The Real Cost of IVF When Factoring Time Off Work and Travel
When budgeting for IVF, many couples focus on the headline treatment price — but indirect costs can add up fast. Time off work, travel to and from clinics, and the emotional toll of repeated appointments all carry a hidden price. In this blog, we explore what IVF really costs when you consider the full picture.
Time off work IVF involves multiple appointments over several weeks — scans, blood tests, egg collection, embryo transfer and follow-up visits. Many are scheduled during working hours – this add to the real cost of IVF.
Estimated time required per cycle:
- Initial consultations and scans: 4–6 hours
- Monitoring appointments: 4–6 visits (each 1–2 hours)
- Egg collection day: 1–2 full days off (includes recovery)
- Embryo transfer: Half to full day
- Total time off: ~5–8 days per cycle (if spread across multiple appointments)
For salaried workers, time off may be covered by holiday leave or compassionate leave. For self-employed individuals or contractors, lost income can be substantial.
Example: If your daily income is £200 and you miss six days during a cycle, that’s £1,200 in indirect cost.
Travel costs If your clinic isn’t local, travel adds another expense:
- Local travel (car/public transport): £5–£15 per visit
- Long-distance travel (train/fuel): £30–£100+ per visit
- Accommodation (if overnight stay required): £70–£150 per night
If your clinic is in another city, costs can easily rise to £300–£600 per cycle in travel and hotel stays.
Additional hidden costs:
- Parking fees at clinics
- Childcare if you have other children
- Meals and incidentals during long days at clinic
- Emotional impact: burnout and stress may affect productivity
Ways to reduce indirect costs:
- Choose a clinic close to home or with satellite locations
- Book early morning appointments to reduce missed work
- Group appointments (e.g. blood test + scan same day)
- Check if your employer offers fertility leave or support schemes
Real-life example: Martin and Ella travelled 90 minutes each way for their IVF clinic. Over one cycle, they spent £420 on fuel and parking, missed five days of work, and paid for two overnight stays near egg collection and transfer. Their real cost: £1,200 over treatment fees.
The real cost of IVF goes far beyond what’s printed on your clinic’s price list. By planning ahead for time, travel, and lifestyle impact, you’ll be better prepared financially and emotionally for the journey ahead.
