Why British South Asians still wait longer for IVF (& the medical travel company supporting faster treatment access)
For many British South Asians, the road to fertility treatment is longer and more complicated than it should be, even in 2025.
NHS waiting lists, cultural barriers, and high private costs all play a role in slowing things down.
The good news? There are options that can make treatment more accessible and quicker to start.
To help us tackle this conversation (which doesn’t get nearly enough airtime), we’re partnering with The Medical Travel Company, an incredible team that helps couples based in the UK access truly world-class fertility care without the wait, and without borders.
From IVF and egg freezing to advanced surgeries, they’ll help you access top-notch fertility solutions at a fraction of UK private treatment costs, and waiting times.
Covering off the whys, whats and hows, here’s their expert take.
Why the wait? Understanding barriers to care in the UK
1. Long waiting lists and delayed treatments
Gynaecology waiting times in England have tripled in the last decade. They’re rising faster than in most other areas of healthcare, and right now, women wait an average of four months just for a first hospital appointment.
The trouble is, these delays matter. Conditions like fibroids or endometriosis often need treatment before IVF can even begin. But because they’re not life-threatening, these procedures get pushed down the list. Every month lost can mean lower IVF success rates, and more cycles needed.
2. Lack of donor matches
Access to donor eggs is another big challenge. Asian patients make up 14% of IVF cases in the UK, but only 4% of egg donors are Asian. This mismatch means that in more than half of cycles with Asian patients, eggs from white donors are used.
In short – it really reduces choice for couples who want a closer ethnic match.
3. Unequal NHS funding access
Although national guidelines say women under 43 should be eligible for NHS-funded IVF, local authorities decide how the rules are applied. In some areas, funding is not offered to women over 35.
These postcode differences create inequality, leaving many South Asian patients paying out of pocket earlier in their journey.
4. High costs and financial stress
Private IVF is now the main route for most patients. In 2021, 63% of cycles were privately funded, up from 52% in 2019. The costs add up quickly:
- Cost of self-cycle including medication: £9,000
- Cost of a cycle with donor eggs inlcuding medication: £13,000
Financial strain is widespread, and 70% of people undergoing IVF report financial trauma, and that figure climbs even higher if treatment doesn’t work out. On average, those who don’t take home a baby spend over £17,000 out of pocket.
5. Specific health factors
South Asian women face specific health challenges that can affect IVF outcomes. For example, rates of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes are higher in this group.
HFEA data highlights the impact. In 2022–23, the birth rate per embryo transferred for Asian patients aged 18–37 was 27%, compared with 33% for White patients.
6. Cultural stigma, awareness, and language barriers
Infertility is often a highly visible issue in South Asian communities, where childlessness is not seen as socially acceptable. Couples can face scrutiny, and using donated eggs or sperm is still socially disapproved of, even if it does happen.
Language barriers and lower awareness of fertility treatments in some immigrant families add further complications, with many patients unsure how to navigate NHS referrals or understand their options.
Improving access to IVF – Spotlight on India
Given the situation in the UK, looking abroad for treatment can cut waiting times and costs significantly for British South Asians.
One destination that stands out? India. It’s becoming a leading hub for fertility care, with shorter timelines, strong success rates, and well-regulated clinics.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is the IVF cost in India?
Through The Medical Travel Company, fertility treatments including full aftercare services are available at around half the price of private IVF in the UK.
- IVF fresh embryo transfer
TMTC price – £3,500
UK price – £9,000 - IVF self cycle with donor eggs
TMTC price – £5,500
UK price – £13,000
What is the IVF success rate in India?
Lower cost doesn’t mean treatment success and quality is compromised, though.
Indian clinics show strong success rates across several key areas, including:
- Implantation rate: 80%
- Clinical pregnancy rate: 72%
- IVF live birth rate: 30–58% (depending on age)
Here’s the side by side breakdown for fresh embryo transfer:
- India – 36.5% (2019)
- UK – 31% (2023)
Is there an age limit for IVF in India?
Following the ART Act (2021), the age limit for IVF in India is:
- 50 for female patients
- 55 for male patients
Whilst these age limits are favourable, what really makes a difference is the shorter treatment timeline, which allows you to start earlier and improve your chances of success.
The bottom line? For South Asian patients in the UK who feel stuck in the system, India can be a practical (and hopeful) option.
But, going abroad for treatment is no small thing, and there is still a lot to consider. So where do we start when it comes to planning and prepping?
The medical travel company that can get you there
The Medical Travel Company is your seamless link between the UK and India for fertility care.
You’re treated at a top, government-regulated clinic in India while your UK doctor stays involved throughout, so you get local support with global expertise, all at around half the price of private IVF in the UK.
Partner clinics are vetted by UK fertility experts and follow India’s ART Act (2021), which guarantees ethical practice, strict documentation, and highly qualified professionals. The doctors leading your care are senior consultants with international training and proven success rates,
Another huge benefit? Time. While NHS treatment can take over a year to start, The Medical Travel Company’s partner clinics can usually see you within days.
Consultations, investigations, and treatment are planned into one smooth 2-3 week trip, cutting months of waiting into weeks.
“The greatest challenge for couples is the waiting—waiting for appointments, results, treatments to begin, and waiting for answers. At The Medical Travel Company, we are dedicated to alleviating this anxiety by offering a one-doctor, one-patient partnership, clear communication, continuous support, and immediate access to the right treatments, including those involving donor eggs.”
– Dr Rima Rajkhowa, Medical Director of Gynaecology & Fertility at The Medical Travel Company.
With The Medical Travel Company handling travel, accommodation, and treatment logistics, you can focus on your care, knowing both your UK and Indian doctors are aligned every step of the way.
What to expect
- Before treatment: Meet your UK fertility expert, followed by a personalised plan from your Indian specialist, delivered online. Travel and accommodation are arranged for you.
- During treatment: Procedures are carried out at a leading clinic. You’ll stay at one of The Medical Travel Company’s aftercare facilities with full luxury support services, including tailored meals and 24/7 medical care.
- After treatment: You’ll get ongoing aftercare in India before you return home, followed by continuous support from your UK doctor.
More than just a treatment visit
The Medical Travel Company’s friendly team and aftercare facilities provide complete support throughout your stay.
If you are travelling with a partner or friend, they also ensure their comfort and care, while managing every step of the treatment journey with full continuity before, during, and after your time in India.
Their goal? To create a home-from-home for you during your treatment, as your long-term partners in fertility care.
“As a GP, I know that fertility journeys are never just medical – they are deeply personal. The continuity of care that TMTC offers will ensure patients feel understood at every stage, and personalised support will help them navigate not only the science of treatment, but also the emotional and cultural challenges along the way.”
-Dr Bhavika Vagani, GP with a specialist interest in Women’s Health & Lifestyle Medicine, Niva Medical Clinic, London, UK
Curious about IVF in India?
The Medical Travel Company can help guide you every step of the way, from access to world-class care at licensed clinics with no wait times, to keeping the reassurance of UK-level oversight.
Hop over to their website to learn more about their fertility services, and book in to speak to a UK fertility doctor for free to find out if it’s the right option for you.
