Publicly funded fertility treatment exists in Ireland and the criteria are precise rather than discretionary. That is good news and bad news: if you fit, income is irrelevant; if you do not, no amount of need changes it.
We have set the criteria out in full, including the exclusions, because the worst outcome is finding out after months of waiting.
Quick facts
- Treatments
- IVF, ICSI and IUI
- Means tested?
- No
- Intending mother
- Over 18 and under 41 at referral
- BMI
- Between 18.5 and 30
- Trying for
- 12 months, or 6 months if she is 36 or over
- Referral
- From a GP or consultant — you cannot self-refer
What is funded
"This free fertility treatment through the HSE is not means tested but is publicly funded."
The treatments are "Intrauterine insemination (IUI)", "In vitro fertilisation (IVF)" and "Intracyctoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)".
Before that stage there are tests at a regional fertility hub, and those are free too: "You do not have to pay for these tests if you are referred to the regional fertility hub, but you may have to pay for:" any medicine prescribed, and visits and tests with your GP.
On medicines: "You will not have to pay for this medicine if you have a medical card ." Without one, the Drug Payment Scheme caps what you pay in a month.
The criteria, in full
The intending mother must: "Be aged over 18 and under 41 years at the time of referral to a regional fertility hub" and "Have a BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 30".
"Male patients must be aged over 18 years old and under 60."
You must have been trying to conceive: "For 12 months, if you are a woman aged 18 to 35 years" or "For 6 months, if you are a woman aged 36 years or over".
And both of you must: "Be ordinarily resident in Ireland", "Be in a relationship for at least 1 year", "Be referred to a regional fertility hub by a GP or consultant", "Have no more than 1 living child from your current relationship (and at least one of you has no living children from any other relationship)", "Have had a maximum of one previous IVF cycle", "Have not had free IVF through the HSE", "Have no unused embryos in storage" and "Have not had voluntary sterilisation".
The age rule is measured at the time of referral, not at treatment. Given waiting lists, that distinction can matter a great deal if you are approaching 41.
Who is excluded
Free IVF, ICSI and IUI is not available if you "Cannot use your own eggs or sperm", "Both have children from other relationships", "Are a same-sex couple", "Are single", or "Have more than 2 people who plan to be parents to the child".
We are stating those plainly because they are the criteria as published, and because people deserve to know before they invest months in the process rather than after.
If you are excluded, the door is not entirely closed: "If you do not meet the access criteria for free IVF, ICSI or IUI, you may still be able to get other fertility treatments at a HSE regional fertility hub ."
How it starts
"You cannot refer yourself." It begins with your GP or a consultant referring you to a regional fertility hub.
After the referral the hub sends a male and a female questionnaire, and you will not get an appointment until both are completed and returned. There can be a waiting list.
So the two things within your control are seeing the GP early and turning the questionnaires around fast.
Common questions
Is free IVF in Ireland means tested?
No. The free fertility treatment through the HSE is not means tested — it is publicly funded, and your income does not affect eligibility.
What are the age limits for free IVF?
The intending mother must be over 18 and under 41 at the time of referral to a regional fertility hub. Male patients must be over 18 and under 60.
Is there a BMI requirement?
Yes. The intending mother must have a BMI between 18.5 and 30.
How long must we have been trying?
12 months if the woman is aged 18 to 35, or 6 months if she is 36 or over.
Can I refer myself to a fertility hub?
No. You must be referred by a GP or consultant.
What rules us out?
Not being able to use your own eggs or sperm, both partners having children from other relationships, being a same-sex couple, being single, or having more than 2 people who plan to be parents. Having had more than one previous IVF cycle, previous free HSE IVF, unused embryos in storage or voluntary sterilisation also rule you out.
What if we do not meet the criteria?
You may still be able to get other fertility treatments at a HSE regional fertility hub, and your GP may refer you to a private specialist or clinic.