IVF prices set to rise

The UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has issued a consultation document in which it proposes a modernisation of its system of regulation and a new fee strategy for IVF clinics. In accordance with government policy, the authority says that it needs to generate increased funding to the tune of £4 million per year in order to improve the efficiency of its regulatory and licensing functions.

Respondents are asked to choose between two proposed options for the generation of these increased funds. One system (preferred by the HFEA) would introduce a much increased fee for new licence applications from fertility clinics, fees for licence variation applications, an annual fee, and a fee for additional inspections, should they be necessary. These fees, it is suggested, would raise £2 million annually. The remaining £2 million would come from small additions to existing treatment fees for IVF and donor insemination (DI) procedures.

The second option would not see a rise in licence fees, but would see rises in the cost of treatment fees (often paid by patients) from the current £40 for IVF to £100, and from £20 to £50 for DI. This method would generate the £4 million required.

Despite the preference of the HFEA for trying to raise the additional funding directly from clinics, fertility specialists have warned that if clinics have to pay increased fees, it is likely that costs will be passed onto patients. Respondents to the consultation (which can be found at the link below) are asked to choose their preferred funding option and comment on whether different sized clinics should pay different annual fees. The consultation document also asks how the HFEA can develop its practices in order to meet clinical, patient and policy needs.