Can I freeze my eggs through the NHS?

Will NHS cover my egg freezing costs?

“Egg freezing, and in this economy!?”

This is probably your first thought after coming across a multitude of articles that talk about the expense, and the cost of egg freezing cycles. 

But here’s the thing: If you're planning for a fertility treatment, and if egg freezing is on the charts, then there are ways out there to help you cut down on the costs. 

And if your first pit stop is the NHS, we’ve prepared this guide for you to understand how NHS coverage works, the eligibility criteria, and alternative routes that you can take. 

So, read on to find out!

Can I freeze my eggs on the NHS?

💊 here's a little honesty pill. Maybe. 

Your egg freezing cycle is only covered by the NHS if you are under the age of 42, and are undergoing medical treatment that affects your fertility, such as chemotherapy, gender reassignment surgery, etc. 

This is because, in the UK, coverage for fertility preservation ultimately comes down to your local area and what its fertility policy is.

How do I know if my egg freezing is covered by NHS?

This dates back to the guidelines set by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence set some guidelines in 2013. While these guidelines are in place, they are not mandatory. 

This means that locally, Integrated Care Systems, or ICS can set their own funding level and eligibility criteria. So essentially even if you meet the guidelines that NICE sets, you may not meet the local requirements and guidelines set by the ICS.

Is egg freezing available on the NHS?

There are two ways to go about answering this- depending on whether you’re in the eligibility criteria or not.

If you’re in the eligibility criteria:

1. We recommend checking the NICE guide for recommendations on egg freezing before starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
2. You can then check for your local ICB and contact them directly on how to get started with the process.

If you’re not in the eligibility criteria:

1. If you are eligible to be covered under the NICE guidelines, but don’t fall under the guidelines of the ICS, you can then appeal in the ICS using the NHS funding page
2. Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have a central criteria for funding, which you can check on this regional NHS page.

If you do not fall under the NICE guidelines either, you can search for your local ICB and either call directly or request a copy of their fertility policy via email. Post-checking your eligibility, you can write a letter to your ICS requesting coverage, using these template letters. You can also refer to this page for additional documents to help with coverage requests.

What do I do if NHS doesn’t cover my egg freezing?

🫠We get it, it’s unfair.

With the costs of egg freezing already in your basket, it can be harder knowing that your access to treatment via NHS is denied or limited due to postal codes and the eligibility criteria. Despite national guidance, the NHS works on local policies that benefit few, but leave many devoid of having their egg freezing cycles covered. 

If you’re not covered under the NHS for your egg freezing, the only option is to go for self-funded cycles. So, if you’re worried that this may just be on the pricier side of things, there are options that you can still avail that help with cutting costs. 

One is compensated egg sharing. In this program, you get to undergo egg freezing at a reduced or compensated price, given that you donate half the eggs retrieved, and you keep the other half. 

An egg-sharing program helps reduce costs if you’re not covered under the NHS, by sponsoring costs of the egg-freezing cycle, or by reducing them to a minimum, based on the clinic.

Save on your Egg Freezing Costs, with Amilis Fertility

About 751,000 women are waiting for gynaecological care in the UK, of which 30,000 women have been waiting more than a year for an appointment.

Be it egg freezing, getting a hormone panel done, or even an ultrasound appointment.

So at Amilis, we decided: This narrative, no more.

That’s why we are working to make reproductive care accessible and affordable in the UK.

Here’s how:

• Save on your egg-freezing costs with free consultations at the best fertility clinics in the UK
• Get your AMH tested at just £80 (50% cheaper than clinics) or get a full hormone panel test at discounted prices. You also get a free, personalised report with each test
• Match with fertility specialists and expert doctors with no waiting times

Along with saving on cost, you get a stellar support group (that’s us 👋) to answer all your queries and help you at every stage.

So, if you’re worried about the lack of being covered by the NHS funding, Amilis can be your choice for sourcing budget-friendly clinics, at your convenience. 

Figuring out where to get started? Book a free call, or take our personalised fertility quiz to know more!

We’re bridging the healthcare gap for millions of women in the UK, one day at a time 💪🏻

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the cost of freezing your eggs on the NHS in the UK?

The cost of freezing your eggs on the NHS is waived if you fall under the eligibility criteria. If not, the cost ranges from £3300 excluding medications in NHS-affiliated clinics.

2. Will the NHS pay for egg freezing?

Egg freezing is only available on the NHS if you are under the age of 42, and are undergoing medical treatment that affects your fertility, such as chemotherapy, gender reassignment surgery, etc. It also depends on whether you meet the Integrated Care Systems, or ICS which sets its own funding level and eligibility criteria

3. Can I freeze my eggs for free in the UK?

You can freeze your eggs for free in the UK if the NHS approves funding for your cycle. The conditions and access might be different depending on location and GP. However, if you do not fall under the eligibility criteria, other cost-saving options exist, such as egg-sharing cycles or discounted options at budget-friendly clinics.