Fertility Financing Compared: US & UK (2026)
Navigating fertility financing in 2026 means understanding three distinct categories: employer-sponsored benefit platforms, traditional insurance carriers, and direct-to-patient financing options. Your path depends on whether your employer offers fertility benefits (only ~15% do globally) and your specific treatment needs.
First Question: Does Your Employer Offer Fertility Benefits?
Check with your HR department. If yes, you'll likely use Progyny, Carrot, Kindbody, or a similar platform. If no (the case for 85% of patients globally), skip to the Direct Financing section below.
🛡️Check Insurance Coverage →United States
Employer-Sponsored Benefit Platforms
These providers partner with employers to manage fertility benefits, often bypassing traditional insurance restrictions. You cannot purchase these directly—they must be offered through your employer.
Progyny
Smart Cycle bundles1,000+ specialist network, dedicated Patient Care Advocates
Best for: Comprehensive employer coverage with high-touch support
Carrot Fertility
Reimbursement + cycle-based (2026)Global flexibility, supports all paths to parenthood including surrogacy
Best for: International employees, diverse family-building options
Kindbody
Clinics-first (owns fertility centres)AI-driven platform for predictive outcomes (launched Feb 2026)
Best for: Employers wanting integrated clinic + benefits (Walmart, Tesla)
Stork Club
Managed care with Centres of ExcellenceSteers to high-performing clinics, end-to-end support
Best for: Cost-conscious employers prioritising outcomes over choice
Maven Clinic
Virtual-first with 24/7 specialist access30% of fertility members conceive naturally through coaching
Best for: Employers wanting clinical navigation before IVF
Traditional Insurance Carriers
Major health insurers are increasingly integrating fertility services, driven by state mandates like California's SB 729 (2026). Coverage varies significantly by state and plan.
Aetna
Superior drug coverage, dedicated National Infertility Unit
Coverage: IVF coverage varies by plan and state mandate
Best for: Patients needing extensive medication coverage
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
Widest provider network, integrated HMO fertility (CA 2026)
Coverage: Expanding due to state mandates like SB 729
Best for: Access to the largest network of providers
WINFertility
Carve-out manager with nurse advocates
Coverage: Partners with CareFirst (2026), other traditional plans
Best for: Patients needing navigation help within traditional insurance
Direct-to-Patient Financing
For the 85% of patients without employer fertility benefits, these providers offer loans, outcome-based financing, and multi-cycle bundles directly.
Future Family
IVF LoansFixed monthly payments, occasional 0% APR promotions
Terms: Loans up to $50,000, terms 2-5 years
Best for: Self-pay patients wanting predictable payments
Gaia
Outcome-based financingProtection plans with refunds if treatment unsuccessful
Terms: Multi-cycle packages with partial/full refund guarantee
Best for: Patients wanting financial protection against failed cycles
ARC Fertility
Multi-cycle bundlesDiscounted packages through partner clinic network
Terms: 2-3 cycle bundles at reduced per-cycle cost
Best for: Patients committed to multiple cycles at network clinics
United Kingdom
NHS Fertility Treatment
NHS may fund IVF if you meet eligibility criteria, but availability varies dramatically by location (the 'postcode lottery'). Some areas offer 3 cycles, others offer none.
Typical eligibility criteria:
- • Woman under 40-43 (varies by CCG/ICB)
- • BMI within healthy range (usually 19-30)
- • Non-smoker
- • No existing children (often includes partner's children)
- • Trying to conceive for 2+ years
💡 Check your local ICB (Integrated Care Board) criteria—they vary significantly across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Immigration Status & Fertility Treatment
Your immigration status affects NHS eligibility and, for surrogacy, your child's nationality. Key differences between British citizens, ILR holders, and temporary visa holders:
⚠️ILR vs British Citizen: Key Differences
- • NHS IVF eligibility: Both ILR holders and British citizens qualify equally as 'ordinarily resident'
- • Temporary visa holders (paying IHS): NOT eligible for free NHS IVF since August 2017—must pay privately
- • Mixed couples: If one partner is on a temporary visa, their portion of treatment is chargeable
👶Surrogacy: Strict Legal Requirements
- • UK surrogacy is heavily regulated—commercial surrogacy is illegal; only 'reasonable expenses' can be paid
- • Surrogate is the legal mother at birth; Parental Order required to transfer parenthood (takes 6+ months)
- • Surrogacy contracts are NOT legally enforceable in the UK
- • At least one parent must be 'domiciled' in UK (ILR alone may not prove domicile)
- • Child nationality: British citizen parent → child may be British from birth; ILR parent → child gets ILE only
📋2026 Proposed Changes
- • Government consulting on attaching 'no recourse to public funds' to ILR
- • If passed, welfare benefits may only be accessible upon British citizenship
- • Impact on NHS fertility services unclear—seek legal advice if affected
Sources: GOV.UK NHS Charging, Surrogacy & British Nationality, ILR Rule Changes 2026
Private Fertility Financing
For patients not eligible for NHS funding or wanting to avoid waiting lists, these UK providers offer loans, multi-cycle packages, and payment plans.
Access Fertility
Multi-cycle programmesIVF Refund and IVF Discount programmes across 50+ UK clinics
Terms: Up to 100% refund if no live birth, or discounted multi-cycle packages
Best for: Patients wanting outcome-based protection at partner clinics
Fertility Finance
Medical loansSpecialist fertility loans with fixed monthly payments
Terms: £2,000-£50,000 over 1-7 years, rates from 9.9% APR
Best for: Self-pay patients needing flexible loan terms
abc IVF
Affordable packagesFixed-price IVF from £2,500 with transparent pricing
Terms: Single cycle packages, no hidden fees
Best for: Budget-conscious patients wanting simple pricing
Create Fertility
Payment plans0% interest payment plans and Natural/Mild IVF options
Terms: Spread cost over 6-12 months interest-free
Best for: Patients preferring gentler protocols at lower cost
Quick Comparison
| Region | Category | How to Access | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 | Employer Platforms | Through HR | Often fully covered |
| 🇺🇸 | Insurance Carriers | Health plan | Varies by state |
| 🇺🇸 | Direct Financing | Apply directly | 0-25% APR |
| 🇬🇧 | NHS | GP referral | Free (if eligible) |
| 🇬🇧 | Private Financing | Apply directly | 9-15% APR |
Plan Your Fertility Finances
Use IVFPath's financial tools to estimate treatment costs, compare financing options, and track expenses throughout your fertility journey.