IVF in India for International Patients: Complete Guide to Costs, Success Rates & Travel
UPDATED ON 16TH JULY 2026.
Thousands of patients from the UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Sub-Saharan Africa travel to India for IVF every year.
The reasons are consistent across every region: cost savings of 60–80%, immediate access to subspecialists, no waiting lists, and legal access to treatments, particularly donor egg IVF, that are unavailable or heavily restricted in their home countries.
This guide covers everything an international patient needs to know before they travel: what to expect clinically, what it will cost, how long to stay, what documents to bring, and how to begin from abroad.
For a detailed overview of how IVF treatment works at Shree IVF Clinic, including the step-by-step procedure, age-wise success rates, and advanced techniques, visit our main IVF treatment page.
AUTHOR
Medically reviewed by Dr Jay Mehta, MBBS, DNB
Scientific Director & Fertility Specialist—Shree IVF Clinic, Mumbai
Expert in Reproductive Immunology, Endometriosis, and Advanced IVF
15+ years experience | 12308+ IVF cycles | 16000+ Endometriosis Surgeries | 2721+ male fertility surgeries
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Why Do International Patients Choose India for IVF?
International patients choose India for IVF because it offers the same laboratory technology and clinical outcomes as Western clinics at 60–80% lower cost, with no waiting lists and access to treatments that are legally restricted in many countries.
The pull factors vary by region, but the core drivers are consistent:
- Cost: A single IVF cycle in the UK costs £5,000–£8,000 privately; in the USA, $15,000–$25,000.
The same cycle in Mumbai costs ₹1,90,000–₹2,80,000 — approximately £1,800–£2,700.
- Waiting times: NHS IVF waiting lists in the UK run 12–18 months in most regions. Private clinics in Canada and Australia face similar delays for complex treatments.
At Shree IVF Clinic in Mumbai, international patients begin treatment within 2–4 weeks of consultation.
- Legal access: Donor egg IVF is prohibited or severely restricted in several Middle Eastern countries and faces donor waiting lists of 12–24 months in the UK.
India's ART Regulation Act 2021 permits donor egg IVF for eligible patients under a regulated framework.
- Specialist expertise: India's leading IVF physicians have trained internationally.
Dr. Jay Mehta at Shree IVF Clinic holds combined expertise in IVF, excisional endometriosis surgery, reproductive immunology, and Müllerian anomaly correction, a clinical combination that is difficult to access even at tertiary centres in the UK or USA.
Which Countries Send the Most Patients to India for IVF?
The highest patient volumes come from the UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Singapore.
Each region has its own primary driver: UK patients are largely escaping waiting lists and donor shortages.
UAE and Middle Eastern patients are seeking legal access to donor IVF; US patients are driven by cost; and African patients seek advanced laboratory infrastructure unavailable locally.
Is IVF in India Affordable for Foreign Patients?
Yes. Even after factoring in flights and 3–4 weeks of accommodation, the total cost for most international patients remains 50–65% below what they would pay for the same treatment at home.
What Does IVF Cost in India vs. Other Countries?
| Treatment | India (Mumbai) | UK (Private) | USA | UAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic IVF Cycle | ₹1,90,000–₹2,80,000 (~£1,800–£2,700) |
£5,000–£8,000 | $15,000–$25,000 | AED 25,000–45,000 |
| IVF + ICSI + FET | ₹3,00,000–₹4,00,000 (~£2,800–£3,800) |
£9,000–£14,000 | $20,000–$35,000 | AED 35,000–60,000 |
| Donor Egg IVF | ₹2,50,000–₹3,50,000 (~£2,400–£3,300) |
£8,000–£15,000 | $25,000–$45,000 | AED 40,000–70,000 |
Disclaimer: IVF costs are indicative and intended for informational purposes only. Actual treatment costs may vary based on individual medical requirements, investigations, medications, and additional procedures. International treatment costs in the UK, USA, and UAE are approximate averages and may differ by clinic and region.
Please consult our fertility team for a personalized treatment plan and a detailed cost estimate. Call us at 1800-268-4000
Are IVF Medications Cheaper in India Too?
Yes, significantly. FSH gonadotropin stimulation medications cost $3,000–$6,000 per cycle in the USA and £1,500–£3,000 in the UK.
In India, the same medications are available at a fraction of that cost through licensed pharmacy networks.
Most international patients at Shree IVF Clinic purchase medications locally rather than bringing them from home, which adds meaningfully to overall savings.
