Checklist 1: Choosing an IVF Clinic
✔️ Checklist 1: Questions to Ask Before Choosing
1. Treatment Availability & Legal Fit
Does the clinic offer the treatment you need, and is it legally permitted for your situation in that country?
✔️ Excellent. You're starting with a solid foundation — not all clinics offer every type of treatment, especially if legal restrictions apply to single people, LGBTQ+ couples, or specific donor types.
⚠️ Please confirm that the clinic provides the treatment you want and that you're legally eligible. Laws vary across countries and may exclude certain patients from treatment.
2. Legal Age Limit
Have you checked the legal AGE LIMIT for IVF treatment in your destination country?
✔️ Great! Knowing the legal upper age limit helps you avoid wasting time on options that won't work for your situation.
⚠️ Age limits vary by country. Confirm these before committing: Czech Republic: up to 48+364 days; Portugal: up to 50; Spain: up to 52; Greece: up to 54; Cyprus: up to 55.
3. Location & Accessibility
Have you verified the clinic’s location and its accessibility from the airport?
✔️ Great! Direct flights and proximity to the clinic make travel smoother, especially when multiple visits are needed.
⚠️ Research travel routes and transport time. Some clinics are far from airports and may require extra planning, which can add to the cost and stress.
4. Technology & Lab Techniques
Have you checked what technologies and lab techniques the clinic offers?
✔️ Excellent. Advanced technologies and lab quality can influence your success rate — especially for more complex cases.
⚠️ Ask about the lab’s equipment, quality standards, and techniques like blastocyst culture, ICSI, PGT-A, etc. Not all clinics use the same standards.
5. Support Services
Did you compare available support services like accommodation, nutrition, or counseling?
✔️ Smart move. IVF is not just medical — support services help reduce stress and increase comfort throughout your stay.
⚠️ Consider clinics that offer integrated wellness or logistical support. Even travel/accommodation help can be a game-changer if you’re coming from abroad.
6. Success Rates Transparency
Have you reviewed their success rates and how they report them?
✔️ Well done! Transparent clinics will give age-group-based and treatment-specific success data. Ask for live birth rate, not just pregnancy rate.
⚠️ Don’t rely on marketing numbers. Ask for detailed statistics and success rates based on your profile — they should be realistic and evidence-based.
7. Medical Team Qualifications
Have you researched the qualifications of the medical team?
✔️ Excellent research! The experience and specialization of the fertility team — doctors, embryologists, nurses — can impact your treatment quality.
⚠️ Always check team bios on the website or ask the coordinator directly. High success often comes from experienced and well-trained staff.
8. Pricing & Hidden Costs
Have you compared pricing packages, including what’s included and any hidden costs?
✔️ Smart! Understanding full package details prevents financial surprises. Knowing exactly what’s included gives you better control over your choices.
⚠️ Always ask for a detailed quote. Check for hidden fees like anesthesia, meds, blood tests, or embryo freezing. Compare with local pharmacies and clinics too.
9. Patient Reviews & Experiences
Did you check real patient experiences and reviews — both positive and critical?
✔️ Excellent. Reading experiences (especially from those who didn’t get pregnant) shows how clinics treat all patients — not just the lucky ones.
⚠️ Try to find a mix of reviews. Check how the clinic responds to criticism. A lack of reviews isn’t always bad, but honest feedback helps set realistic expectations.
10. Communication Quality
Have you tested how well and how quickly the clinic communicates?
✔️ Perfect! Communication is key — timely and clear replies from your IVF coordinator show professionalism and help prevent treatment errors.
⚠️ If you’re waiting days for basic responses, that may continue during treatment. Strong communication is critical — consider this a red flag.
11. Written Treatment Plan
Have you asked for a detailed, written treatment plan and timeline?
✔️ Great work. A clear plan helps you feel in control and better understand each step — from stimulation to transfer and testing.
⚠️ Don’t proceed without a written timeline. You should know key dates, phases, tests, and medications. Ask for it before committing.
12. Compare Multiple Clinics
Have you explored multiple clinics before deciding?
✔️ Smart approach. Comparing at least 2–3 clinics helps you make an informed decision and may highlight important differences in care or price.
⚠️ Try to compare options. Even a brief email or call with another clinic can offer new insights or better alternatives.
13. Financial Policies & Refunds
Did you clarify financial policies, guarantees, and refund options?
✔️ Excellent. Knowing refund conditions, payment schedules, and refund criteria helps you avoid misunderstandings and feel confident.
⚠️ Ask your clinic about refund policies for cancellations or failed attempts. Some have money-back or shared risk programs.
14. Accreditation & Certification
Is the clinic accredited or certified by any national or international medical organizations?
✔️ Perfect. Certifications like ISO, ESHRE, or JCI show that the clinic follows international standards and is regularly reviewed.
⚠️ Ask what certifications or inspections the clinic has. Accreditation can mean safer practices and higher accountability.
15. Egg Donation
Are you considering treatment with donor eggs?
⚠️ Important considerations: Check legal age limits; donor anonymity laws; phenotype matching; donor info access — these vary widely by country.
✔️ Got it! You’re not pursuing egg donation — you can skip donor-specific criteria, but revisit if your plan changes later.