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MORE IRISH PATIENTS are travelling abroad in search of cheaper IVF treatment, a new survey shows.
The Czech Republic is currently the main destination of choice, and has seen a 463% increase in IVF enquiries from Ireland, WhatClinic.com found.
One round of IVF treatment there will cost on average €2,651, compared to €4,662 in Ireland.
Many are also heading to Spain, where enquiries are up 238% despite the treatment costing slightly more.
However, is it believed this increase is due to more treatment options being available.
Overall, the number of enquiries to clinics overseas has increased by 59%.
“There has been a significant lean towards travelling overseas for fertility treatments in the past year, as many more couples look at their options outside of Ireland,” CEO of WhatClinic.com Caelen King said.
In some cases cost may play a big factor in this decision, but often patients are travelling to countries for specific clinics that have increased expertise or treatments that are not available here.
Enquires to the Czech Republic relating to egg donation increased by 188%, while fertility consultation enquiries have more than quadrupled.
Initial tests, such as sperm assessments and fertility tests, remain popular within Ireland.
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