You may be eligible for NHS-funded treatment

Here's what we'd suggest as a next step, and what to expect along the way.

Back to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough funding information

If the information you've seen suggests you may meet your local health board's criteria, that's a positive first step. The next stage is a conversation with your GP, and we want to help you feel prepared for that.

Remember: only your GP and fertility clinic can confirm eligibility. What we show here is based on published policy documents, which may not reflect the very latest changes.

How to approach your GP

You don't need to have all the answers before booking an appointment. GPs deal with fertility referrals regularly. But a little preparation helps the conversation go more smoothly.

  • Note how long you've been trying. Count in months, not cycles. This is usually the single biggest factor in whether you'll be referred.
  • Check your local criteria. Look at the age limits, BMI range, and other requirements for your ICB. You can find these on our board pages.
  • Be ready to discuss lifestyle factors. Smoking status, alcohol intake, and weight can all affect eligibility. Your GP will ask about these openly.
  • Write down your questions. It's easy to forget things in the moment. Common ones: what tests will happen first? How long until a referral? What if I don't meet the criteria?

One thing to know: your GP can't refer you directly for IVF. They will arrange initial investigations first (blood tests, scans, semen analysis if relevant) and then refer you to a fertility clinic. That clinic handles the funding application.

What to expect from the process

The exact pathway varies by area, but the general shape is the same across most of England.

  1. GP appointment. History, basic tests, lifestyle discussion. This might take one or two visits.
  2. Referral to a fertility clinic. If tests suggest a problem (or you've been trying long enough), your GP refers you to a specialist. The clinic then checks your eligibility against your ICB's policy.
  3. Funding application. Most clinics handle this on your behalf. It can take several weeks. You may need to provide extra paperwork.
  4. Treatment begins. If approved, you'll typically start with less invasive options (ovulation support or IUI) before moving to IVF. If funding is refused, you'll be told why and what your options are.

Wait times vary a lot. Some areas have 6 to 12 month waits just for an initial fertility clinic appointment. Ask your GP for an honest estimate.

Funding varies by area

NHS fertility funding is based on where your GP is registered, not where you live. If you haven't already, it's worth checking the map to see how your area compares.

See the funding map

Support along the way

Fertility treatment is draining, even when things are going well. Talking to people who get it can make a real difference.

  • The Fertility Foundation offers grants and support for people who can't afford private treatment. fertilityfoundation.org
  • HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) has impartial information on treatments, success rates, and how to choose a clinic. hfea.gov.uk
  • BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association) maintains a directory of fertility-specialist counsellors you can contact directly. bica.net
  • Online communities. Reddit has active forums like r/IVF where people share experiences, and The IVF Network runs moderated discussion spaces. Just keep in mind that individual stories may not reflect your own situation.

If you're struggling emotionally, ask your GP about counselling referrals. The emotional weight of this process is real, and there's no reason to carry it alone.