Which Private Medical Insurance Covers Fertility Treatments
Navigating the world of private medical insurance in the UK can be complex, especially when seeking cover for fertility treatments. As an FCA-authorised broker with experience in over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides the expert guidance needed to understand which PMI plans may offer support on your journey to parenthood.
Insurer offerings, eligibility, and exclusions
For the one in seven UK couples who may have difficulty conceiving, understanding what support is available is paramount. The question of whether private medical insurance (PMI) covers fertility treatment is one of the most common, and complex, we encounter.
The simple answer is that standard UK private health cover does not typically include fertility treatment like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). This is because PMI is primarily designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions—illnesses or injuries that are short-term and curable—which arise after your policy has begun.
However, the landscape is not entirely barren. Some insurers offer limited cover for the initial investigation of fertility issues, and more comprehensive benefits are often available through corporate health insurance schemes. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of what you can expect from the UK's leading insurers.
Why Is Fertility Treatment Usually Excluded from PMI?
To understand the exclusions, it's vital to grasp the fundamental principle of private medical insurance.
PMI is for Acute, Unforeseen Conditions. Think of it as a safety net for unexpected health problems. A broken bone, a hernia repair, or a serious infection are all examples of acute conditions that PMI is designed for.
Fertility treatment, on the other hand, falls into several categories that are standard exclusions on most policies:
- Chronic Conditions: Infertility is often classified as a long-term or chronic condition, which standard PMI policies do not cover.
- Pre-existing Conditions: If you have sought advice, had tests, or received treatment for fertility issues before taking out a policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition and will be excluded from cover.
- Planned Treatments: Procedures like IVF are planned well in advance, rather than being an emergency or unforeseen medical necessity.
- Lifestyle Choices: While a difficult classification, some insurers view treatments related to conception as a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity for an acute illness.
This core principle is why you will find that a standard individual policy purchased directly from an insurer will almost certainly exclude the full cycle of IVF treatment.
A Closer Look at UK Insurer Policies on Fertility (2025)
While full treatment cover is rare, the level of support for investigating the cause of infertility varies between providers. It's crucial to read the policy documents carefully, as the devil is in the detail. An expert broker like WeCovr can be invaluable in dissecting this fine print for you.
Here’s a general overview of what the UK's major private medical insurance providers typically offer on their individual plans. Please note that corporate plans can differ significantly.
| Insurer | Cover for Fertility Investigations | Cover for Fertility Treatment (e.g., IVF) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa | Often covered up to a certain financial limit on select policies. This can include initial consultations and diagnostic tests to find the cause of infertility. | Generally excluded on individual policies. May be available as a high-cost benefit on some top-tier corporate schemes. | A waiting period (e.g., 2 years) often applies before you can claim for investigations. |
| AXA Health | Similar to Bupa, some policies may cover diagnostics to understand why you are not conceiving, subject to policy limits. | Excluded on standard individual and family policies. Offered on some large corporate plans as an elected benefit. | Policy wording is key. "Investigations" are covered, but anything considered "treatment" is not. |
| Vitality | May offer cover for initial investigations. Their wellness programme also encourages healthy lifestyle changes that can positively impact fertility. | Treatment is a standard exclusion on personal plans. Some corporate plans may offer a specific fertility benefit or allowance. | You must be referred by a GP, and eligibility criteria (e.g., age, length of time trying to conceive) will apply. |
| Aviva | Typically excludes investigations and treatment on their standard 'Healthier Solutions' policy. | Excluded. Cover is more likely to be found on large corporate policies, sometimes called 'corporate additions'. | Aviva's focus is on acute conditions, and fertility falls outside this scope on their individual products. |
| The Exeter | Generally do not cover fertility investigations or treatment as their policies are tightly focused on core acute medical care. | Excluded. Their straightforward approach means fewer 'grey areas' but also fewer peripheral benefits. | Known for excellent service and clear terms, but not the provider to choose if fertility is a primary concern. |
| WPA | Can be more flexible. Some higher-tier individual and corporate plans may offer benefits for investigations. | Excluded on most plans but may be a selectable benefit on their top-end corporate schemes, often with a lifetime limit. | WPA has a strong reputation for customer service and considering claims on a case-by-case basis. |
Important Note: This table is a guide for 2025 based on current market offerings. Insurer policies change frequently. Always check the most recent policy handbook and terms before purchasing.
What Does 'Fertility Investigations' Typically Cover?
When a policy states it covers "investigations," it is not offering a blank cheque. The aim is purely diagnostic—to find a medical reason for the infertility. If an underlying acute condition is found (e.g., endometriosis or a fibroid that can be surgically removed), the treatment for that specific condition may be covered by your PMI.
Here are the types of diagnostic tests that might be included under a "fertility investigations" benefit:
- For Women:
- Initial consultation with a gynaecologist or fertility specialist.
- Hormone blood tests (e.g., FSH, LH, progesterone) to check ovulation and ovarian reserve.
- Pelvic ultrasound scans to examine the uterus and ovaries.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an X-ray to check if the fallopian tubes are blocked.
- For Men:
- Initial consultation with a urologist or fertility specialist.
- Semen analysis to check sperm count, motility, and morphology.
- Hormone blood tests (e.g., testosterone).
Crucially, as soon as the cause is identified and the next step is a specific fertility treatment like IVF, IUI, or Clomid prescription, PMI cover typically stops.
