NHS IVF is a fantastic opportunity for those having a challenging time trying to conceive to start their family. But long waiting lists and different funding depending on where you live, means more people are looking for private IVF treatment, with the HFEA reporting that in 2023 just 27% of all IVF cycles across the UK were NHS-funded, falling from 35% in 2019.
Who can get NHS IVF?
Working out if you can get and applying for NHS-funded IVF, may not always end up being as easy as it should be, but if you’re aged 42 or under and meet certain eligibility criteria, it can be a great option.
If you’re 39 or younger, you could be eligible for 3 cycles of IVF if: I) you’ve been trying to get pregnant through regular sex without using contraception for at least 2 years; ii) you’ve tried 12 cycles of artificial insemination and at least 6 of those cycles used IUI (intrauterine insemination).
Eligibility criteria are slightly different for those aged between 40 and 42 years old, with patients offered 1 cycle of NHS IVF, if they’ve been unable to conceive for 2 years, have tried 12 cycles of artificial insemination, or have never had IVF before.
Who makes decisions about NHS funded IVF?
Decisions on who can access IVF where you live are made by local integrated care boards (ICBs), who are responsible for planning and funding regions across the UK. Some ICBs may only offer IVF depending on certain factors, such as your age, BMI, and whether you already have children.:
Unfortunately, this means that the level of NHS IVF provision you could get and who is eligible is a bit of a post code lottery, for example if you live in Hackney, you can get 3 cycles of treatment but if you live in Luton, you may only be offered 1 cycle.
Where has NHS IVF been reduced?
Over the last few years, ICBs all over the UK have made cuts to NHS-funded IVF. With many stating that they’re doing so both for reasons around costs, and to adopt a single approach of only offering one cycle of treatment.
Here are the areas that have reduced access to IVF most recently:
At the beginning of July 2025, NHS Sussex’s ICB reduced the number of NHS-funded IVF cycles patients can receive from three to one.
NHS Greater Manchester have proposed that the same approach be adopted across the area, with one full IVF cycle offered to eligible women aged 39 and under, plus an additional cycle attempt if the first is cancelled or abandoned.
NHS-funded IVF cycles across South Yorkshire are set to be cut from two to one.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside plan for everyone in Merseyside, NHS IVF to one cycle across the area.
How can I fund IVF if I’m not eligible for NHS treatment?
If you’re not eligible for NHS-funded IVF, self-funded or private fertility treatment is often still an option.
At Access Fertility we work with fertility clinics across the UK to offer patients fixed-price multi-cycle programmes with up to a 100% refund if you don’t have a baby, and 0% interest finance to help spread the cost of treatment.
NHS IVF FAQs
Depending on where you live, if you’re eligible for NHS IVF, there can be a wait of between a few months and up to three years to start treatment.
The sooner you access support from your GP and request a referral the better, as this gives more time for investigations, especially if you are aged 35+. NHS-funded IVF is only available for women up to the age of 42.
This depends on your local area and its policies around LGBTQ+ people accessing IVF.
There are many reasons why you may be declined for NHF -funded treatment, such as:
- Smoking or drug use.
- Your weight and BMI, most ICBs require a BMI of less than 30.
- You’re an overseas patient and don’t qualify.
Yes, you can challenge the decision and ask for your personal circumstances to be reviewed by contacting your local ICB.