How Much Does IVF Cost If You Need More Than One Cycle?
For most people undergoing IVF, one cycle is rarely enough. The reality is that it often takes two or more attempts to achieve a successful pregnancy — and that has a major impact on your budget. So, how much does IVF cost if you need more than one cycle in the UK? Let’s break it down.
Understanding average success rates According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA):
- Women under 35: ~32% success per cycle
- Women aged 35–37: ~25%
- Women aged 38–39: ~17%
- Women over 40: ~10–15%
That means many patients undergo 2–3 cycles before seeing success. It’s essential to plan financially for this from the start.
Typical costs per cycle
- IVF treatment: £4,000 – £7,000
- Medication: £1,000 – £2,500
- Total per cycle: £5,000 – £9,500
If you need two cycles:
- £10,000 – £19,000
If you need three cycles:
- £15,000 – £28,500
Frozen embryo transfers (FETs) can help If your first cycle produces multiple embryos, you may not need another full round. A frozen embryo transfer typically costs:
- £1,200 – £2,000 (including thawing and transfer)
Using frozen embryos instead of repeating full IVF can save thousands — and still lead to success.
Multi-cycle packages and refund plans Some clinics offer discounted multi-cycle IVF bundles or refund programmes. These can reduce cost per IVF cycle and offer partial refunds if treatment fails.
Typical offers:
- 2-cycle package: £8,000 – £11,000
- 3-cycle package: £12,000 – £15,000
- Refund plans: 50–100% refund if no live birth, higher upfront costs
Other factors increasing total cost
- Add-ons (e.g. ICSI, PGT-A): £1,000 – £4,000 per cycle
- Embryo freezing/storage: £500 – £1,000
- Counselling, travel, time off work
Real-life example: Tasha and Mark required three full cycles and one FET before achieving pregnancy. They spent £26,500 in total, including ICSI, embryo freezing, and travel to a specialist clinic.
Tips for managing multi-cycle costs
- Ask clinics for transparent multi-cycle pricing
- Budget for two cycles minimum, three if over 35
- Use frozen embryos when possible to avoid repeating full cycles
- Consider finance or spreading payments
Final thoughts: The true cost of IVF is often not one cycle, but two or three. Planning for this from the start allows you to manage expectations, reduce stress, and make confident financial decisions during an emotionally intense journey.