What Currencies Does the Clinic Accept?
Yes, significantly. FSH gonadotropin stimulation medications cost $3,000–$6,000 per cycle in the USA and £1,500–£3,000 in the UK.
In India, the same medications are available at a fraction of that cost through licensed pharmacy networks.
Most international patients at Shree IVF Clinic purchase medications locally rather than bringing them from home, which adds meaningfully to overall savings.
Is the Total Travel Budget Predictable?
Yes, with reasonable planning. The major variables are flight costs (which patients control) and the length of stay. The clinic provides a treatment timeline at consultation, so patients can book accommodation and return flights with a clear end date in mind.
Our international coordinator provides accommodation options across price points near the clinic.
Planning your budget before you decide? Request a written cost estimate for your specific treatment protocol, including medications, before committing to travel.
Video consultations with Dr. Mehta are available remotely: Call 1800-268-4000 or WhatsApp 099209 14115 our international coordinator.
IVF Success Rates in India
IVF success rates at leading Indian clinics are comparable to published benchmarks from the UK's HFEA and the USA's SART registry for equivalent patient populations.
The variables that determine success in embryology laboratory quality, embryo culture conditions, specialist experience, and patient selection are skill and technology-dependent, not geography-dependent.
What Is a Realistic Success Rate to Expect?
Per-transfer live birth rates vary significantly by patient age, diagnosis, ovarian reserve, and whether PGT-A is used. Typical ranges at established clinics:
- Under 35, own eggs: 45–55% per embryo transfer
- 35–37 own eggs: 35–45% per transfer
- 38–40 own eggs: 25–35% per transfer
- Over 40, own eggs: 15–25% per transfer
- Donor egg IVF (any age): 50–65% per transfer
These are per-transfer rates, not per-cycle rates. A single stimulation cycle may yield multiple blastocysts, each representing a separate transfer attempt.
How Should I Evaluate an Indian Clinic's Success Rate Claims?
A single headline number is meaningless without context. When assessing a clinic, ask:
- What is the live birth rate (not just clinical pregnancy rate) per embryo transfer?
- Is that figure stratified by patient age and diagnosis?
- What percentage of cycles reach the blastocyst stage?
- What is the freeze-thaw embryo survival rate in the laboratory?
Clinics that cannot or will not answer these questions should be viewed with caution. At Shree IVF Clinic, outcome data is discussed transparently at the consultation stage and benchmarked against published international data.
Does PGT-A (Genetic Testing of Embryos) Improve Success Rates?
PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies) improves implantation rates per transfer by selecting chromosomally normal embryos for transfer.
It is most clinically beneficial for patients over 37, those with recurrent miscarriage, those with prior failed IVF cycles of unknown cause, and patients with a known chromosomal carrier status.
PGT-A requires a freeze-all strategy and adds approximately ₹50,000–₹80,000 to the cost per biopsy cycle in India.
What About Patients With Prior Failed IVF Cycles?
Recurrent IVF failure is one of the most common reasons international patients seek treatment in India, specifically.
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF)—typically defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after transfer of three or more good-quality embryos—requires systematic investigation before repeating another cycle on the same protocol.
Investigations at Shree IVF Clinic include ERA biopsy (endometrial receptivity analysis), thrombophilia and immunological panels, hysteroscopy, sperm DNA fragmentation, and Müllerian anomaly assessment.
Had multiple failed IVF cycles abroad? Bring all previous cycle records, stimulation protocols, embryo grading, and transfer reports to your remote consultation with Dr. Jay Mehta for a structured second opinion before your next attempt.
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How Long Should You Stay in India for IVF Treatment?
A standard IVF cycle with fresh embryo transfer requires 3–4 weeks in Mumbai.
A freeze-all cycle followed by a frozen embryo transfer (FET) requires two separate trips: 2–3 weeks for the retrieval, then 7–10 days for the FET, about 4–8 weeks later.
What Is the Week-by-Week Timeline for an IVF Cycle in Mumbai?
| Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment & Baseline Scan | Days 1–3 | Mumbai |
| Ovarian Stimulation & Monitoring Scans | Days 3–14 | Mumbai |
| Trigger Injection & Egg Retrieval | Days 14–16 | Mumbai |
| Embryo Culture to Blastocyst Stage | Days 1–6 Post-Retrieval | Clinic Laboratory |
| Fresh Embryo Transfer or Freeze-All | Day 5–6 | Mumbai |
| Return Home | After Embryo Transfer | — |
| Pregnancy Blood Test (Beta-HCG) | 14 Days Post-Transfer | Home Country |
Why Do Some International Patients Need Two Trips?
