Are you considering IVF in Turkey? Turkey is growing in popularity as a destination for IVF treatment abroad. There are over 140 IVF clinics and what makes Turkey attractive for fertility treatment is the low cost and the exotic scenery.
Unlike the other countries discussed on this website for IVF abroad, the laws in Turkey do not allow egg, sperm or embryo donation. Therefore, only IVF treatment using own eggs and sperm is allowed. Whilst this might seem restrictive, the cost of IVF treatment can be half of that in the UK and it is what makes Turkey an IVF destination to consider. However, Turkey isn’t the leading IVF destination – patients more often choose Spain, Greece, the Czech Republic, or North Cyprus, all renowned for their more liberal regulations. Check out our guide – Best Countries for IVF Treatment – to discover the patient-preferred destinations that are even more popular.
Not sure if Turkey is the right destination for you? Get in touch!
You might like to read: Cheapest IVF in Europe
IVF Laws in Turkey
Compared to some countries in Europe, the law in Turkey is quite strict about who is allowed to be treated and which treatments are allowed. Egg, sperm and embryo donation treatments are strictly prohibited in Turkey, as is surrogacy. It is illegal to treat single women and lesbian couples.
What is allowed is IVF treatment using a married couple’s own eggs and sperm. In addition, PGS and PGD treatment are allowed. Egg freezing is allowed for the following conditions: a) cancer patients; b) diminished ovarian reserve or a family history of premature ovarian failure.
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Egg, Sperm, and Embryo Donation in Turkey
Turkey does not allow egg, sperm, or embryo donation. This means all fertility treatments must use the patient’s own genetic material.
You might like to read: Egg Donation in Turkey? Why Patients Look Elsewhere
Surrogacy is Not Permitted in Turkey
Unlike some countries, surrogacy is completely prohibited under Turkish law.
IVF Eligibility: Who Can Receive Treatment?
- Only married heterosexual couples can undergo IVF treatment.
- Single women and lesbian couples are not permitted to access fertility treatments in Turkey.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
Both PGD and PGS are allowed for medical reasons, such as screening for genetic conditions. However, sex selection for non-medical reasons is strictly prohibited.
Age Limits for IVF in Turkey
There is no official legal age limit for IVF treatment. However, since egg donation is not permitted, clinics generally do not treat women over 46 years old using their own eggs.
You might like to read: Turkey’s IVF Age Limits: What Happens After 45?
Embryo Storage Regulations in Turkey
- Embryos can be stored for up to 10 years.
- Patients must inform the clinic annually about their decision to continue storage or discard the embryos.
Embryo Transfer Limits in Turkey
To control multiple pregnancies, Turkey has specific regulations on embryo transfers:
Women under 35:
- 1 embryo for the first and second cycles.
- 2 embryos allowed starting from the third cycle.
Women over 35:
- Up to 2 embryos can be transferred per cycle.
Safety and Quality for IVF Treatment in Turkey
IVF clinics in Turkey are inspected every six months by the Ministry of Health. The inspections take the form of a checklist. They check the equipment, staff, the physical environment and records. The Ministry of Health will licence them if deemed fit to practise.
IVF success rates are submitted to the Ministry of Health but the public does not have access to this data.
Turkey is not in the European Union therefore fertility clinics in Turkey do not fall under the EU Tissues and Cells Directive. However, fertility clinics in Turkey do adhere to government legislation on IVF treatment (this page can be translated). Most UK visitors require a visa to enter Turkey. It is quite easy to get, costs about £20 and is valid for 3 months. Similar visa requirements are in place for other countries e.g. USA visitors.
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IVF Costs in Turkey – Comparison
| IVF in Turkey | IVF in the USA | IVF in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500 to 4,500 EUR | $15,000 – $25.000 | £5,000 – £8,000 |
The cost of IVF in Turkey is among the most affordable in Europe compared to other popular IVF destinations. It’s not just about the lower average cost—what sets Turkey apart is that many clinics include additional techniques and ovarian stimulation medications in the overall price. To attract international patients, some clinics also offer packages that cover accommodation and airport transfers, making the process more convenient and cost-effective.
