IVF Treatment in Spain for British Patients - a Complete Guide (2025)

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for UK patients seeking fertility treatment. With over 300 specialised clinics, favourable regulations and immediate access to advanced techniques, Spain offers an attractive alternative to the limitations of the NHS and private clinics in the UK.

This article provides a detailed guide on how to organise IVF treatment in Spain, from planning the trip to the necessary medication and medical tests.

Spain – a Leading Destination in Assisted Reproduction

More British patients travel to Spain for fertility treatment than to any other country in Europe. Reasons include:

• Increased availability of egg and sperm donors.
• More flexible legislation (age limit up to 50 years).
• Accessible treatments for single women and same-sex couples.
• Competitive costs and financing options.
• Proven success in cases of implantation failure and repeat miscarriages.
• Short or non-existent waiting lists.

For many people in the UK, assisted reproduction can be a frustrating process due to restrictive NHS criteria and the high costs of private clinics. Spain offers an efficient, accessible and high-quality alternative.

Organisation of Treatment in Spain for British Patients

One of the aspects that makes Spain such an attractive destination for British patients seeking fertility treatment is the ease with which they can organise their travel and treatment. From the first contact, patients have the support of a team specialised in caring for international patients, ensuring that every stage of the process is simple and clear, as is the case at Clinica Tambre, which specialises in treating UK patients.

Travelling abroad for fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to organisation, logistics, and medical preparations. However, leading clinics have dedicated international patient care teams to guide and support patients from the very first contact. With everything carefully coordinated in advance, patients can arrive in Spain feeling fully prepared and confident about their journey.

Step 1: First Consultation and Planning

The first step towards fertility treatment in Spain begins with an initial consultation. This crucial appointment allows the medical team to assess the patient’s situation and create a personalised treatment plan. To accommodate different needs and schedules, consultations can take place in one of two ways:

Online Consultation

More and more UK patients are choosing to have their first consultation remotely via video call. This option offers both convenience and flexibility, allowing them to ask questions, discuss concerns, and receive expert advice without the need to travel. During this session, the specialist doctor will review the patient’s medical history and provide personalised recommendations.

An online consultation is also an opportunity to address any concerns about travelling to Spain, from logistics to accommodation. Additionally, the medical team will offer clear guidance on any necessary pre-treatment tests, ensuring that everything is in place before treatment begins.

Face-to-face Consultation

For those who prefer a more personalised experience, an in-person consultation at the clinic is an excellent option. This visit allows patients to meet their medical team and patient coordinator face-to-face, creating a strong foundation of trust and support. Additionally, diagnostic tests can be performed on the same day, streamlining the process and making the most of the patient’s time.

During the visit, a thorough medical evaluation is conducted. The specialist reviews the patient’s medical history and performs key tests, such as transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests, to determine the most suitable treatment plan.

Whether the consultation takes place online or in person, the medical team will assess several key factors, including:

• Previous fertility tests, such as hormone assessments, ultrasound scans, and seminograms (if applicable).
• History of previous fertility treatments and their outcomes.
• Medication options, explaining differences in availability and prescribing between the UK and Spain.
• Treatment timeline and travel logistics, outlining key dates and the expected length of stay in Spain.

This structured approach ensures that every patient receives a tailored, well-planned fertility journey, with all key details arranged in advance.

Step 2: Pre-travel Preparation: Medical Tests and Medication Management

One of the main concerns of British patients who decide to undergo fertility treatment in Spain is the management of prior medical tests and obtaining the necessary medication. Thanks to their experience in caring for international patients, clinics such as Tambre have developed an efficient system that allows patients to prepare for their treatment in their home country in the simplest way possible.

Pre-treatment Medical Tests: How to Organise them in the UK

To ensure that treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs, it is important that the patient is able to provide medical tests prior to travel. These tests allow specialists to assess ovarian reserve, the health of the uterus and, in the case of patients with a male partner, semen quality.

If patients have undergone previous treatments, they can provide previous test results, preferably from the last six months.

Recommended tests include:

• Hormone analyses: FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, prolactin and TSH.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: To assess ovarian reserve and uterine morphology.
• Seminogram in case of treatment with a male partner.
• Genetic and immunological testing in cases of repeated miscarriage or implantation failure.

In the UK, getting these results quickly can be a challenge, as waiting times can vary depending on the centre where they are performed. In some cases, it can take 24-72 hours for tests to be available. For this reason, it is advisable to plan and look for specialised fertility centres that offer fast turnaround times.

To facilitate this process, many Spanish clinics collaborate with different centres in the UK that have expertise in assisted reproduction. These centres can assist patients with their medical tests and ensure that the results are delivered in the shortest possible time.

Once the results have been obtained, patients can send them directly to the clinic in Spain via email for evaluation. This way, when they arrive at the in-person consultation, their medical team will have information valuable to design their treatment plan in a personalised manner.

Ovarian Stimulation Drugs: Access and Differences Between Spain and the UK

Ovarian stimulation is an essential phase in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments and other assisted reproduction procedures. Its aim is to induce the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries, thus increasing the chances of obtaining viable embryos for transfer. Although the drugs used in Spain and the UK are mostly the same, there are significant differences in terms of availability, prescription and costs.

The most commonly used drugs in this process fall into several categories. Gonadotrophins, which directly stimulate ovarian function, include recombinant FSH, found in drugs such as Gonal-f, Puregon and Ovaleap, as well as hMG (human menopausal gonadotropin), used in treatments with Menopur or Meriofert. in some cases, corifolitropin alfa, a long-acting drug marketed under the name Elonva, is also used to reduce the number of injections needed during treatment.

