Your Guide to All Things Travel & Fertility Treatments
The summer travel season is here, and whether you’re travelling for fertility treatments or during it, we’re answering some of your most asked questions
Your Guide to All Things Travel & Fertility Treatments
Why would I consider CBRC (cross border reproductive care) and what are the benefits?
Cross border reproductive care, also known as fertility tourism, is the process of traveling from where you live to another country (or state) to obtain reproductive services and treatment.
Patients might choose CBRC to gain access to more resources and a higher quality of care, lower costs of treatment or overall cost, to avoid legal or religious reproductive restrictions, and much more.
The following are some benefits of choosing CBRC:
Improved access to care by avoiding long wait times or delays in the departure country.
More access to donors and gestational carriers in other countries or states.
Fewer restrictive regulations in other areas based on age, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Working with more highly trained staff, doctors or specialists and more modern equipment.
Being closer to friends and family for support, or closer to an area where more donors are the same ethnicity or race as the patient.
How do I pick a fertility clinic or an area to go for fertility treatments?
Each individual’s situation is different and depends on where you are located, where you are comfortable traveling to, why you are seeking reproductive care in another area, your financial situation and much more. However, there are some questions that you should ask a potential clinic no matter where they are located:
When I travel to your clinic, how long would I need to stay in the area?
Are there consultations that I can do remotely?
What are the appointments that I should be there for in person?
Are there scans or blood tests that I could do in my current location? If so, could you provide a list of providers or offices that I can use?
What CBRC accommodations do you offer? (i.e., pick up or drop off services, hotel accommodations, travel discounts)
During a fertility treatment, can I travel with my medications?
When traveling, you’ll want to check airline website to be knowledgeable about restrictions and guidelines. Current TSA regulations in the United States allow you to travel with prescription, liquid injectables, but you should be very mindful of rules and guidelines.
It is helpful to keep your prescription fertility medications in their original packaging, have your prescription at the ready, and obtain a letter from your fertility clinic that explains that it is necessary for you to take your medications during your travels. Avoid possibly losing your medications by storing them in your carry-on luggage.
If you’re traveling with injection medications, be sure to pack supplies like alcohol wipes, gauze ice packs, etc. and keep your medications at the appropriate temperature!
Can I fly around the time of my fertility treatment?
It’s important to speak with your doctor or care team when planning your trip! Depending on your individual situation and treatment timelines, it might be advised to stay near your clinic and care team for certain types of treatment.
During the IVF process, for example, there are periods of time where you might be required to have in-office monitoring in order to perfectly time an egg retrieval.
If you are cleared for travel, your care team can help ease any stress by helping you organize appointments and medication schedules. They can also help provide any documentation needed for travelling with your medications.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.