IVF Eligibility: Who Can and Can't Get Fertility Treatment in India

When it comes to IVF eligibility, the set of medical, legal, and personal criteria that determine if someone can undergo in vitro fertilization. Also known as fertility treatment qualifications, it’s not just about being able to afford it—it’s about whether your body, health, and circumstances align with what clinics require to proceed safely. Many assume IVF is open to anyone who wants a baby, but that’s not true. Clinics in India follow strict guidelines based on age, medical history, and even legal status. For example, most clinics won’t offer IVF to women over 50, and single men or same-sex male couples often face legal roadblocks unless they use a surrogate under specific conditions.

IVF cost, the total price of one full cycle including medications, lab work, and procedures. Also known as fertility treatment price, it ranges from ₹2.2 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh in India, and it’s rarely covered by insurance. That’s why many people delay or skip treatment—not because they don’t want a child, but because they can’t afford the risk. Even if you’re medically eligible, the financial burden can make IVF impossible. Some clinics offer payment plans, but most insurance policies still treat IVF as an elective procedure. You’ll need to check state-specific mandates or use an HSA or FSA if you have one.

IVF insurance, whether your health plan pays for any part of fertility treatment. Also known as fertility coverage, it’s one of the biggest gaps in India’s healthcare system. Very few public or private plans cover IVF, and even when they do, they often limit the number of cycles or require proof of infertility after a year of trying. If your plan doesn’t cover it, you’re on your own. That’s why many couples explore alternative options like donor eggs, surrogacy, or adoption—each with their own set of eligibility rules.

Medical conditions also play a big role. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, severe obesity, or a history of certain cancers, clinics may say no—not because they don’t care, but because the risks are too high. Even smoking or heavy alcohol use can disqualify you. On the flip side, women with PCOS or blocked fallopian tubes are often strong candidates. Men with low sperm count can still qualify if sperm can be retrieved surgically. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being safe.

And then there’s the emotional side. IVF isn’t just a medical procedure—it’s a long, stressful journey. Clinics often require counseling before starting, especially if you’re using donor eggs or sperm. That’s because the genetic link matters. If you’re using a donor egg, the baby won’t carry your DNA. That doesn’t make you any less a parent, but it changes how you think about the process. Many people don’t realize this until they’re already deep into treatment.

What you’ll find below are real stories and facts about who gets approved for IVF, who gets turned away, and why. You’ll see how cost, health, and legal rules shape who gets a chance. Some posts break down what clinics actually check before signing you up. Others explain how insurance works—or doesn’t. There’s even one that tells you what happens when you use donor eggs or sperm. This isn’t theory. These are the questions real people in India are asking right now.