Spain Fertility Tourism At a Glance
- ✓ 60K+ fertility tourists annually - Europe's leader
- ✓ 30-50% savings vs. US IVF prices
- ✓ 55-60% success rate for donor-egg IVF (highest in Europe)
- ✓ 8-10 hour flight from US East Coast
- ✓ No visa required for US citizens (Schengen zone)
- ✓ Short waiting times vs. UK/US for donor eggs
Why Spain for Fertility Treatment?
Spain has become Europe's fertility tourism capital for good reasons. The country combines strict quality regulations with competitive pricing and - crucially - some of the highest success rates for donor-egg IVF in the world.
For Americans, Spain offers several advantages over staying in the US:
- 30-50% cost savings on IVF cycles
- No waitlists for donor eggs (US waitlists can be 1-2 years)
- Anonymous donation legal (donors are young, thoroughly screened)
- Strict government regulations ensure consistent clinic quality
- Beautiful destination for reducing stress during treatment
Cost Comparison: US vs. Spain
| Treatment | US Price | Spain Price |
|---|---|---|
| IVF Cycle (own eggs) | $15,000-25,000 | $5,000-8,000 |
| IVF + Donor Eggs | $25,000-40,000 | $8,000-12,000 |
| Egg Freezing | $10,000-15,000 | $3,500-5,500 |
| PGT-A Testing (per cycle) | $3,000-6,000 | $2,000-3,500 |
| Frozen Embryo Transfer | $3,000-5,000 | $1,500-2,500 |
Prices are estimates. Medications ($2,000-5,000) and travel costs are additional.
Spain vs. Czech Republic: Which to Choose?
Both are popular European fertility destinations. Here's how to decide:
Choose Spain if:
- ✓ You want the highest donor-egg success rates (55-60%)
- ✓ You're a single woman (legal in Spain)
- ✓ You prefer strict regulations and oversight
- ✓ You want a vacation-like destination
- ✓ Budget is less of a concern than success rate
Choose Czech Republic if:
- • You want the lowest prices in Europe
- • You're a heterosexual couple (required by Czech law)
- • You're over 40 (Czech allows up to age 48 for donor eggs)
- • Budget is the primary factor
- • You prefer a smaller, quieter city (Prague)
Important: Spanish Legal Requirements
- • Single women: Yes, legally allowed
- • Same-sex female couples: Yes, legally allowed
- • Same-sex male couples: No - surrogacy is illegal in Spain
- • Donation: Anonymous only (you won't know the donor's identity)
- • Age limits: Vary by clinic, typically up to 50 for donor eggs
Top Fertility Clinics in Spain
IVI (Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad)
World's LargestThe world's largest fertility group, headquartered in Valencia. 65 clinics worldwide. IVI pioneered many IVF techniques.
- • Valencia (headquarters)
- • Madrid
- • Barcelona
- • Seville, Bilbao, others
- • Pioneer of vitrification
- • In-house research labs
- • International patient coordinators
- • 60%+ donor egg success rate
Institut Marques
BarcelonaBarcelona-based clinic known for innovation and personalized care. Famous for research on embryo development.
- • IVF with own and donor eggs
- • Embryo adoption
- • Fertility preservation
- • Complex cases
- • Famous "Babypod" research
- • Strong international patient focus
- • Time-lapse embryo monitoring
- • Beautiful clinic setting
Eugin Clinic
BarcelonaOne of Spain's largest and most experienced fertility clinics. Strong reputation for international patients.
- • IVF with donor eggs
- • Egg freezing
- • Donor matching
- • Remote monitoring
- • "At Home" program (remote prep)
- • Large donor database
- • Minimize travel days
- • Multi-language support
Ginefiv
MadridOne of Spain's pioneering fertility clinics (founded 1985). Madrid-based with strong track record.
