IVF abroad from the UK: success rates, quality and what really matters
The lowest price isn't always the best value. What we all want is a baby. Here is what the statistics say, and how Gisello chooses clinics abroad.
Look at a clinic's live birth rate, not only its pregnancy rate or its price. For context, the UK's official statistics for 2024: each single embryo transferred had a 30% chance of a birth on average, and 38% for patients aged 18 to 34. One IVF cycle often gives you more than one embryo to transfer.
A live birth, not just a positive test
A positive test is a beginning. A baby in your arms is the goal. So at Gisello we judge every clinic by one number: its live birth rate per egg collection, by age group, as reported to its national registry.
The UK's official statistics from the HFEA give you useful context for the same age group.
Your age, your options
Published June 2026. The 2024 birth figures are preliminary. One cycle with frozen embryos can give you more than one transfer.
Your plan can cover more than one transfer, so you aren't starting from zero each time.
They keep the age they were frozen at. Almost 1 in 5 UK cycles in 2024 were for freezing.
With donor eggs, the egg's age is the donor's. Your Care Advisor talks it through with you, at your pace.
Look at the price of a baby, not of one cycle
A lower price per cycle can mean a lower chance per cycle. So Gisello compares clinics by what it is likely to cost you to bring a baby home.
Illustrative example, not clinic data: price ÷ chance of a birth.
Quality matters as much as price
What our patients in the UK tell us: Gisello survey of nearly 170 UK women, run with Pollfish, 2026. Directional. Method
How we choose your clinics
Every clinic we match you with meets the same standard, checked by the Gisello Scientific Board.
What patients ask us
What is a good IVF success rate?
Look at the live birth rate per egg collection for your age group. For context, the UK's official statistics for 2024: the birth rate per embryo transferred was 30% on average, and 38% for ages 18 to 34 (HFEA).
Are clinics abroad as good as UK clinics?
Many are. It depends on the clinic, which is why Gisello only matches you with clinics that are licensed, report their results to a national registry and share live birth rates by age.
I'm in my late 30s or 40s. Is IVF still worth it?
For many women, yes. Frozen embryos can give you more than one try, and donor eggs are an option at any age. Our article on fertility after 35 and 40 explains the evidence, and your Care Advisor helps you weigh it up.
Why transfer only one embryo?
Twins carry more risk for mother and babies. One embryo at a time keeps your chance of a baby while lowering that risk. In 2024, 84% of UK transfers used one embryo and multiple births fell to 3.2%, the lowest on record (HFEA).
Can my UK GP or clinic help with aftercare?
Yes. Your Care Advisor shares your treatment summary with your UK doctor and plans your follow-up at home, including your early pregnancy scan.
How does Gisello choose clinics?
Every clinic meets the Gisello standard, checked by our Scientific Board: licensed and regulated, open about results, results reported clearly, one embryo at a time, add-ons only with evidence, and care planned back home.
How we built this page
Written by the Gisello Guide team and reviewed by the Gisello Scientific Board. Every figure on this page comes from one of the sources below.
Online survey of nearly 170 women in the UK who have had or started fertility treatment, fielded through Pollfish, 9 August to 23 September 2026. Self-selected sample, all women: results are directional and not representative of all UK patients.
UK figures are quoted from the HFEA's newest national report, Fertility treatment 2024, published June 2026. The 2024 birth figures are preliminary. Add-on ratings from the HFEA's add-ons guide.
Age, egg and embryo freezing and IVF after 40 are covered in depth, with peer-reviewed references, in our article.
Built in-house from clinic price lists, quotes and pricing models, compared and converted at fixed rates. Used for the price examples on this page.