Being told you’re not eligible for NHS-funded IVF, or facing a long wait for treatment, can be difficult. Access to NHS IVF varies across the UK, but a decision not to fund treatment doesn’t necessarily mean IVF is no longer an option.

Private IVF may offer another route. At Kind IVF, we make the process as straightforward as possible, with clear eligibility criteria, transparent package pricing and expert guidance to help you understand what comes next. The first step is finding out why NHS treatment was declined or delayed and whether Kind could be right for you.

Quick answer: your next private IVF steps

If the NHS has said no to IVF, start by checking the reason for the decision, as this can help you understand which private options may be available. If you meet Kind IVF's eligibility criteria, you can then book a fertility health assessment to learn more about your fertility and whether Kind IVF could be suitable for you.

From there, we'll talk you through your results, possible treatments and costs, so you have the information you need to move forward. If Kind isn't the right route, we can help you explore other options through our partners at London Women's Clinic.

Why NHS IVF access can be difficult

Access to NHS-funded IVF varies across the UK because local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) set their own eligibility criteria and decide how fertility services are funded in their area based on tight budgets and strict rules. This means the number of funded cycles available, who qualifies and how long you may wait can differ depending on where you live, otherwise known as the ‘Postcode Lottery’.

Eligibility can also depend on factors such as age, BMI, whether you or your partner already have children, previous IVF treatment and your individual fertility circumstances. As a result, some people may find they don't meet their local criteria even when IVF could still be clinically appropriate for them.

First, check why NHS IVF was declined or delayed

If you've been told you can't access NHS-funded IVF, it’s helpful to understand the reason why. Your GP, fertility clinic or local ICB should be able to explain which eligibility criteria apply and why your application was declined. This could be due to age or BMI limits, having previous children, or other local eligibility requirements such as being a non-smoker. In other cases, you may still qualify for NHS-funded treatment but face a significant waiting list.

Knowing what applies to you can make it easier to assess your next options. Being ineligible for NHS funding doesn't necessarily mean you can't have IVF privately. However, factors such as age, BMI and ovarian reserve can still influence which treatment pathway may be clinically suitable.

Private IVF route finder after NHS refusal

What’s right for you will depend on why NHS-funded IVF was declined or delayed, as well as your individual fertility health. The below can help you understand which options may be worth exploring.

Your situation	What you could consider
You qualify for NHS IVF but are facing a long wait	You may choose to keep your NHS place while exploring private IVF. A Kind fertility health assessment can help you understand your reproductive health and whether Kind IVF may be suitable.
You were declined NHS IVF and are 36 or under, have a BMI of 30 or less and a good ovarian reserve	You may meet the criteria for Kind IVF. The clinical team will confirm your suitability following assessment.
You were declined because of your age, BMI or ovarian reserve	If you fall outside Kind's eligibility criteria, London Women's Clinic may offer a more appropriate private route with a broader range of treatment options.
You've previously had an unsuccessful IVF cycle	Your previous treatment and results will need to be reviewed. Kind may be suitable in some circumstances, while repeated failed cycles or more complex fertility needs may be better assessed by London Women’s Clinic.
You need donor egg treatment or have more complex fertility needs	London Women’s Clinic is likely to be the more appropriate starting point for assessment and treatment planning.

This is only a guide. Your suitability for Kind IVF will always be confirmed through assessment and clinical review rather than NHS eligibility alone.

Could Kind IVF be the right next step?

Kind IVF is designed to make private fertility treatment more accessible, with clear eligibility criteria and inclusive package pricing. It may be suitable if you're aged 36 or under, have a BMI of 30 or less and have a good ovarian reserve. For Kind treatment, this currently includes an AMH level between 6 and 35 pmol/l.

Your fertility health assessment results and medical history also need to be considered as well as your eligibility – this gives our clinical team the information they need to recommend the most appropriate route. Learn more about getting started with Kind IVF and how we can help NHS patients.

What happens in a Kind fertility health assessment?

A Kind fertility health assessment gives our clinical team a clearer picture of your reproductive health and helps determine whether Kind IVF could be suitable for you. Depending on your circumstances, your assessment may include:

AMH blood test: Measures your Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, which provides an indication of your ovarian reserve and how your ovaries may respond to IVF. For Kind IVF, your AMH level should be between 6–35 pmol/l.
Pelvic ultrasound scan: Looks at your ovaries and reproductive health, including an antral follicle count to further assess ovarian reserve and identify any evident gynaecological conditions that could affect treatment.
Semen analysis: If you're planning treatment with a male partner, this assesses factors such as sperm concentration and shape. Your results can help determine whether standard IVF or a treatment such as ICSI could be more appropriate.
Doctor consultation: A Kind IVF consultant will review your results with you, discuss your options and explain what happens next if you decide to proceed.

Your assessment isn't simply about whether you meet Kind's criteria. It's an opportunity to understand your fertility health and identify the most appropriate next step.

What does Kind IVF cost?

One of the benefits of Kind IVF is knowing what your treatment is likely to cost from the outset. We offer clear, inclusive packages designed to cover the key elements of an IVF cycle, helping you plan financially without unexpected add-ons along the way.

