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How does NHS funding for fertility treatment work for LGBTQIA+ couples?
Building a family through fertility treatment can be financially challenging, especially for LGBTQIA+ couples. While same-sex couples are entitled to receive NHS funding for fertility treatment, they often face additional costs when proving their eligibility. Moreover, the availability of NHS-funded treatment varies by location across the UK.
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What funding is available for LGBTQIA+ couples?
There are various funding options available for the LGBTQIA+ community, but specific eligibility criteria must be met.
Same-sex female partners - Same-sex female couples and single individuals typically need to self-fund at least six cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) before they qualify for NHS-funded IVF treatment. Each IUI cycle costs approximately £1,430, though prices can vary due to factors like additional medications or treatments. In some areas, the requirement may increase to 12 cycles. In addition to the treatment cycles, factors including BMI, age, and smoking status will need to be considered.
Same-sex male partners - For same-sex male couples, surrogacy or adoption are the most viable options for parenthood. Unfortunately, surrogacy and IVF for surrogacy are not funded by the NHS, which means these options must be self-funded. In the UK, the cost of hiring a surrogate generally ranges from £10,000 to £15,000. It’s important to note that paying a surrogate directly is illegal in the UK, and the cost of the treatment typically involves reimbursing the surrogate for reasonable expenses and covering related treatments, such as fertility assessments and IVF.
If you're using your own sperm, a fertility assessment will be conducted, which includes a semen analysis to evaluate sperm quality. The cost for a fertility assessment for same-sex couples is approximately £590.
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Trans and non-binary people - The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which sets guidelines regarding fertility treatment funding, do not currently have specific guidelines for trans and non-binary individuals or for those seeking gender-affirming treatments.
However, trans and non-binary people may be eligible for NHS funding to store eggs, sperm, or embryos before undergoing medical treatments for gender dysphoria. It is important to understand that eligibility varies by location, as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own funding decisions.
Paying for your fertility treatment
If you cannot access NHS funding for fertility treatments, you can pay for them yourself. However, there are several funding options for you to consider.
Repayment plans with Access Fertility - These include multi-cycle plans and 0% interest for 12 months, along with a refund programme if you do not conceive.
Grants with The Fertility Foundation - This UK charity provides grants for fertility treatments, including surrogacy for same-sex male couples. Grants are available to British citizens aged 18-42 with no criminal record and residing in the UK
Bupa Health insurance - If you are a Bupa health insurance member or receive these benefits through your workplace, you can access the Bupa Fertility Programme. You’ll need to contact your Bupa Account Manager or Intermediary Partner to find out what services you are eligible for.
Where can I receive further support?
Many charities provide support for the LGBTQIA+ community during their fertility journeys. For same-sex female couples, organisations like LGBT Mummies.
Same-sex male couples can reach out to The Fertility Foundation for support. For trans, non-binary and gender-questioning people, resources are available from Gendered Intelligence and Mermaids UK.
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Additionally, you can join private support groups organised by Equality for Trans Families and LGBT Mummies. These groups provide a safe space where you can ask questions and express your emotions in a supportive environment.
We understand that this journey can feel overwhelming, which is why our fertility experts at TFP Fertility can provide the guidance and support you need during your journey.
Written in partnership with LGBT Mummies
LGBT Mummies is an organisation focused on empowering LGBTQIA+ families and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community on their journey to parenthood.
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