The Game Changer: Corporate Health Insurance Schemes
If you are employed by a medium-to-large company, your best chance of securing comprehensive fertility cover is through your workplace health insurance scheme. In a competitive job market, an increasing number of employers are adding fertility and family-forming benefits to their packages to attract and retain top talent.
According to data from the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority), the number of IVF cycles funded privately continues to grow, highlighting the demand that employers are now trying to meet.
What might a corporate plan offer?
- Financial Allowances: A set monetary amount (e.g., £15,000 or £30,000 as a lifetime limit) that can be used towards treatments like IVF or egg freezing.
- Cycle Limits: Cover for a specified number of IVF cycles (e.g., 1 or 2 full cycles).
- Access to Specialist Clinics: Partnerships with leading fertility clinics, offering employees discounted rates or direct access.
- Holistic Support: Cover for counselling, nutritional advice, and other wellness services to support employees through the emotional and physical challenges of treatment.
Action Point: If you have access to a company PMI scheme, do not assume what is and isn't covered. Request the policy documents from your HR department and review the section on fertility and family-forming benefits carefully.
Navigating Eligibility and the Small Print
Even when fertility cover is available, it is rarely straightforward. Here are the common hurdles and terms you need to be aware of.
- Waiting Periods: Most policies that offer any form of fertility investigation benefit will impose a waiting period. This means you must have the policy for a set duration, often 24 months, before you are eligible to make a claim.
- Referral Pathways: You cannot simply decide to see a fertility specialist. You will need a referral from your GP to trigger your PMI cover, confirming that there is a medical reason for the investigation.
- Age Limits: Eligibility is often restricted by age, typically mirroring NHS guidelines (e.g., cover may cease for women over 42).
- Definition of Infertility: Policies will have a specific definition, for example, "the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse."
- Exclusions for Assisted Conception: Nearly all policies will explicitly exclude costs related to donor eggs or sperm, as well as surrogacy arrangements.
- Pre-existing Conditions: This cannot be overstated. If you or your partner have had any consultations, tests, or diagnoses related to infertility before the policy start date, it will be excluded. This is the single biggest reason for rejected claims.
Alternatives for Funding Fertility Treatment in the UK
Given the limitations of private medical insurance, it's wise to consider all available avenues.
- NHS Services: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines on who should receive IVF on the NHS. However, final funding decisions are made by local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), leading to a "postcode lottery." Criteria often include age, BMI, whether you have existing children (including from previous relationships), and how long you've been trying to conceive. Waiting lists can be long, often 18 months or more in some areas.
- Self-Funding: This is the most common route. A single cycle of IVF in the UK can cost anywhere from £5,000 to over £10,000, depending on the clinic and the specific procedures required. It's essential to budget for multiple cycles, as the success rate for one round is not guaranteed.
- Specialist Fertility Insurance: A small number of niche insurance products are available that offer 'IVF cycle bundles' or refund packages if treatment is unsuccessful. These are not PMI products but are standalone plans focused solely on fertility treatment.
- Employer Benefits (Non-PMI): Some progressive companies, particularly in the tech and finance sectors, offer fertility benefits directly to employees as a taxable benefit, separate from their health insurance plan. This might be a simple cash allowance to be spent as the employee sees fit.
Wellness and Lifestyle: Preparing for Your Fertility Journey
Regardless of how you fund your treatment, focusing on your health and wellbeing can improve your chances of success and help you cope with the process. Many PMI providers, like Vitality, actively reward members for healthy living.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is crucial. Folic acid is a key supplement for women trying to conceive. To help you stay on track, WeCovr provides complimentary access to its AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, for all our health and life insurance clients.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being over or underweight can affect hormone levels and ovulation. Gentle, regular exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga is beneficial.
- Reduce Stress: The fertility journey is inherently stressful, which can impact your body. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and talking to a counsellor can provide essential support.
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can disrupt the hormones that regulate your cycle.
- Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both are known to have a significant negative impact on male and female fertility and can reduce the effectiveness of treatments like IVF.
How WeCovr Can Help You Find the Right Cover
The UK private medical insurance market is intricate. The complexity surrounding fertility cover is a prime example of why expert, independent advice is so important.
As an FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr works for you, not the insurance companies.
- Whole-of-Market Comparison: We compare policies from all the leading UK providers to find the one that best suits your unique needs and budget.
- Expert Policy Analysis: We read the small print so you don’t have to. We can identify policies that offer benefits for fertility investigation and explain the exact terms, limits, and exclusions. This saves you from potential disappointment and rejected claims.
- No Cost to You: Our service is free for our clients. We receive a commission from the insurer you choose, so you get expert advice without paying a fee.
- Trusted and Reliable: We have helped arrange over 900,000 policies of various kinds and enjoy high satisfaction ratings from our clients for our clear, professional, and friendly service.
- Added Value: When you take out a policy with us, you not only get the right cover but also benefit from discounts on other insurance products and complimentary access to our CalorieHero wellness app.
While finding a PMI policy to pay for IVF is unlikely, securing a plan that covers the initial, often expensive, diagnostic phase is a realistic goal. Let us help you explore your options.
Does private medical insurance cover IVF in the UK?
Do I need to declare previous fertility tests when applying for PMI?
Is it better to get fertility cover through my employer?
What's the difference between fertility investigations and fertility treatment?
Ready to find clarity on your private health cover options? Contact WeCovr today for a free, no-obligation quote and expert advice from our friendly team.
Related guides
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
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Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
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Advanced Treatments
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Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
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