IVF funding in Cyprus. First attempt up to €4,500

People seeking infertility treatment in Cyprus can receive up to €4,500 in funding for their first full IVF procedure. The government program covers married couples, couples in committed relationships, and single women. The amount of funding depends on the type of procedure and the number of previous subsidized attempts.

The first full procedure, including egg collection, embryo creation, and embryo transfer, can be subsidized up to €4,500. The second procedure is subsidized up to €3,500, and the third and fourth procedures are subsidized up to €2,500. Applications must generally be submitted within four months of the procedure.

Funding depends on the procedure performed

The €4,500 amount is not a one-time benefit paid to each individual. It is the maximum reimbursement for the first full procedure, applicable to treatment initiated after July 3, 2024.

The current funding limits are:

• first full procedure – to 4500 euro,
• second full procedure – to 3500 euro,
• third full procedure – to 2500 euro,
• fourth full procedure – to 2500 euro,
• collection of egg cells and creation of embryos without transfer – to 2000 euro,
• collection and freezing of egg cells – for 2000 euro,
• embryo transfer itself – to 500 euro,
• full natural cycle – up to 1500 euro,
• natural cycle completed without transfer – to 1000 euro,
• creation of embryos from frozen eggs and their transfer – to 2000 euro,
• creation of embryos from frozen cells without transfer – to 1500 euro,
• sperm freezing – to 500 euro.

The amounts provided are limits, not guaranteed payments. If the documented cost of the procedure is lower, the aid will not exceed the amount shown on the invoices.

Documents issued by the clinic should clearly indicate what procedures were performed. General information about "in vitro treatment" may not be sufficient to properly process the application.

Who can apply for assistance?

The program is not just for married couples.

Funding may be applied for by, among others:

• marriage,
• couples who have entered into a civil partnership,
• a woman and a man in a lasting relationship confirmed by an appropriate declaration,
• single women,
• in certain cases, persons using the procedure involving a surrogate mother,
• persons preserving reproductive cells for medical reasons.

In the case of couples, at least one person must be a permanent resident of Cyprus. The other must have legal residence, and both persons must be beneficiaries of GESY and meet other program requirements.

Funding covers procedures performed in clinics in Cyprus.

The number of attempts depends on the number of children

Not every applicant is eligible for four subsidized procedures. The number depends on the family situation:

• couples and single women without children – up to four attempts,
• couples and single women with one child – up to three attempts,
• people with two children – up to two attempts.

This means that the amounts allocated for the third and fourth procedures will not be available to every applicant.

The age limit has been raised to 53 years

In the updated program, the maximum age of a woman's natural reproductive capacity has been raised from 50 to 53 years old.

However, this limit should not be confused with the rules regarding egg freezing. The program provides subsidies for egg collection and cryopreservation for women over 35 and up to 43.

For some procedures or specific medical situations, prior approval from the Cyprus Council for Medically Assisted Reproduction may be required.

Up to 2,600 euros for genetic testing of embryos

The Minister of Health may approve funding for pre-implantation genetic testing up to the amount of 2600 euro.

This assistance does not automatically cover every genetic test performed in connection with IVF. It is intended for specific cases where the prospective parents have certain hereditary conditions and the test is intended to prevent the birth of a child with the condition.

In such situations, appropriate qualification and approval of the procedure are required.

Four months to submit an application

The application for funding should be submitted to the Ministry of Health within four months from the date of the medically assisted reproduction procedure.

Sufficient proof of costs incurred must be included in the documentation. Clinic bills should include a detailed description of the procedures performed.

The Minister of Health may also consider applications submitted after the deadline. However, this is an option intended for exceptional cases and does not automatically extend the deadline.

Current forms and instructions are available on the Ministry of Health website: https://www.gov.cy/moh/mi-katigoriopoiimeno/anatheorisi-schedioy-antimetopisis-ypogonimotitas

Information can also be obtained at the following numbers:

• 22 605300,
• 22 605711.

Medicines are covered by a separate procedure

Funding for a clinical in vitro procedure does not automatically mean reimbursement of the cost of all medications purchased by the patient.

Pharmaceutical Services operates a separate program for infertility medications. Before purchasing medications, confirm with your doctor or pharmacist:

• whether a given preparation is included in the current program,
• whether prior consent is needed,
• where can you get it,
• what part of the cost remains with the patient.

First check the conditions, then start treatment

The plan can cover a significant portion of your medical expenses, but the amounts quoted are maximum limits and not a guaranteed full payment.

Before starting the procedure, it's worth checking your category, the number of available samples, and the required documentation. You should also ask the clinic to issue detailed invoices and adhere to the four-month deadline.

The most important information for people planning treatment is clear: The first full IVF procedure can be subsidized up to €4,500, but payment depends on meeting the conditions and providing correct documentation of costs.

Sources: Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, Pharmaceutical Services.