Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board NHS IVF eligibility

Wales. NHS-funded fertility treatment guidance and eligibility criteria.

Confirmed
Areas covered

Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Wrexham

Including neighbourhoods: Abergele, Bangor, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Buckley, Caernarfon, Colwyn Bay, Connah's Quay, Corwen, Denbigh, Flint, Holyhead, Holywell, Llandudno, Llangefni, Llangollen, Mold, Porthmadog, Prestatyn, Pwllheli, Rhyl, Ruthin, Shotton

A national Wales policy currently applies to all health boards.

Summary

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board currently funds 2 cycles of IVF for eligible patients. To qualify, you generally need to be aged 20–42, have a BMI between 19 and 30, have no living children from any relationship. Both partners must be non-smokers.

IVF/ICSI

NHS-funded cycles
2 Full
Age Range
20 – 42
BMI requirement
19 to 30
IUI cycles required before IVF
6
Smoking
Non-smoker required
Endometriosis
Standard
Children from previous relationships
One partner must have no living children (biological or adopted). Single women/men must have no living children.
Additional Notes
Welsh national policy managed by WHSSC. 2 full cycles for women under 40; 1 cycle for women 40-42 (if no previous IVF, no low ovarian reserve). A cycle includes 1 fresh and 1 frozen embryo transfer. Male partner must be 55 or under. Couples must cohabit 2+ years. 3+ previous IVF cycles (NHS or private) excludes further treatment. Same-sex/single people require 6 non-stimulated insemination cycles to demonstrate subfertility. No sterilisation (either partner).

Funding varies by postcode

NHS IVF funding varies significantly across the UK. Depending on which health board your GP is registered with, you may be entitled to a different number of cycles — or different criteria may apply. If you haven't already, it's worth exploring the map to understand the full picture.

See the funding map

Who can access NHS-funded IVF in Wales?

NHS Wales offers IVF to women aged between 18 and 42 who have a demonstrated fertility problem at investigation. Both married and unmarried couples are eligible, as are same-sex couples requiring donor sperm. The policy applies regardless of relationship status, so cohabiting partners have the same access to NHS-funded IVF treatment as married couples.

Eligibility criteria include body mass index (BMI) requirements, typically between 19 and 30, and a minimum period of trying to conceive or insemination at or just prior to NHS-funded IVF treatment. Women aged between 40 and 42 may be offered treatment under slightly different conditions, and those outside this age range will not be added to the waiting list.

Wales currently offers one full cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) on the NHS. This includes any frozen embryo transfers arising from that cycle. Patients should confirm current criteria directly with their local health board, as waiting times and specific requirements can vary.

What next?

I think I may be eligible. What do I do now?I'm not sure I'm eligible, or I don't think I am