NHS IVF Eligibility — Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Full eligibility criteria, cycle entitlements, and what's funded for patients in the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board area.
At a glance
Cycles funded
1
Max age
40
BMI range
19–30
Relationship required
Yes
Cycle includes FET
No
1st year storage
Funded
Eligibility criteria
Up to age 40.
BMI must be between 19 and 30.
Neither partner may have a living child from any relationship (including adopted children).
Must be in a stable relationship (typically 2+ years). Single patients may not be eligible.
Previous private IVF may affect eligibility; explicit details limited in policy.
What's funded
Funding covers stimulated phase only. Frozen embryo transfers (FETs) are not included and must be self-funded.
First year of embryo storage is funded.
Not funded. Self-pay only.
Self-funded add-ons are not permitted during NHS-funded 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 must fund 6 IUI cycles within 12 months before NHS IVF, plus fund donor sperm. Male same-sex couples excluded.
Single women completely excluded from policy.
Smoking policy
Both partners required to comply with smoking cessation standards.
Notable restrictions to be aware of
- →Only 1 embryo transfer funded — not full IVF cycles as NICE recommends
- →Women 40-42 completely excluded
- →Women over 35 must have AMH >3 before accessing treatment
- →Single women excluded entirely
- →Male same-sex couples excluded entirely
- →No donor egg funding
- →Described as 'the worst IVF policy in England' by Fertility Network UK
Source: SST policy v1.1 (March 2024). Only covers one embryo transfer per woman. Significantly more restrictive than NICE CG156.
ICB policies change. Always confirm current criteria directly with your GP or the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB before making treatment decisions.
Common questions about NHS IVF in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
How many IVF cycles does Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent fund?
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent funds 1 cycle of IVF.
What is the maximum age for NHS IVF in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?
The maximum age for NHS IVF in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is 40. Women over this age are not eligible for funded treatment.
Does Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent fund frozen embryo transfers (FETs)?
No. Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent funds the stimulation phase only. Frozen embryo transfers (FETs) are not included and must be self-funded.
Does previous private IVF affect NHS eligibility in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?
Yes. Any previous IVF treatment — whether NHS or privately funded — disqualifies patients from NHS-funded treatment in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Can single women access NHS IVF in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?
Single women completely excluded from policy.
Are same-sex couples eligible for NHS IVF in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?
Female same-sex couples must fund 6 IUI cycles within 12 months before NHS IVF, plus fund donor sperm. Male same-sex couples excluded.
Is a relationship required for NHS IVF in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent requires patients to be in a stable relationship to access NHS-funded IVF. Single patients may not be eligible. Confirm current criteria with your GP or the ICB directly.
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]