Access to NHS funding in England varies according to your postcode with the number of cycles and access criteria being determined locally.
The updated NICE Clinical Fertility Guideline published on the 20th February 2013 recommends that women aged up to and including 39 should access three full cycles of IVF treatment; it also recommends that women aged between 40 and 42 who have never had IVF treatment and who do not have a low ovarian reserve should be able to access one full cycle of IVF. However in reality this is only a guideline and is not mandatory in England. This is despite the fact that in October 2014 NICE published a new Quality Standard and called for an end to the postcode lottery of IVF treatment in England.
Funding for NHS fertility treatment varies across the country, with access entirely dependent on your postcode and a number of personal factors. We have partnered with Fertility Mapper to help you find out if you are eligible for NHS funded care in England using their simple calculator. For people based in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales you can find detailed resources in our resources section.
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY BY LOCAL AREA
In July 2022, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) were introduced, and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) were closed down. ICSs are partnerships of organisations that come together to plan and pay for health and care services, and cover larger areas, often bringing together a number of CCGs.
Some areas now have a fertility policy for all the CCGs in the ICS, but others still have different policies for each CCG so we have kept our data for individual CCGs to help you find out what is offered in your area. Remember, your local area is determined by your own GP Practice address rather than your own home address.
You can find your local ICB here and can call them directly with queries or request a copy of their current Assisted Conception or Fertility Policy by email.
Click the below link to download the latest data on the fertility funding available to you:
Fertility Treatment Funding Eligibility by CCG
When you open this file, click ‘Read Only’ to bypass the password.
We try to keep this file as accurate as possible but check your eligibility locally as well. If you are aware of any changes in your area, please notify us at info@fertilitynetworkuk.org
Fertility Mapper have created this useful calculator that will help you find out if you are eligible – Find out if you are eligible for NHS-funded IVF or IUI in England with this handy tool
WRITE TO YOUR ICS
We have also written some template letters which you may find helpful and which you can personalise to suit your circumstances. Click on the links below to download the documents. You could also copy your letter to your MP or write separately to him/her – visit our campaign section for more details of our campaign for fairer access to NHS fertility treatment.
Template letter to ICS to request funding
Template letter to ICS to appeal following refusal of funding
NHS FUNDING FOR THOSE IN THE ARMED FORCES
If you or your partner are a member of the Armed Forces, a separate policy applies to you.