discussing your options with a fertility specialist and working together to design a treatment plan that reflects your needs and preferences.

How do I get an exact quote from a fertility clinic?

To get an accurate quote from a fertility clinic, you will need to book an initial consultation and undergo testing and assessment. As IVF treatment is tailored to individuals, this gives your clinic the information it needs to calculate a more precise quote for your personalised treatment plan. 

What is IVF?

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a common and highly effective fertility treatment that involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside of the body, in a laboratory. Once the egg is fertilised, the embryo is monitored for a few days, then transferred to the recipient's uterus to continue development.