NHS IVF Eligibility — Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire
Full eligibility criteria, cycle entitlements, and what's funded for patients in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board area.
At a glance
Cycles funded
1
Max age
39
BMI range
19–30
Relationship required
No
Cycle includes FET
Yes
1st year storage
Funded
Eligibility criteria
Up to age 39.
BMI must be between 19 and 30.
Neither partner may have a living child from any relationship (including adopted children).
Single patients and all relationship types are eligible.
Patients will not be funded if either partner has already had 3 previous cycles of IVF. Eligible if no previous NHS funded cycles, or up to 2 non-NHS funded fresh cycles.
What's funded
A full cycle includes the stimulated phase plus frozen embryo transfers (FETs). Up to 1 FET per cycle.
First year of embryo storage is funded. Maximum 2 years NHS-funded storage.
Not funded. Self-pay only.
Self-funded add-ons are permitted alongside NHS treatment.
Any frozen embryos from previous cycles (including self-funded) must be used before NHS-funded treatment begins.
Same-sex couples & single patients
Female same sex couples eligible after up to 10 self-funded cycles of AI (of which 4 should be IUI). Male same sex couples can be referred after 6 self-funded AI cycles, but NHS does not fund surrogacy.
Single women eligible after up to 10 self-funded cycles of AI (of which 4 should be IUI). Must not have existing children.
Smoking policy
Both patient and partner must be non-smoking and smoke-free for at least 6 months. CO reading of <6ppm required. Smoking during treatment results in cessation of treatment.
Notable restrictions to be aware of
- →Only 1 cycle funded
- →Max age 39 — no treatment for 40-42
- →Minimum age for woman is 25 years
- →Male partner must be under 55th birthday
- →BMI 19-30 must be maintained for 6 months+ before treatment
- →6 months smoke-free with CO <6ppm required
- →3+ previous IVF cycles (any funding source) = excluded
- →Adopted children count as biological children
- →Surrogacy not funded under any circumstances
Source: BSW-CP022 v5.1 (February 2025). Cycle = 1 fresh + 1 FET (max 2 embryo transfers).
ICB policies change. Always confirm current criteria directly with your GP or the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB before making treatment decisions.
Common questions about NHS IVF in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire
How many IVF cycles does Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire fund?
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire funds 1 cycle of IVF. Each funded cycle includes the stimulation phase plus all resulting frozen embryo transfers (FETs).
What is the maximum age for NHS IVF in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire?
The maximum age for NHS IVF in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is 39. Women over this age are not eligible for funded treatment.
Does Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire fund frozen embryo transfers (FETs)?
Yes. Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire includes frozen embryo transfers (FETs) within the funded cycle. Up to 1 FET per cycle.
Does previous private IVF affect NHS eligibility in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire?
Previous private IVF may reduce NHS entitlement in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. Patients will not be funded if either partner has already had 3 previous cycles of IVF. Eligible if no previous NHS funded cycles, or up to 2 non-NHS funded fresh cycles.
Can single women access NHS IVF in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire?
Single women eligible after up to 10 self-funded cycles of AI (of which 4 should be IUI). Must not have existing children.
Are same-sex couples eligible for NHS IVF in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire?
Female same sex couples eligible after up to 10 self-funded cycles of AI (of which 4 should be IUI). Male same sex couples can be referred after 6 self-funded AI cycles, but NHS does not fund surrogacy.
Check your personal eligibility
Enter your postcode, age, and situation for a personalised NHS eligibility result.
This page provides general information only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. NHS eligibility decisions are made by your GP and ICB — always confirm with your GP before making treatment decisions. [email protected]