Age 42 for first try at IVF cannot be NHS funded?

Just want to clarify, anywhere in UK if you're 42 and your first try at IVF you cannot qualify for NHS? And I'm single too - so double whammy right?

While I don't know this firsthand yes, that's what I've read - there's an age limit on IVF under NHS.

Can anyone else shed any more light on this restriction?

I think NICE don’t recommend that trusts provide it on NHS in over 40’s due to the lower odds of it working but most trusts actually have a much lower age restriction to qualify.. could be 35?? I guess the NHS have to prioritise where spending should go so they have to have a cut off somewhere but I do think the cut off is a bit too low for most trusts.

I’m sorry and hope there is some way round it for you.

I'm going for embryo donation. Since I'll be needing both egg and sperm. I was told I can try asking for embryo donors. Any of you ladies know how to go about it? But right now I have contacted this clinic (well, they are the only one who reply to every question I ask) and they can help me choose a donor. They suggested the donor will give fresh eggs, that will be fertilized with fresh sperm, then the resulting embryo will be transferred to me. The are welcome too to do treatment with straight to embryo transfer. Anyway we're exploring both options.

I think donor eggs and embryos are the greatest!! So glad you decided to go this route! I hope someone chimes in to share their experience with you! Good luck!

They suggested I take the necessary fertility tests first. So started already. I guess it will all be out of pocket for me. But I saw in some fora that IVF can be deducted from taxes even if done abroad? I hope there are no restrictions against cases like me regarding this one again.

Hi Pcoop, I see this was 2 to 3 years ago, I wonder if you were able to get your treatment and if it was successful? I'm about to have treatment myself and we are going to have it done abroad.