7 Surprising Benefits of Fertility Treatments Abroad

Realize your dream of having a child

Fertility tourism is the act of traveling to less restrictive destinations for fertility treatments; also known as cross-border reproduction.

Whether you’re seeking in-vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, sperm or egg donation, for those willing to travel just a short distance from home, they will find many options available to them that are affordable and bring surprising benefits.

1. Access to treatment

Infertility patients travel for various reasons; however, access to treatment is one of the main reasons they travel abroad. Depending on the country, there can be many obstacles that prevent one from seeking treatment in their home country.  Whether it’s long waiting lists, restrictions on age, sexual orientation or civil status, they all play a role in limiting access to certain fertility techniques and treatments. Fertility tourism tackles these obstacles directly. Patients who choose to have fertility treatments abroad, get immediate access to top-tier infertility specialists who offer a host of procedures without any restrictions on the patients` characteristics.

2. High success rates

Many fertility clinics abroad boast exceptional success rates and this is attributed to their high clinic and laboratory standards. Patients should also know that many fertility clinics abroad are internationally accredited and well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Surprisingly, you may find that having your fertility treatments performed in a different country will provide you the latest fertility advancements that may not be available in your home country.

3. International Patient Support

Most fertility clinics abroad that cater to international patients have international patient offices and provide information in many languages.  A multi-lingual staff is available in these clinics, and some will hire translators if necessary.

4. A Host of Fertility Options

Every family has a right to realize their dream of a having a baby, and the options available through fertility clinics abroad can make this dream a reality. Some options include anonymous egg and sperm donations programs, and a few offer gestational surrogates that are available for those who are unable to carry a pregnancy. With third-party reproduction abroad, couples can rest assured that all donors and surrogates in the program have passed a rigorous screening process, which includes extensive genetic testing, infectious disease screening, a thorough physical examination, psychological assessment and complete cycle monitoring. Before selecting a gestational carrier, it is important to seek counsel through a dedicated surrogacy lawyer that provides families with legal support and guidance throughout the process.  Contact our Care Manager for a referral to good legal counsel.

5. Affordability

Although the cost of fertility treatments vary from clinic to clinic and country to country; overall, the cost of fertility treatments abroad are surprisingly affordable. To undergo one cycle of IVF in the North America, you can expect to pay up to $12,000 USD and up to £ 8,000 in the UK.  If you were to travel to distance to Greece or Barbados, for instance, you will save over 50% and this will cover your flight, medication, treatment hotel, and surprisingly a three week vacation on the beach.

6. Total or Partial Reimbursement

You should be aware that some countries in the EU, such as the Netherlands, Germany and France offer partial or total reimbursement of fertility treatments.  In the United States, some insurance plans will also cover fertility treatment.  Be sure to check the coverage under your national health plan or insurance policy.

7. Help is Available

Whether you are looking IVF, semen, egg or embryo donation, or surrogacy, it is important to seek help of professionals.  We at Voyage for Health have done all the work to pre-screen clinics within our network.  We have verified their accreditation, reviewed doctors’ resumes, checked references, reviewed laboratory and clinical standards, and in the case of surrogacy, checked the care and support of the women in the program. We can also provide information on regulatory and legal aspects of travelling for fertility treatments in each country. Choosing a destination might depend on the treatment you would like to have.  And Voyage for Health can provide you with all the information you need to compare services, treatments, costs and credentials of providers within our network before making a decision.

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