NHS IVF Eligibility — South East London
Full eligibility criteria, cycle entitlements, and what's funded for patients in the South East London Integrated Care Board area.
At a glance
Cycles funded
2
1 for ages 40–42
Max age
42
BMI range
19–30
Relationship required
No
Cycle includes FET
Yes
1st year storage
Funded
Eligibility criteria
Up to age 42.
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.
Under 40: not funded if already had 3+ fresh cycles (regardless of funding source). 1 previous = 2 NHS cycles, 2 previous = 1 NHS cycle. Ages 40-42: NOT funded if any previous IVF treatment.
What's funded
A full cycle includes the stimulated phase plus frozen embryo transfers (FETs).
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
Explicitly included. After 6 self-funded IUI cycles (3 if aged 36+). IVF after 12 IUI cycles or when IVF is only effective treatment.
Explicitly included. Same eligibility as couples.
Smoking policy
Both person trying to get pregnant AND person providing sperm must be non-smokers.
Notable restrictions to be aware of
- →AMH must be >5.4 pmol/l for 40-42 age group
- →Neither partner should have undergone sterilisation, even if reversal attempted
- →Adopted children count as existing children
- →One abandoned cycle (no egg collection) does NOT count toward funded cycle limit
Source: SEL-fertility-policy-2024.pdf (V1.0, July 2024). Covers Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark. Full IVF cycle = stimulation + transfer of all resultant fresh AND frozen embryos.
ICB policies change. Always confirm current criteria directly with your GP or the South East London ICB before making treatment decisions.
Common questions about NHS IVF in South East London
How many IVF cycles does South East London fund?
South East London funds 2 cycles for women under 42, and 1 cycle for women aged 42–42. Each funded cycle includes the stimulation phase plus all resulting frozen embryo transfers (FETs).
What is the maximum age for NHS IVF in South East London?
The maximum age for NHS IVF in South East London is 42. Women over this age are not eligible for funded treatment.
Does South East London fund frozen embryo transfers (FETs)?
Yes. South East London includes frozen embryo transfers (FETs) within the funded cycle. All FETs from the stimulated cycle are included.
Does previous private IVF affect NHS eligibility in South East London?
Previous private IVF may reduce NHS entitlement in South East London. Under 40: not funded if already had 3+ fresh cycles (regardless of funding source). 1 previous = 2 NHS cycles, 2 previous = 1 NHS cycle. Ages 40-42: NOT funded if any previous IVF treatment.
Can single women access NHS IVF in South East London?
Explicitly included. Same eligibility as couples.
Are same-sex couples eligible for NHS IVF in South East London?
Explicitly included. After 6 self-funded IUI cycles (3 if aged 36+). IVF after 12 IUI cycles or when IVF is only effective treatment.
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]