Having IVF Abroad through Medical Tourism

There is a growing trend in the UK to seek private medical care in countries where such treatments are cheaper, but performed to standards that either meet or exceed those in the UK. This practice is not limited to fertility treatments alone, but does encompass a range of the popular procedures that are often sought out here in the UK, including, for example, IVF.

Quality of IVF Abroad

The biggest concern when looking at IVF abroad is, for many people, the quality of the care and treatment they will receive. In the most popular destinations for private medical tourism, hospitals and healthcare standards tend to be maintained to impeccable standards, but if you are looking to pursue an IVF treatment abroad then it is wise to research the facility in question. So look out for reviews, testimonials, and whether or not it is a clinic registered with a regulatory body in the field of reproduction and embryology.


Swedish IVF programmes only treat women up until the age of 42, however they have success rates up to 56% because of this.

Women older than 42 have the option to go to Denmark where there are programmes which specialise in women between the ages of 42 and 46. Denmark may also be an attractive option for couples looking for sperm donations as it has a large bank and no waiting list. While in the UK couple could have to wait up to 3 years to receive a donation on NHS waiting lists.

High success rates, excellent facilities, competitive rates, and efficient services without waiting lists are only some of the advantages of seeking IVF abroad. Others include the chance to pursue fertility treatments in peace and quiet without the pressure of everyday life, and

The law and IVF

If you are looking for IVF or other fertility treatments abroad, it is important to remember that laws around the subject vary hugely from country to country. Unlike in the UK, some countries ban unmarried women from undergoing IVF procedures. China outlaws IVF for women who are not married, as well as women with infectious diseases. Sunni Muslim countries only allow IVF between married couples, and do not allow sperm donations from men outside of the couple, although Iran allows the donation of unfertilised eggs. America has regulations in place which may affect whether you can undergo IV,F however they are unlikely to affect partners. Costa Rica outlaws the use of IVF completely.

Whether or not the law abroad will affect you will depend on your situation, regulations can be split into the following:

  • Forms of treatment: Countries banning all or some forms of treatment.
  • Number of transferred embryos: Some countries, including the UK, will limit how many eggs can be transferred.
  • Freezing of embryos: some countries do not allow embryos to be frozen, or limit how long that they can be frozen
  • Anonymity of donors: some countries do not allow anonymous donors.
  • Mixing of sperm, eggs, or embryos: some countries, including the UK, do not allow them to be mixed

« Paying for IVF Privately Success Rates of IVF »