Infertility is not just about tests, protocols, and numbers. It means years of waiting, hopes, fears and, often, costs that are difficult to sustain. The National IVF Programme 2025 was created precisely to offer real support to couples and women who wish to have a child but are unable to achieve a pregnancy naturally.
In this article, I will explain step by step what the National IVF Programme 2025 entails, who is eligible, which costs are covered, what the real chances of success are, and what is important to discuss with your doctor before enrolling. I will also integrate practical recommendations from my experience as a specialist in infertility treatment so that you can make informed, not impulsive, decisions.
We will also look at how the programme integrates into the full in vitro fertilization (IVF) pathway—from the initial evaluation to pregnancy confirmation—and how a personalized approach, precisely adapted to your situation, can support you.
What is the National IVF Programe 2025
The National IVF Programe 2025 is a social programme of national interest, implemented through the Ministry of Family, which provides financial support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures to couples and women diagnosed with infertility. Its aim is to increase the birth rate in Romania by facilitating access to modern assisted reproductive treatments.
Within the programme, each beneficiary (couple or single woman) can receive financial support of up to 15,000 lei, in the form of two digital vouchers: one for the medications required for ovarian stimulation and one for the IVF medical procedures (puncture, laboratory fertilization, embryo culture, transfer).
The enrollment period for the National IVF Programme 2025 is, according to current official acts and communications, October 20 – November 30, 2025, after which no new applications are accepted.
It is important to underline that:
- procedures can be performed only in public or private clinics accredited and partnered in the programme;
- medication can be purchased only from partner pharmacies;
- all conditions are regulated through official methodological norms.
Attention: amounts, enrollment periods, the number of beneficiaries, and other details may be updated by new normative acts. Before submitting your application, always check the updated official information published by the authorities.
Eligibility Criteria 2025
The National IVF Programme 2025 is not addressed to everyone indiscriminately. There are clear eligibility criteria established to direct resources toward cases where IVF is truly medically indicated.
Age and civil status
Generally, to apply, the woman’s age must be between 20 and 45 at the time of application. The exact interval is specified in the programme norms and may include nuances (for example, different limits for IVF with own eggs vs. donor eggs, where permitted).
The programme is addressed to:
- married couples;
- unmarried couples in a stable relationship, proven according to the norms;
- single women, if current official acts explicitly allow this possibility.
Even if you have been trying to conceive for a long time, it is essential that an experienced infertility specialist confirms whether you meet the programme’s age and couple-structure criteria.
Infertility diagnosis
To enter the National IVF Programme 2025, it is not enough to want a child or to have tried unsuccessfully for more than a year. A clearly formulated infertility diagnosis is required, accompanied by an IVF indication issued by a specialist in obstetrics-gynecology with competence in infertility treatment and assisted reproduction.
Infertility may be caused by:
- female factors (low ovarian reserve, blocked tubes, endometriosis, hormonal disorders, etc.);
- male factors (low sperm count, reduced motility, altered morphology);
- mixed or unexplained causes.
During the fertility consultation, which you can schedule with Dr. Andreas Vythoulkas, the necessary investigations are determined (hormonal tests, transvaginal ultrasound, semen analysis, and possible additional tests), and a decision is made on whether IVF is indeed the best solution. If applicable, the medical document confirming infertility and the IVF indication is issued—both mandatory for the application file.
Required documents
The list of documents is available in the norms and on the official enrollment platform; however, in broad terms, it includes:
- the programme’s official application form;
- copies of identity documents of both partners or of the single woman;
- civil status documents (marriage certificate, if applicable);
- proof of insurance in the public health system;
- a medical letter with the infertility diagnosis and IVF indication;
- consents and statutory declarations (official forms).
In practice, many applications are delayed or rejected for administrative reasons: inconsistent data between documents, missing signatures, expired documents, illegible copies. It is recommended that you check the application carefully before submission and, ideally, discuss it with your doctor or the staff handling the administrative process.
“You deserve to be heard, seen, treated with respect, and supported throughout your life.”
Stages of the IVF procedure in the National Programme
The National IVF Programme 2025 does not change the medical functioning of an IVF procedure. What changes is the financial framework. The medical process remains structured into several stages.
Initial evaluation and medical tests
The first step is the fertility consultation. During this:
- we discuss your medical and reproductive history;
- we analyze any previous investigations;
- we determine the additional tests and ultrasounds needed (hormonal, infectious, sperm, etc.);
- we evaluate, as a couple, the emotional context and treatment expectations.
If, following this evaluation, IVF is indicated and you meet the programme criteria, we discuss the opportunity to enroll and align the medical calendar with programme deadlines.
Controlled ovarian stimulation
The next stage is ovarian stimulation through medication to obtain multiple mature oocytes in a single cycle. You will follow a subcutaneous injection protocol, monitored through transvaginal ultrasounds and hormonal tests.