IVF in Turkey Question and Answers
What is the cost of IVF in Turkey?
Compared to some countries in Europe, the law in Turkey is quite strict about who is allowed to be treated and which treatments are allowed. IVF treatment is only offered to married couples using their own sperm and eggs. It is illegal to treat single women and lesbian couples. There is no legal age limit for treatment but as there are no donor eggs or embryos available only a woman’s own eggs can be used in treatment. Consequently, many clinics will not treat women above 46 years. The average cost of IVF treatment in Turkey is $2,500.
How much does it cost to freeze your eggs in Turkey?
Egg freezing in Turkey is only allowed when there are the following conditions:
– Cancer patients
– Women with diminished ovarian reserve
– Where there is a familial history of premature ovarian failure.
The average cost to freeze eggs in Turkey is €500 plus storage costs.
You may be interested in reading: Egg Freezing in Europe Guide – Costs and Process Explained
How much does embryo donation cost in Turkey?
Embryo donation treatments are strictly prohibited in Turkey.
What is the cost of IVF with donor eggs in Turkey?
Egg donation treatments are strictly prohibited in Turkey.
How much does donor sperm for IVF cost in Turkey?
Sperm donation treatments are strictly prohibited in Turkey.
How much does IVF cost in Turkey?
The cost of IVF in Turkey is significantly lower than in many European countries. While exact prices can vary based on the clinic and specific treatments required, overall cost of obtaining IVF services in Turkey remains lower even when accounting for additional expenses such as travel and accommodation. The cost of IVF ICSI treatment in Turkey depending on the region may range from 2,500 to 3,500 EUR.
Is Turkey a good place for IVF?
Turkey has established itself as a reputable destination for IVF treatments. Clinics are inspected biannually by the Ministry of Health to ensure adherence to medical standards. However, it’s important to note that Turkish laws prohibit egg, sperm, and embryo donation, as well as surrogacy. Only married couples using their own eggs and sperm are eligible for treatment.
What is the age limit for IVF in Turkey?
There is no legal age limit for IVF treatment in Turkey. However, since donor eggs are not permitted, many clinics set their own age restrictions, often not treating women above 46 years of age.
How long does IVF take in Turkey?
The IVF process typically spans about four to six weeks, which includes initial consultations, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. Some clinics may offer tailored schedules to accommodate international patients, potentially condensing certain phases.
How successful is IVF in Turkey?
Success rates in Turkish clinics are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, those in Western countries. For instance, a study comparing IVF success rates found that Turkish hospitals had higher success rates across various age groups compared to U.S. averages. However, individual success can vary based on factors like age and specific fertility issues.
Is Turkey safe for IVF?
Yes, Turkey is considered safe for IVF treatments. Clinics are regularly inspected by the Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with medical standards. It’s essential for patients to research and select accredited clinics with positive patient reviews.
Is IVF cheaper in Turkey?
IVF treatments in Turkey are generally more affordable than in many Western countries. The cost difference is significant, even when considering travel and accommodation expenses, making Turkey a cost-effective option for IVF. Turkey offers a combination of affordability, quality care, and favorable success rates for IVF treatments. However, potential patients should consider the legal restrictions on donor materials and ensure they choose reputable clinics that align with their specific needs.
Looking for Alternative IVF Options? Consider North Cyprus
For patients looking for less restrictive fertility laws, North Cyprus offers more flexibility in IVF treatments. Some key differences include:
- Egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation are allowed in North Cyprus.
- Single women and same-sex couples can undergo IVF treatments.
You can learn more about IVF in North Cyprus and how it compares to Turkey by visiting our dedicated guide on IVF in Cyprus.
North Cyprus is a popular alternative for many patients who initially consider Turkey but require treatments that Turkish laws do not permit. If you’re exploring fertility treatment options in the region, Cyprus might be the right choice for you.
You might like to read: Turkey or North Cyprus for IVF? 5 Questions to Help You Decide