A freeze-all strategy where all embryos are frozen rather than a fresh transfer performed, is recommended when OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) risk is elevated, when PGT-A is planned, or when the endometrium does not appear optimal for transfer in the stimulation cycle.
Two trips are a deliberate clinical choice, not a complication. The FET trip of 7–10 days is significantly shorter than the initial retrieval trip.
Should I Build Extra Time Into My Travel Plans?
Yes. Follicle growth during stimulation does not follow a fixed schedule. Build a 2–3 day buffer into your return travel booking.
Your clinical team will give a reliable trigger day estimate approximately 3–4 days before retrieval, which is enough time to adjust flights if needed.
Do I Need to Stay in Mumbai After Embryo Transfer?
Most patients return home 1–2 days after embryo transfer. There is no clinical evidence that long-haul air travel in the days immediately after transfer affects implantation rates.
Avoid strenuous physical activity, but flying is not contraindicated. Your pregnancy blood test is done locally 14 days after transfer.
Medical Visa Requirements for IVF Treatment in India
International patients travelling to India for IVF treatment require a medical visa (MED), not a tourist (e-visa) or business visa.
The medical visa is the appropriate category for elective medical procedures, including fertility treatment.
How Do I Apply for a Medical Visa for IVF in India?
The medical visa application requires:
- A formal letter of medical invitation from the treating clinic in India
- Proof of appointment or treatment confirmation
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond travel dates)
- Recent passport photographs
Proof of financial means to fund treatment
Shree IVF Clinic provides the letter of medical invitation required for your visa application. Processing time through the Indian consulate or high commission in your country is typically 3–7 working days.
Can I Enter India on a Tourist Visa for IVF Treatment?
This is not recommended. The medical visa category exists specifically for patients traveling for treatment; entering on a tourist visa and receiving medical care creates a potential legal and insurance complication.
Apply for the correct visa category. The process is straightforward, and the clinic provides the documentation you need.
Can My Accompanying Partner Get a Visa Too?
Yes. A Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X) is available for partners or family members accompanying the patient. This requires proof of relationship and your medical visa approval.
Documents Required Before Travelling
Bring all existing fertility investigation results and medical records to Mumbai, either digitally or in print.
The more complete your records, the more precise your initial assessment will be and the less time you will spend repeating tests you have already done.
What Medical Records Should I Bring?
Fertility investigations (if previously done):
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) blood test result
- Day 2–3 hormonal panel: FSH, LH, Estradiol
- Transvaginal ultrasound with antral follicle count (AFC)
- Semen analysis (including morphology and motility)
- TSH and Prolactin
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (if previously tested)
If you have had prior IVF cycles:
- Stimulation protocol and medication doses used
- Fertilisation report (number of eggs retrieved, fertilised, developed to blastocyst)
- Embryo grading reports
- Transfer reports and Beta-HCG results
- Any embryology notes on embryo quality or development
General medical history:
- Previous surgical records (laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, myomectomy, etc.)
- Immunological or thrombophilia screening results, if done
- Current medications list
- Any diagnosed conditions: endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, thyroid disease
What Tests Can Be Done Locally Before I Travel?
The following can be completed at your local clinic or GP before you arrive in Mumbai, reducing the total time needed in India:
- AMH blood test
- Days 2–3: FSH, LH, Estradiol
- TSH, Prolactin
- Semen analysis
Transvaginal ultrasound, any indicated hysteroscopy, and sperm DNA fragmentation are done on arrival at Shree IVF Clinic.
What Documents Do I Need for the Clinic?
- Passport (original and copy)
- Medical Visa
- Travel insurance documentation
- Payment method for treatment costs
Accommodation and Travel Support
Ghatkopar, where Shree IVF Clinic is located in East Mumbai, has a range of accommodation options within 1–2 km of the clinic. Our international patient coordinator provides recommendations based on your budget, travel dates, and treatment duration.
What Accommodation Options Are Available Near Shree IVF Clinic, Ghatkopar?
- Service apartments (₹3,000–₹6,000/night): Recommended for stays of 3–4 weeks. Kitchen facilities reduce daily food costs significantly, and the environment is more comfortable for the luteal phase rest period after transfer.