- • IVF all types
- • Egg donation
- • Genetic testing
- • Male fertility
- • 35+ years experience
- • Central Madrid location
- • Comprehensive genetic lab
- • Personalized protocols
Understanding the IVF Process in Spain
Treatment abroad requires different planning than local IVF. Here's what to expect:
Initial Consultation (Remote)
- • Video consultation with Spanish fertility specialist
- • Review your medical history and previous treatments
- • Develop a personalized treatment protocol
- • Receive cost estimate and timeline
Preparation Phase (At Home)
- • Blood tests and ultrasounds with local doctor (clinic provides protocol)
- • Begin hormone medications if using own eggs
- • Regular check-ins with Spanish clinic via telemedicine
- • Clinic selects donor if applicable (matched to your characteristics)
Trip 1: Egg Retrieval or Transfer Prep (5-10 days)
- If using own eggs: Final monitoring, trigger shot, egg retrieval
- If using donor eggs: Uterine lining preparation, sync with donor
- • Fertilization and embryo culture in lab
- • Optional: PGT-A genetic testing (adds 1-2 weeks to results)
Embryo Transfer (2-3 days)
- • Transfer of embryo(s) - quick, painless procedure
- • Rest period at hotel (24-48 hours recommended)
- • Receive aftercare instructions and medications
- • Fly home for the two-week wait
After Transfer (At Home)
- • Pregnancy test 10-14 days after transfer
- • If positive, begin prenatal care with local OB/GYN
- • Spanish clinic provides records and handoff to your doctor
How Many Trips Do I Need?
Fresh transfer (own eggs): Usually 1 trip of 10-14 days
Donor eggs (fresh transfer): Usually 1 trip of 4-6 days (timing synced to donor's cycle)
Frozen embryo transfer: 1 trip of 3-5 days. Many clinics can do monitoring remotely, minimizing travel.
Practical Information
Getting There
- Barcelona: 8-9 hrs from NYC, direct flights available
- Madrid: 8-9 hrs from NYC, major hub
- Valencia: Usually requires connection via Madrid/Barcelona
- Airlines: Iberia, American, Delta, United have direct routes
Money & Payments
- Currency: Euro (EUR). ~1 EUR = $1.05-1.10 USD
- Payment: Wire transfer for deposits, credit cards accepted
- Insurance: Fertility treatment not covered by US insurance
- Financing: Some clinics offer payment plans
Where to Stay
- Barcelona: Eixample, Gracia - walkable, near clinics
- Madrid: Salamanca, Chamberí - upscale, convenient
- Book flexible: Treatment timing can shift a day or two
- Apartments: Often better than hotels for longer stays
Best Time to Go
- Avoid August: Many clinics have reduced schedules
- Spring/Fall: Best weather, fewer tourists
- Winter: Fine, but shorter days
- Summer: Hot, but clinics fully operational
Common Questions
"Why are success rates so high in Spain?"
Several factors: strict regulations on donor selection (donors are young, 18-35), advanced lab technology, high clinic volumes, and specialization. Spanish clinics also tend to be more aggressive with embryo selection and transfer protocols.
"Can I choose my egg donor?"
No - Spanish law requires anonymous donation. However, clinics carefully match donors to recipients based on physical characteristics (hair color, eye color, height, blood type) and sometimes personality/education. You'll receive non-identifying information about your donor.
"What if treatment doesn't work on the first try?"
Many clinics offer package deals that include multiple attempts. Ask about their refund or "shared risk" programs. If you have frozen embryos from the first cycle, subsequent transfers are much less expensive ($1,500-2,500) and require shorter trips.
"Do I need to bring a partner?"
If you're doing IVF as a couple, your partner may need to provide a sperm sample in Spain (unless frozen sperm was shipped ahead). For the embryo transfer, having support is helpful emotionally but not required. Single women can do the entire process alone.
"How do I manage IVF medications?"
Most clinics prescribe medications that you can get filled in Spain (often cheaper than US) or ship to your US address. Some medications require refrigeration. Your clinic will provide detailed instructions for injections, which you'll do at home.
Ready to Explore Spain Fertility Options?
Compare clinics and learn more about fertility treatment in Europe.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Fertility treatment success depends on individual factors. Always consult with qualified fertility specialists before making treatment decisions.