Embarking on a journey of IVF treatment abroad can be both emotionally and financially taxing.In this article, we delve into the aspects of planning your finances and understanding the process of traveling abroad for IVF with the help of our finance expert Dimitris Kavakas.

From budgeting for treatment costs to considering travel expenses and potential unforeseen challenges, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help individuals and couples embark on their IVF journey.

Can you explain how the process of travelling abroad for IVF works?

Step 1: Research and Initial Contact

• Begin by contacting the chosen clinic for an initial chat.
• Use a clinic checklist during the call to ask key questions about authorization, language, and aftercare.

Step 2: Clinic Decision and Preliminary Information

• Upon deciding on a clinic, you will receive an email with the clinic details and a medical history form.
• Submit the form to help your doctor understand your medical status before the consultation.

Step 3: Initial Consultation and Testing

• Schedule a Skype consultation to discuss your medical history and plan relevant fertility tests.
• Tests can be conducted in your home country to minimize time spent abroad. (Your chosen clinic abroad will help coordinate where to have your tests).
• Receive a personalized treatment plan and medications during this visit following your tests.

Step 4: First In-Person Visit

• If initial tests are done abroad, a four-hour visit covers diagnosis, tests, and a consultation.
• Receive a personalized treatment plan and medications during this visit.

Medication and Stimulation

• Start your course of fertility drugs at home, guided by your patient coordinator.
• Your clinic will coordinate scan appointments locally or at their clinic abroad.

Egg Retrieval and Transfer

• When you have completed your course of medication, your patient coordinator will tell you when to jump back on a plane to head back to the clinic for egg retrieval and transfer.

Post Transfer

• Ten days post-transfer, undergo a pregnancy test.
• If positive, receive guidance from your doctor on next steps.
• If negative, explore frozen embryo transfer options.

Why would you choose a clinic abroad if you are only going over for the egg retrieval and transfer? Is it cheaper than IVF in the UK?

Cost Considerations: IVF treatment costs can vary significantly between countries. Some individuals find that undergoing the procedure abroad is more cost-effective. Clinics in Europe are known for offering competitive and often more affordable prices for fertility treatments compared to the UK. The cost of IVF treatment, including procedures and medications, can be a significant factor influencing the decision to seek treatment abroad.

Regulatory Differences: Regulations regarding assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, can differ between countries. Some individuals may seek options abroad due to specific regulations or restrictions in their home country. Spain for example has favorable regulations for assisted reproductive technologies. The country allows egg and sperm donation, and there is no legal limit on the number of embryos that can be transferred. This flexibility may attract individuals or couples seeking specific options not readily available or restricted in the UK.

Specialized Expertise: Certain clinics abroad may have specialized expertise or advanced technology that appeals to individuals seeking specific treatment protocols or services not readily available in their home country.

Privacy and Anonymity: Individuals may opt for international clinics to maintain a higher level of privacy and anonymity during the fertility treatment process.

Waiting Times: Some countries may have shorter waiting times for IVF treatment compared to others. Choosing a clinic abroad can expedite the process for those who wish to proceed with treatment more promptly.

Personal Preferences: Personal preferences and comfort with the clinic’s approach, practices, or cultural aspects can influence the decision to pursue IVF abroad.

How long is it between egg retrieval and transfer? Do you fly home and then back?

Some individuals choose to stay in the location of the fertility clinic for the duration between retrieval and transfer. This could involve staying in a hotel for 5 days. Others may choose to return home after the egg retrieval and then travel back for the embryo transfer. This decision might be influenced by factors such as cost, personal preferences, or work commitments.

Do clinics offer discounts for accommodation and flights?

While some IVF clinics may have partnerships or recommendations for local accommodations and travel services, offering direct discounts on accommodation and flights is not a common practice. However, clinics may provide support in the following ways:

1. Partnered Accommodations: Some clinics collaborate with local hotels or accommodations to provide their patients with preferred rates or packages. It’s advisable to inquire with the clinic about any such partnerships.
2. Travel Assistance Services: Certain fertility clinics may have travel coordinators or services that can help patients with information about local hotels, transportation options, and sometimes even provide guidance on booking.
3. Packages or Bundles: In some cases, fertility clinics may offer treatment packages that include a range of services, potentially covering aspects such as accommodation and local transportation. These packages might be designed to streamline the process for patients.

On average, how much would one round of IVF cost?

The cost of one round of IVF can vary significantly from one part of the world to another, and even within countries. Multiple factors influence the overall expense, including the clinic’s location, the specific services included, medication costs, and whether additional procedures or tests are required. It’s important to note that the figures provided are rough estimates, and costs can change over time. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, here’s a general overview:

1. United States: IVF costs in the United States can range from $12,000 to $20,000 or more per cycle. This figure may not include additional expenses such as medications, diagnostic tests, or pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT).
2. Europe (e.g., UK): In the UK, one round of IVF on the National Health Service (NHS) is often covered for eligible couples. For private treatment, costs can range from £5,000 to £8,000 or more, excluding medications.
3. Spain: Spain is a popular destination for fertility tourism due to its competitive prices. IVF costs in Spain can range from €4,000 to €8,000, excluding medications and additional tests.
4. India: In India, IVF costs are generally more affordable compared to Western countries. Prices may range from ₹100,000 to ₹300,000 or more, depending on the clinic and services included.
5. Australia: IVF costs in Australia can range from AUD 8,000 to AUD 15,000 per cycle, excluding medications and additional tests.
6. Middle East (e.g, UAE): In the UAE, IVF costs can vary but generally fall within the range of AED 20,000 to AED 40,000 or more per cycle.

On average, how many rounds of IVF does it take to have a live birth?

The number of IVF (in vitro fertilization) cycles needed to achieve a live birth can vary widely among individuals and couples. Several factors influence the success of IVF, including age, overall health, the cause of infertility, and specific treatment details.

Considering that the average age of a woman having IVF treatment is more than 37 years old, where the success rate is approximately 35%, the rest -that is 65%- will not achieve a pregnancy in the first attempt. However, in women younger than 35 years, the majority will have a positive test with the first IVF treatment.

How does Redia support couples with the cost of IVF?

Redia offers refund schemes. The benefit of the refund scheme is that the patient no longer has the stress of cycle failure or financial uncertainty from multiple cycles. The scheme offers up to 3 IVF stimulation cycles with all the transfers included depending on the amount of the embryos developed in each stimulation cycle. So, by paying a set amount for the scheme, the patient can undergo as many attempts as needed to achieve a child (live birth is guaranteed) or in the case that this is not achieved, the patient gets her money back. More information about this can be found on the Redia website.

Watch Dimitris and Sara (Co founder of IVF babble) discuss this topic in a live insta chat by clicking here. 

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