- Business hotels (₹6,000–₹12,000/night): Suitable for shorter stays or patients prioritizing hotel amenities. Several options within walking distance of the clinic.
For patients on tighter budgets, Ghatkopar offers guest houses and Airbnb-style short lets at lower price points. Your coordinator can advise based on your specific needs.
How Do I Get Around Mumbai During Treatment?
Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are widely available in Ghatkopar and throughout Mumbai.
The clinic is well-connected to Mumbai's metro network. For monitoring scan appointments, many patients find it more convenient to stay within walking distance of the clinic rather than managing long commutes during the stimulation phase.
Does My Partner Need to Travel With Me?
Partners providing a fresh sperm sample are required to be present in Mumbai on the day of egg retrieval. For FET cycles using frozen embryos from a prior cycle, the partner does not need to be present unless a fresh sample is required.
What if my partner cannot travel? Can Sperm Be Sent to India?
Yes. Sperm can be cryopreserved at a licensed andrology lab in your home country and shipped as a cryogenic sample to Shree IVF Clinic.
Our international coordinator can advise on approved cryogenic transport providers and chain-of-custody documentation.
This is an established pathway used by patients whose partners are unable to travel.
Why Mumbai Is a Preferred Destination for IVF?
Mumbai combines India's most concentrated density of IVF specialists with strong international transport connectivity, English as the primary clinical language, and a well-developed infrastructure for medical tourism.
What Makes Mumbai Different From Other IVF Destinations in India?
India has excellent IVF centres across multiple cities, but Mumbai offers specific advantages for international patients:
- Direct international flights from the UAE, UK, USA, Africa, and Southeast Asia to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- English-language clinical environment: All consultations, records, and correspondence at Shree IVF Clinic are in English
- Sub-specialist concentration: Mumbai has the highest concentration of IVF specialists with international fellowship training in India
- Infrastructure: Established medical travel ecosystem including visa support, accommodation networks, and international payment processing
Why specifically Ghatkopar and Shree IVF Clinic?
Shree IVF Clinic in Ghatkopar, East Mumbai, is the clinical practice of Dr. Jay Mehta, who combines expertise across IVF, excisional endometriosis surgery (cystectomy with ovarian reserve preservation), reproductive immunology, and Müllerian anomaly correction.
This combination allows management of complex fertility cases under a single specialist, cases that in the UK or USA would require referrals across multiple departments.
The clinic is ICMR-compliant under India's ART Regulation Act 2021 and maintains laboratory infrastructure for ICSI, blastocyst culture, vitrification, PGT-A, ERA biopsy, and laser-assisted hatching. A full breakdown of the IVF procedure, costs, and success rates in Mumbai is available on our dedicated treatment page.
Is IVF in India Regulated and Safe?
India's fertility sector is governed by the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, a federal legislation that mandates registration of all ART clinics, establishes donor screening protocols, regulates embryo handling, and defines patient rights.
ICMR compliance is required for legal operation. This is a material regulatory framework, not a voluntary standard.
Leading clinics maintain laboratory quality equivalent to accredited centres in the UK and the USA.
When evaluating a clinic, confirm ICMR registration and ask directly about blastocyst culture rates, vitrification survival rates, and specialist credentials.
Ready to find out if Mumbai is the right decision for your situation? A remote video consultation with Dr. Mehta gives you a personalised protocol, realistic timeline, and written cost estimate before you book a flight.
Call 1800-268-4000 or WhatsApp 099209 14115 our international coordinator.
How to Start Your IVF Journey from Abroad?
The starting point is a video consultation with Dr. Jay Mehta; no travel is required. You share your existing test results and medical history.
Dr. Mehta provides a personalised protocol recommendation, estimated timeline, and cost breakdown. From there, our international coordinator manages every logistical step.
What Happens at the First Remote Consultation?
During the video consultation, you share:
- Previous fertility investigations (AMH, semen analysis, hormonal panel, scan reports)
- Prior cycle records, if applicable
- Diagnosis and treatment history
- Your treatment goals and questions
Dr. Mehta reviews this material and provides a specific treatment recommendation, not a generic protocol—along with a realistic assessment of your prognosis based on your individual case.
What Does the International Coordinator Handle?
After your consultation, our international patient coordinator manages:
- Medical invitation letter for your visa application
- Accommodation recommendations near the clinic
- Treatment scheduling and monitoring appointment calendar
- Pharmacy coordination for medications
- Pre-treatment logistics guidance
- Ongoing communication throughout your cycle
What Happens After I Return Home?