Dosages and treatment duration are personalized based on age, ovarian reserve, hormonal response, and other specifics. The aim is to maximize success while minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Oocyte retrieval and in vitro fertilization
When the oocytes reach maturity, follicular puncture is scheduled—a procedure usually performed under light anesthesia. The collected oocytes are immediately handled by the embryology laboratory, where they are fertilized either through classic IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), depending on the case.
If you want to better understand the differences between classic IVF and ICSI, you may consult the dedicated article “IVF vs. ICSI,” where I explain the steps, indications, and advantages of each method.
Embryo culture and transfer
After fertilization, embryos are cultured in special incubators under precisely controlled conditions of temperature, pH, and gases. Most often, development is followed until the blastocyst stage (day 5–6), to select embryos with the highest implantation potential.
Embryo transfer is a relatively simple, painless procedure performed usually without anesthesia. Depending on age, embryo quality, and the patient’s history, one or a limited number of embryos are transferred, according to medical recommendations and international guidelines.
Beta-hCG test and pregnancy confirmation
Approximately 10–14 days after transfer, a beta-hCG blood test is performed to determine whether implantation occurred. If positive, an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy is scheduled in a few weeks. If negative, we calmly and realistically discuss the next steps: reviewing the entire cycle, identifying adjustments, and determining whether and how to continue.
How to enroll in the National IVF Programme 2025
For patients, administrative procedures may be just as stressful as the treatment itself. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the steps.
Application validation and voucher issuance
After your application is reviewed and approved, you receive the digital vouchers for medication and the procedure. From this moment, medical planning becomes critical to ensure that the IVF cycle is initiated and completed within the voucher validity period.
Consultation and eligibility confirmation
First, a consultation with your fertility doctor (for example, Dr. Andreas Vythoulkas) is required to evaluate your situation, establish the diagnosis, and determine whether IVF is recommended.
Preparing the medical and administrative file
After eligibility is confirmed, the medical letter is issued, and all required documents are gathered: identity documents, insurance certificates, declarations, etc.
Creating an account on the official platform
The programme uses a dedicated online platform where a user account is created and documents are uploaded. The platform details and usage instructions are provided in the official programme guides.
Choosing an accredited clinic
During enrollment, you select a public or private accredited clinic partnered in the National IVF Programme. Choosing the fertility center is essential for treatment quality and should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor.
Costs and financial coverage
One of the most common reasons couples postpone IVF is cost. The National IVF Programme 2025 supports patients through a structured financing package.
Financial aid is up to 15,000 lei per couple or infertile woman, granted as two digital vouchers:
- one voucher of 5,000 lei for ovarian stimulation medication;
- one voucher of 10,000 lei for the IVF procedure (puncture, laboratory work, embryo culture, transfer).
Vouchers generally have a validity of 12 months from issuance, meaning all required investigations and medical procedures must be completed within this timeframe.
It is important to understand that:
- the programme does not necessarily cover all preliminary or additional tests, nor repeated procedures;
- some costs may remain your responsibility (for example, long-term embryo cryopreservation, some genetic tests, or related interventions).
A useful way to view the financial aid is as a “framework” of coverage, upon which additional costs may be added if needed. During the fertility consultation, we can discuss a concrete example for your specific case to give you a realistic overview of the total budget.
Chances of success in the National IVF Programme 2025
The programme does not change biology; it provides access to treatment. The chances of success remain influenced by the same factors:
- woman’s age;
- ovarian reserve and egg quality;
- semen quality;
- associated conditions (e.g., endometriosis);
- embryology lab quality and team expertise.
Broadly, for women under 35, one IVF cycle may offer a clinical pregnancy rate of around 40–50% per transfer; over 40, these chances decrease significantly, sometimes to 15–25%, depending on the context. These figures are indicative and vary by center and case.
Lifestyle factors may also influence outcomes:
- maintaining a healthy weight;
- quitting smoking and limiting alcohol;
- managing chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.);
- addressing stress and chronic fatigue.
In my practice, one of the most important discussions concerns realistic expectations: the national programme offers an additional opportunity, but not a guarantee. What we can do together is optimize every link—from investigations to the lab—to turn this opportunity into the best possible outcome for you.
Risks and medical recommendations
All medical procedures involve risks, and IVF is no exception. Inclusion in a national programme does not make it “simple” or free of possible complications.
Primary risks include:
- ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – an excessive reaction to stimulation medication that may cause abdominal discomfort, fluid accumulation, and, rarely, more serious complications;
- multiple pregnancy – if multiple embryos are transferred;
- risks associated with anesthesia used during oocyte retrieval;
- emotional exhaustion, especially in repeated cycles.
Modern protocols aim to minimize these risks through close monitoring, medication adjustments, limiting the number of embryos transferred, and explaining warning signs.
My recommendations for patients entering an IVF cycle, with or without the National IVF Programme, include:
- reporting any unusual symptoms immediately;
- not altering medication without medical approval;
- organizing their schedule to attend monitoring appointments;
- openly discussing fears and questions with the medical team.
