Traveling for Fertility
Exploring international options for egg freezing and fertility treatments
Combining egg freezing with travel—often called a "freeze-cation"—can be a cost-effective and enjoyable way to preserve your fertility. This page provides timeline tips and practical advice for planning your fertility journey abroad.
Why Consider Fertility Travel?
Cost Savings
Egg freezing abroad can cost 30-70% less than in the US, even after factoring in travel expenses. Countries like Spain, Mexico, and Thailand offer high-quality care at significantly lower prices.
Quality Care
Many international fertility clinics have state-of-the-art facilities, internationally trained doctors, and success rates comparable to or exceeding US clinics. Some are JCI-accredited, meeting rigorous international standards.
Vacation Experience
Combine medical care with a relaxing vacation. Many clinics are located in beautiful destinations and offer concierge services to help with accommodations, transportation, and tourism activities.
Timeline Planning for Fertility Travel
3-6 Months Before Travel
- ✓Research and select destination
Compare countries based on cost, success rates, regulations, and travel requirements.
- ✓Initial fertility testing at home
Get AMH, antral follicle count, and other baseline tests to understand your fertility status.
- ✓Contact international clinics
Request information, pricing, and virtual consultations with 2-3 clinics.
- ✓Check passport and visa requirements
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
2-3 Months Before Travel
- ✓Select your clinic and schedule dates
Choose a clinic and tentatively schedule your cycle based on your menstrual cycle.
- ✓Book flights and accommodation
Plan to arrive 2-3 days before your cycle starts and stay for 14-16 days total.
- ✓Purchase travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical issues (though it likely won't cover the fertility treatment itself).
- ✓Research medication options
Determine if you'll purchase medications at home or abroad (often significantly cheaper).
1 Month Before Travel
- ✓Confirm your treatment plan
Have a final consultation with your chosen clinic to confirm protocol and timeline.
- ✓Arrange for medication transportation
Get a letter from your doctor about traveling with medications and needles if bringing from home.
- ✓Check vaccination requirements
Get any necessary vaccinations for your destination country.
- ✓Plan your recovery activities
Research gentle activities and relaxation options for after your retrieval.
During Your Trip (14-16 Days)
- ✓Days 1-3: Arrival and baseline testing
Arrive, adjust to time zone, and have your first clinic visit for baseline ultrasound and bloodwork.
- ✓Days 4-10: Stimulation phase
Daily injections and monitoring appointments every 2-3 days. Enjoy light tourism activities.
- ✓Days 11-12: Trigger and retrieval
Trigger shot followed by egg retrieval 36 hours later. Plan for rest on retrieval day.
- ✓Days 13-16: Recovery and return
Light recovery activities, follow-up appointment, and return home when cleared by your doctor.
After Your Return
- ✓Follow-up with local doctor
Share your treatment records with your home doctor for continuity of care.
- ✓Arrange for egg storage
Confirm long-term storage arrangements, either abroad or shipping to your home country.
- ✓Plan for future use
Discuss with your doctor whether you should freeze more eggs or if your current number is sufficient.
Popular Fertility Tourism Destinations
Spain
Spain is Europe's leading fertility destination with progressive regulations, excellent success rates, and clinics that cater specifically to international patients.
Mexico
Mexico offers significant cost savings with the convenience of proximity to the US. Many clinics in tourist areas like Cancun combine treatment with beach vacations.
Thailand
Thailand offers luxury medical facilities at affordable prices. Bangkok and Phuket have JCI-accredited hospitals with excellent fertility services and world-class hospitality.
Practical Tips for Fertility Travel
Medication Management
- ✓Traveling with medications
Carry a doctor's letter, keep medications in original packaging, and research customs regulations.
- ✓Temperature control
Use insulated medication travel cases with ice packs for long journeys.
- ✓Local purchase options
Consider buying medications at your destination—often 30-50% cheaper than in the US.
Accommodation Tips
- ✓Stay near the clinic
Choose accommodation within 15-20 minutes of your clinic to minimize travel for monitoring appointments.
- ✓Kitchen access
Consider apartment rentals or extended-stay hotels with kitchens for medication refrigeration and healthy meal preparation.
- ✓Clinic partnerships
Ask if your clinic has partnerships with nearby hotels for special rates or transportation services.
Communication Strategies
- ✓Translation services
Confirm your clinic has English-speaking staff or arrange for a medical translator if needed.
- ✓International phone plan
Ensure your phone works internationally or get a local SIM card for reliable communication with your clinic.
- ✓Medical terminology
Learn key fertility terms in the local language or use a medical translation app.
Post-Retrieval Planning
- ✓Recovery time
Plan to stay at least 2-3 days after retrieval before flying home to ensure proper recovery.
- ✓Gentle activities
Research relaxing activities like spa treatments, gentle walking tours, or beach relaxation for your recovery days.
- ✓Flexible return tickets
Consider booking changeable return flights in case your retrieval date shifts or you need extra recovery time.