To prevent premature ovulation, GnRH antagonists such as Cetrotide and Orgalutran are used to block the action of luteinising hormone (LH) and help control follicular development until the optimal time for ovarian puncture. In addition, there are other complementary medications that can be part of the stimulation protocol, such as clomiphene citrate and letrozole, which are used in some specific cases to induce ovulation. Finally, to trigger ovulation at the appropriate time, an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is administered, with Ovitrelle being one of the most commonly used drugs for this purpose.

Medication Management: Options for UK Patients

Ovarian stimulation medication plays a crucial role in fertility treatment, but availability can vary between countries. In the UK, accessing these medications may require some advance planning, as prescriptions from foreign doctors are not always accepted by UK pharmacies. However, there are several alternative options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.

To avoid complications, patients have several options:

• Online pharmacies: Many patients choose to purchase their medication through pharmacies that specialise in fertility treatments. These pharmacies allow the purchase of prescription drugs and deliver them directly to the patient’s home.
• Collaborating centres in the UK: Some medical centres with expertise in assisted reproduction can facilitate prescription management, helping patients to access medication without delay.
• Purchasing medication in Spain: Another alternative is to purchase medication directly in Spain, where specialist pharmacies have immediate availability. For those who choose this option, clinics with a long tradition of caring for English patients, such as Tambre, provide prescriptions in person, allowing patients to purchase their medication without hassle.

It is important to note that some medicines, such as Decapeptyl 0.1mg, are not marketed in the UK. Therefore, if a treatment requires this drug, the Tambre team will advise the patient on the best available alternatives.

In Spain, medication is cheaper, with prices ranging from 400 to 1,100 euros. In the UK they are generally more expensive, although the NHS does cover some cases.

Shipping of Medication Kits and Customs

As the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, the shipment of medication from Spain may be limited by customs issues. As a result, it is not possible to send medication kits directly from the clinic. However, the Tambre team is available to guide patients through every step of the process, ensuring that they can obtain their medication as quickly and conveniently as possible.

IVF Treatment in Spain – Planning for a Smooth Experience

Thanks to coordination with collaborating medical centres in the UK and ongoing support from the Tambre team, UK patients can organise their treatment with ease. From medical tests to the purchase of medication, every aspect of the process is designed to ensure that arrival in Spain is as smooth as possible.

“This comprehensive approach allows patients to travel with the peace of mind that everything is perfectly coordinated, avoiding unnecessary delays and ensuring that treatment takes place in the best possible conditions,” says English patient coordinator Paola Costanzo.

Stay in Spain and Treatment

During the stay in Spain, treatment takes place in several phases:

1. Medical tests and ultrasound scans.
2. Ovarian stimulation and cycle monitoring.
3. Ovarian puncture and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
4. Embryo transfer.
5. Follow-up after treatment (including confirmation of pregnancy).

The clinic team maintains communication with patients even after returning to the UK.

Medical Tests During and After Treatment

During Treatment: Medical Follow-Up

Ovarian stimulation requires ultrasound checks and hormone analysis. In the UK, patients can have these tests done by local doctors and send the results to the clinic in Spain.

After Treatment: Confirmation of Pregnancy

• Blood pregnancy test (hCG) 10-12 days after transfer.
• Confirmation ultrasound at 6 weeks gestation.

Advantages of Choosing Spain for Fertility Treatment

Key differences between the UK and Spain make the latter a preferred option for many UK patients:

Spain – an Accessible Destination for British Patients

Travel between the UK and Spain is easy and convenient:

• Direct flights from all major UK cities.
• No visa is required for short stays.
• Direct connections to major cities such as Madrid and Alicante

Spain – a Safe and Affective Option for UK Patients

For many British patients, seeking fertility treatment abroad is a decision that comes with uncertainties. However, in Spain, they not only find an advanced reproductive medicine system but also a supportive environment where they are guided every step of the way.

This was the case for Natalie Phillips, a British patient who, after years of unsuccessful attempts in the UK, decided to explore treatment in Spain:

“After years of unsuccessful IVF in the UK, I decided to explore treatment in Spain. From the very first consultation, I felt supported and reassured. The level of care was outstanding, and having a clear treatment plan gave me renewed hope. I’m now pregnant and forever grateful to the team that made this possible.”

Stories like Natalie’s reflect the commitment of clinics like Tambre to each patient. From the very first contact, a clear and detailed treatment plan is designed, ensuring that every woman receives the support, information, and reassurance she needs. For those considering Spain as an option for their fertility treatment, the key is knowing that they will never be alone on this journey.

“At Tambre, our experience with international patients has allowed us to develop an approach that ensures that each woman receives the guidance and support she needs. From the first contact, detailed treatment planning is established, with clear information about dates, medication and each stage of the process. Everything is carefully organised so that the patient can focus on what is most important: her wellbeing and her path to motherhood,” explains Dr Marina Díaz, a fertility expert at Clinica Tambre.

The goal is to ensure that every patient feels fully supported, with a dedicated team providing clear answers and ongoing guidance. We strive to make the entire experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. For those considering Spain for fertility treatment, the most important thing to remember is that they will never be alone on this journey.

This article was written by Dr Marina Díaz, a gynaecologist specialising in reproductive medicine at Clínica Tambre.

Dr Marina Díaz knew from an early age that she wanted to become a doctor, inspired by her grandfather, who also practised medicine. Her passion for gynaecology developed when she discovered how broad and dynamic the field is, eventually leading her to specialise in reproductive medicine.

She has a particular interest in complex cases, such as implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages, which she sees as both a professional challenge and an opportunity to tailor treatments even more precisely to each patient’s needs. She is also passionate about ultrasound, as she believes it allows her to take a holistic approach to patient care, gaining a deeper understanding of each case and optimising the chances of success.

For Dr Díaz, the key to effective fertility treatment lies in combining in-depth medical expertise with highly personalised care, ensuring that every patient feels supported and understood throughout their journey.