What to discuss with your doctor before enrolling
Before focusing on forms and documents, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with your doctor. I encourage you to come to the consultation with a list of questions such as:
- What are my real chances of success with IVF in my specific case?
- Is this the optimal moment to enter the programme, or should I undergo other investigations/treatments first?
- If I am not accepted into the National IVF Programme 2025 or there are no more places, what is the backup plan?
- What does a potential negative result mean for me? What do we do afterward?
- Is embryo or egg cryopreservation recommended? What are the costs and implications?
In my practice, I recommend that couples clarify from the beginning not only technical aspects but also emotional and logistical ones: how much time they can dedicate to treatment, what support they have at home, how they feel about multiple pregnancy, and how comfortable they are with possible repeated procedures.
Emotional and psychological preparation for the programme
The National IVF Programme 2025 offers clear financial benefits but also introduces pressure: enrollment deadlines, vouchers with limited validity, a finite number of spots. All of this intensifies an already fragile emotional context.
It is entirely normal:
- to feel fear, anger, or frustration;
- to have days when hope feels distant;
- to experience tension in the couple related to decisions and expectations.
Emotional preparation includes:
- open discussions as a couple about what you will do if the result is positive, but also if it is negative;
- setting clear boundaries: how many attempts you are willing to make, your psychological and financial capacity;
- seeking specialized psychological counseling when the process feels overwhelming.
A psychologist can greatly help manage anxiety, guilt, inadequacy, and communication within the couple. IVF treatment is not just a medical experience—it is a life experience, and it is important not to go through it alone.cării în cuplu. Tratamentul FIV nu este doar o experiență medicală – este o experiență de viață, și e important să nu o parcurgeți singuri.
Frequently asked questions about the National IVF Programme 2025
Who can apply for the National IVF Programme 2025?
Couples or single women with a diagnosis of infertility and an IVF indication, with the woman generally aged between 20 and 45, who meet the insurance and residency requirements of the programme. Exact details are in the official norms, which must be checked before submitting the application.
Which documents are required for the file?
You need the official application form, copies of identity documents, civil status documents (if applicable), insurance certificates, the medical letter with the infertility diagnosis and IVF indication, as well as the declarations and consents required by the programme. The official platform lists all required documents.
How many IVF attempts are covered?
In its current form, the programme generally covers one IVF cycle, with maximum amounts set for medication and the procedure. Some communications mention the possibility of multiple attempts within a year under certain conditions. It is essential to read the norms carefully and discuss with your doctor how they apply to your case.
Are donor eggs or sperm accepted in the programme?
In some situations, the programme accepts cases requiring donor eggs or sperm, but cost coverage varies, and part of the expense may remain with the patient. For exact details, consult the programme norms and discuss with your doctor, especially if you already know donor material will be needed.
What is the maximum funding amount and what does it cover?
The maximum financial support is up to 15,000 lei per beneficiary, divided between stimulation medication and the IVF procedure. Vouchers are used in partner clinics and pharmacies, and any costs exceeding these amounts are borne by the patient.
Can I participate if I am not legally married?
Generally, the programme allows participation for unmarried couples or single women, if age, citizenship, residency, and diagnostic criteria are met. Details regarding relationship status and acceptable documents (e.g., statutory declarations) are defined in the official norms.
What should I do if my file is rejected or places are no longer available?
First, request clear feedback on the reason for rejection: missing documents, medical criteria, exceeded capacity, etc. Then, together with your doctor, you can decide whether to resubmit the file in a future round or continue IVF outside the programme, potentially in a financially staged manner.
How long does the enrollment and approval process take?
The duration varies based on the number of applications and verification efficiency. However, it is crucial to consider the official enrollment period (October 20 – November 30, 2025) and prepare the file early to ensure a safety margin.
The role of Dr. Andreas Vythoulkas in the National IVF Programme 2025
In the context of the National IVF Programme 2025, my role as a doctor is not limited to issuing a medical letter; it is to accompany you throughout the entire journey—from initial tests to the final treatment decision.
During the fertility consultation, we clarify the diagnosis, discuss all options (including insemination, classic IVF, ICSI, and possibly egg donation), and determine whether the National IVF Programme 2025 is truly the best opportunity for your case. If it is, I help you understand every stage, the required documents, and how to avoid common mistakes when preparing the application.
Once your application is approved and the vouchers issued, synchronizing the medical timeline with administrative deadlines becomes essential. I assist you in planning investigations, ovarian stimulation, retrieval, and transfer so that you can use the funding optimally and safely.
Perhaps most importantly, however, is my role as a long-term partner: we discuss openly the real chances of success, the risks, what a negative result means, and which options are available afterward. The objective is not merely to “get into the programme,” but to build, together with your doctor, a coherent and realistic plan for becoming parents—whether within the National IVF Programme 2025 or outside it, if that ultimately proves to be the right path for you.
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National IVF Programme 2025
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