A guide to Access Fertility: What is it and how does it work?

If you’re thinking about IVF, the financial side of treatment can feel like another uncertainty at an already unpredictable time.

If NHS-funded IVF isn’t available to you, you may be considering private treatment and wondering what your options are.

Understanding the different ways you can fund IVF, can help you feel more prepared for the next steps.

At CRGH, we partner with Access Fertility to offer a range of IVF funding programmes designed to give you more confidence around costs before treatment starts.

In this blog, we’ll explain what Access Fertility is, how each programme works, and which one could be right for you.

What is Access Fertility?

Access Fertility works in partnership with fertility clinics across the UK to provide alternative ways of paying for IVF.

Instead of paying for one cycle of IVF at a time, eligible patients can choose from programmes designed to cover multiple treatment cycles for a fixed fee.

Depending on the programme, there may also be a refund available if treatment doesn’t result in a baby. You might have heard this referred to as refundable IVF.

At CRGH, Access Fertility options include Multi-Cycle IVF, Unlimited IVF and Donor Egg programmes.

There is also a 0% interest Buy Now Pay Later option, allowing eligible patients to spread the cost of treatment over 12 months, up to £12,000.

The aim is to give you different ways to approach the financial side of fertility treatment so you can choose an option that works for your circumstances.

What is refundable IVF?

One of the main features of Access Fertility is the option of refundable IVF.

With a refundable IVF programme, eligible patients pay a fixed programme fee which covers specified treatment.

Depending on the programme selected, if treatment is unsuccessful, you could receive up to 100% of your money back.

This can provide an additional layer of financial reassurance at a time when it’s impossible to predict exactly how your fertility journey will unfold.

It’s important to remember though that individual programmes have different terms and eligibility requirements. Before choosing a programme, make sure you take the time to understand exactly what’s included.

What Access Fertility programmes are available at CRGH?

There are several Access Fertility options available at CRGH. These include:

1. Multi-Cycle IVF

The Multi-Cycle IVF Programme provides access to multiple IVF cycles for a fixed cost.

This might appeal to you if you want to plan financially for the possibility of needing more than one cycle, rather than paying separately as treatment progresses.

2. Unlimited IVF

The Unlimited IVF Programme allows eligible patients unlimited access to IVF cycles for up to two years.

For some people, having more time and flexibility for treatment can be reassuring, especially when you don’t know how many cycles you might need.

3. Donor Egg Programme

Access Fertility also provides a programme for patients using donor eggs.

If donor egg IVF is part of your treatment pathway, your team can help you understand your options and whether an Access Fertility programme is right for you.

“We know that concerns about the cost of treatment can add another layer of stress to an already emotional journey. Our role is to make sure patients understand all of their options so they can make informed decisions that are right for them.” – Karin, Fertility Care Coordinator at CRGH

Can I spread the cost of IVF?

For some patients, the challenge isn’t necessarily the overall cost of treatment but having to pay a significant amount upfront.

CRGH also offers an Access Fertility 0% interest Buy Now Pay Later option, which allows eligible patients to spread the cost of treatment over 12 months, up to a value of £12,000.

This is different from a refundable or multi-cycle programme, so it’s worth looking at the available options individually and considering which best suits your circumstances.

Which option is right for me?

There’s no single funding route that’s right for every patient.

Some people may prefer to pay for individual treatment as they go. Others value the certainty of planning for multiple IVF cycles from the beginning. For someone else, the possibility of a refund if treatment isn’t successful might be particularly important.

Funding is just one part of your fertility journey but your clinical care should always be at the centre of your decision.

At CRGH, our approach begins with understanding you as an individual. Your fertility specialist can assess your circumstances, discuss any investigations you might need and recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Once you have a clearer idea of the treatment being recommended, you can consider the different ways of funding it.

Questions to ask when considering an IVF funding programme

There’s a lot to take in when you’re comparing IVF funding options, so don’t be afraid to ask us questions.

You might want to find out:

• Which programmes am I eligible for?
• What treatment is included?
• How many treatment cycles are covered?
• Are frozen embryo transfers included?
• Are there any costs outside the programme fee?
• Is there a refund if treatment is unsuccessful?
• How much could be refunded?
• How long does the programme last?
• Would spreading the cost be more suitable for me?
• What happens if my treatment plan changes?

Most importantly, take the time you need to understand your options. Choosing how to fund IVF is a personal financial decision and should be made with a clear understanding of the terms involved.

Taking the next step

If you’re considering IVF, book a consultation with CRGH. Our team can discuss your individual circumstances and treatment options, helping you understand the next steps in your fertility journey.