After transfer and your return to your home country, Dr. Mehta's team provides:
- Luteal phase medication instructions and remote monitoring guidance
- Interpretation of your Beta-HCG pregnancy blood test result
- Full clinical summary for your local OB/GYN if the result is positive
- Guidance on next steps if the cycle is unsuccessful
You do not need to return to Mumbai for pregnancy management unless you choose to.
How Do I Contact Shree IVF Clinic as an International Patient?
📞 Toll-free: 1800-268-4000
💬 WhatsApp: Contact the international coordinator for direct messaging 099209 14115
🌐 Location: Shree IVF Clinic, Ghatkopar, Mumbai
Video consultations are available across time zones and are the standard starting point for all international patients.
Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. IVF outcomes vary based on individual clinical factors, including age, diagnosis, and ovarian reserve.
All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified fertility specialist following a personalised assessment. Shree IVF Clinic accepts no liability for decisions made based on this content alone.
FAQs About IVF in India for International Patients
- Is IVF in India legal for foreign patients?
Yes. The ART Regulation Act 2021 permits international patients to receive IVF and donor egg IVF at registered clinics in India. There are no citizenship or residency restrictions for patients.
- How long do I need to stay in Mumbai for IVF?
A standard IVF cycle with fresh embryo transfer requires 3–4 weeks. A freeze-all cycle requires 2–3 weeks for retrieval, followed by a return trip of 7–10 days for the frozen embryo transfer (FET) 4–8 weeks later.
- Can I bring my IVF medications from home or buy them in India?
FSH gonadotropin medications are available in India at significantly lower cost than in the UK, USA, or UAE. Most international patients purchase medications locally through the clinic's pharmacy partners. If your insurance covers medications purchased at home, bring documentation — the coordinator will advise based on your situation.
- Will my Indian IVF records be accepted by my home doctor?
Yes. Shree IVF Clinic provides comprehensive records in English, including stimulation charts, embryology reports, transfer documentation, discharge summaries, and clinical letters formatted to support continuity of care with your local OB/GYN or GP.
- Can I fly home immediately after embryo transfer?
Most patients return home 1–2 days after transfer. Long-haul air travel does not affect implantation rates. Avoid strenuous physical activity, but flying is not clinically contraindicated after transfer.
- Is donor egg IVF available in India for international patients?
Yes. Donor egg IVF is legal and regulated under the ART Act 2021. Anonymous, screened donors are typically available within 2–4 weeks. Recipient endometrial preparation can begin remotely before you arrive in Mumbai.
This is a primary reason international patients from the UK (donor waiting lists of 12–24 months) and the Middle East (legal restrictions) choose India specifically.
- Can single women access IVF in India?
Single women may access IVF with donor sperm at registered clinics. The ART Act 2021 restricts surrogacy to married heterosexual couples but does not restrict IVF for single female patients.
Speak with the coordinator to confirm eligibility based on your specific treatment requirements before travel.
- What if my IVF cycle is cancelled due to poor response?
Cycle cancellation due to inadequate stimulation response is a clinical recommendation made in your best interest; proceeding with a low-yield retrieval wastes cost and delays the path to pregnancy.
If cancelled, the team will adjust the protocol for a subsequent attempt. Medications already administered are typically the only non-refundable component. Your risk of cancellation is discussed at the consultation based on your AMH and antral follicle count.
- What happens to my frozen embryos if I cannot return for FET?
Frozen embryos can be stored at Shree IVF Clinic under an annual cryostorage agreement. The team will discuss long-term storage options, consent documentation, and what happens to embryos in the event of an extended delay between retrieval and FET.
Cross-border embryo transport to a clinic in your home country is also possible — logistics are managed through the coordinator.
- Does Shree IVF Clinic accept international insurance?
Shree IVF Clinic accepts payments in major international currencies. IVF is not covered by most standard health insurance policies globally; however, some US, Canadian, and Australian insurance plans include partial IVF coverage.
Detailed receipts and clinical documentation are provided to support any insurance claims or reimbursement applications on your return.
AUTHOR
Medically reviewed by Dr Jay Mehta, MBBS, DNB
Scientific Director & Fertility Specialist—Shree IVF Clinic, Mumbai
Expert in Reproductive Immunology, Endometriosis, and Advanced IVF
15+ years experience | 12308+ IVF cycles | 16000+ Endometriosis Surgeries | 2721+ male fertility surgeries
