How Much Does Egg Freezing Cost in the UK?
Egg freezing is becoming an increasingly popular fertility option for women who want to preserve their chances of conception later in life. Whether it’s due to career, personal timing, or medical reasons, understanding how much egg freezing costs in the UK is key to making an informed decision.
What Is Egg Freezing? Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, involves retrieving and preserving a woman’s unfertilised eggs. These eggs are stored at sub-zero temperatures and can be used later for IVF treatment.
The Average Cost of Egg Freezing in the UK
- Egg collection and freezing: £3,000–£4,500 per cycle
- Medication: £500–£1,500 per cycle
- Annual storage fees: £250–£500 per year
- Future IVF treatment (when eggs are thawed): £2,500–£4,000
So, a single cycle with 5 years of storage could cost between £5,000 and £7,500, excluding later IVF costs.
What’s Included in the Price?
- Hormone stimulation monitoring
- Egg retrieval procedure
- Freezing and initial storage (1–2 years)
Check if storage beyond the first year is included — many clinics charge annually.
Factors Affecting Cost
- Age: Younger women often need fewer cycles, reducing cost.
- Location: London clinics tend to be more expensive.
- Clinic package: Some offer bundled deals with medication and storage.
How Many Cycles Are Recommended? Experts often recommend two cycles to retrieve a sufficient number of eggs (15–20) for optimal future use. This can double your initial cost.
How to Save on Egg Freezing
- Look for multi-cycle discount packages
- Compare medication prices externally
- Ask if NHS coverage is available for medical reasons (e.g. cancer treatment)
- Consider clinics outside major cities
Real-Life Example: Sophie, 34, froze her eggs at a clinic in Manchester. She paid £3,300 for the procedure, £800 for medication, and £300 per year for storage. With five years planned, she expects the total cost to be around £6,000 — less than London quotes by nearly 30%.
Egg freezing is an empowering option, but it comes at a significant cost. By understanding pricing structures and planning ahead, you can make the process more affordable and less stressful.