Before treatment, you'll usually need a fertility health assessment, which has a separate cost. You can find the latest assessment fees, IVF package prices and details of what's included on our Kind IVF pricing page. Treatment needs can vary, so your clinical team will confirm which package is appropriate following your assessment.

Can I spread the cost of private IVF?

Kind IVF offers payment plans that can help spread the cost over time. Depending on the option you choose, you may be able to divide your treatment costs into more manageable monthly payments rather than paying the full amount at once. You can explore the available options, repayment periods and current terms on our IVF payment plans page.

When should you move from Kind IVF to London Women’s Clinic?

Kind IVF is designed for patients who meet a defined set of clinical criteria, which helps us provide more affordable private IVF through a streamlined model. If your circumstances fall outside those criteria, we can introduce you to our partners at London Women’s Clinic who offer IVF treatment tailored to a wider range of individual circumstances and clinical needs.

London Women’s Clinic may be more appropriate if you:

are over Kind IVF’s age criteria
have a BMI above 30
have an AMH level below 6 or above 35 pmol/l
have a more complex medical or fertility history
need donor egg treatment
have experienced repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles or recurrent miscarriage
need more advanced investigations or treatment options such as ICSI

Being outside Kind’s criteria doesn’t mean IVF isn’t suitable for you. It simply means you may need a more personalised approach than the Kind model is designed to provide. A fertility assessment and medical history review with London Women’s Clinic will help determine which route is most appropriate.

What to do now if you are still waiting for NHS IVF

If you’re eligible for NHS-funded IVF but facing a long waiting list, you don’t necessarily have to give up your NHS place while you consider your options. Start by confirming your expected waiting time and whether beginning private treatment could affect your NHS eligibility, as local policies can vary.

It can also be useful to gather copies of your fertility test results, medical records and details of any previous treatment. If you’re ready to explore private IVF, you can book an assessment and compare the likely timeline, treatment plan and costs with your NHS pathway.

There’s no single right choice between waiting for NHS treatment and going private. Having clear information about both routes can help you decide what feels manageable financially, clinically and personally.

Learn more about how Kind IVF compares to NHS IVF services and how to get started with a fertility health assessment.

FAQs about NHS IVF refusal and private options

Can I have private IVF if the NHS said no?

Yes. Being declined NHS-funded IVF doesn't necessarily mean you can't have IVF privately. Your suitability will depend on your fertility health, medical history and the eligibility criteria of your chosen clinic. At Kind IVF, this is confirmed through assessment and clinical review.

Why was I declined NHS IVF?

NHS IVF eligibility varies depending on where you live. Common factors include age, BMI, ovarian reserve, previous children or IVF cycles, relationship status and other criteria set by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Check your decision letter or speak to your clinic, GP or ICB to confirm the reason that applies to you.

Is Kind IVF for people who cannot get NHS IVF?

Kind IVF provides an accessible private option and may suit some people who have been declined NHS funding or don't want to wait for NHS treatment. However, NHS eligibility and Kind eligibility are different, so you'll still need to meet Kind's clinical criteria.

Who is Kind IVF suitable for?

Kind IVF may be suitable if you're aged 36 or under, have a BMI of 30 or less and have a good ovarian reserve. Your AMH level should be between 6–35 pmol/l. Your medical history and fertility assessment will also be considered before treatment is recommended.

What assessment do I need before private IVF?

Depending on your circumstances, your Kind fertility health assessment may include an AMH blood test and pelvic ultrasound scan, and semen analysis if you're planning treatment with a male partner. You'll also have a consultation with a doctor to review your results and discuss your options.

How much does private IVF cost with Kind?

Kind IVF offers inclusive treatment packages with clear pricing, but costs can vary depending on the package and services you need. Check the Kind pricing page for current IVF prices and what's included, as well as the payment plans page if you'd like to explore ways to spread the cost.

Can I keep my NHS place while exploring private IVF?

Potentially, but this can depend on your local NHS funding policy and circumstances. Before starting private IVF, check with your NHS clinic or local ICB whether doing so could affect your place or eligibility for funded treatment.

What if I am over 36 or do not meet Kind IVF criteria?

If you don't meet Kind's criteria, you may still have private fertility options. London Women's Clinic can assess patients with a wider range of circumstances, including those who need a different approach because of age, BMI, ovarian reserve or more complex fertility needs.

What if I have had failed IVF before?

Having had an unsuccessful IVF cycle doesn't automatically rule out Kind IVF. Your previous treatment and results will need to be reviewed to understand whether Kind may be suitable. If you've experienced repeated unsuccessful cycles, a more detailed clinical review with London Women's Clinic may be recommended.

What should I do before booking?

Gather any NHS decision letters, recent fertility test results and summaries of previous fertility treatment, along with semen analysis results where relevant. Having these available can help the clinical team understand your history and determine the most appropriate route.

References / Further reading

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) | HFEA (2016)

Fertility problems: assessment and treatment | Guidance | NICE (2026)

NHS-funded in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in England - GOV.UK (2025)

NHS Said no to IVF: what next?