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Switching IVF Clinics: What You Need to Know for a Safe, Fresh Start

Fertility is a deeply emotional experience for everyone involved, and trust matters. You deserve and you should expect fertility care that’s safe, personalised, and trustworthy.

If you are feeling unheard, unsupported, or uncertain with your current IVF provider, know that you have options, and City Fertility can help you. Second opinion consultations are more common than you think and can offer a fresh perspective as well as renewed hope. Switching IVF clinics is a safe and easy process. Sometimes a fresh start may be just what you need!

Whether you are just starting treatment or mid-treatment and considering moving IVF clinics, City Fertility can help you understand the process. We are also offering free embryo, sperm and egg transport and 12 months of storage fees to make this move as smooth as possible for you.*

Thinking of Changing Fertility Clinics? Here’s Why It Matters

Changing fertility clinics may feel like a big decision, but rest assured it does happen, and the good news is, it’s easier than you think to change.

Whether you’re questioning treatment plans, concerned about safety protocols, or seeking a second opinion could result in a better experience and better outcomes.

How to change IVF clinics: A step-by-step guide

We understand that the decision to change IVF clinics is one that patients do not take lightly, which is why we make the transition as smooth as possible.

Changing to City Fertility is simple and safe, with just three easy steps:

  1. Make an appointment with one of our experienced fertility specialists. You can book an appointment online or contact our Fertility Advice Centre team for assistance in selecting a specialist. The team can also answer any questions you may have about the transfer process.
  2. Obtain a GP referral prior to the consultation with your fertility specialist so that you can claim a Medicare rebate.
  3. Speak to our Patient Services team, who will coordinate the transportation and storage of your embryos, eggs or sperm, known as gametes (if applicable). From 1 July 2025, City Fertility is offering free embryo and gamete transport to your nearest clinic, as well as 12 months of free storage.*

Is it safe to transport frozen embryos, eggs or sperm between clinics?

Is there a risk associated with the transportation and storage process?

The transportation of frozen embryos, eggs and sperm between clinics is extremely safe and secure. This is common practice and is done by placing the embryos into a “dry shipper’’ – a specialised cryogenic vessel that keeps embryos in a “deep freeze’’ while being transported between clinics. When the shipper reaches the new clinic, the embryos are placed into secure, larger tanks for ongoing storage.

You can be assured that their welfare will be in the very capable hands of a specialised medical transport company whilst they are in transit between the two clinics.

City Fertility uses a specialised service that is door-to-door and has extensive experience transporting and handling “dry shippers”. We have successfully shipped embryos around the world, with evidence that the contents were never compromised.

Is there a risk to the frozen embryo, eggs or sperm?

The risk to the frozen embryo, eggs or sperm is negligible. The embryo or gametes remain frozen during the entire transportation process in a specialised tank that can go around the world, maintaining the environment needed to sustain the frozen material. These tanks are prepared and monitored prior to/during shipping and upon receipt at the clinic.

Moreover, at City Fertility, all storage tanks are monitored regularly and confirmed for integrity and temperature maintenance before and after each and every use.

Is there a risk of my frozen embryo or gametes being misplaced or mixed up with another?

The frozen embryos, eggs or sperm are clearly labelled and witnessed at the time of freezing. The labels used for this process are specialised and do not come off in liquid nitrogen storage.

What are the costs of switching IVF clinics?

Embryoscope IVF technology

We understand that cost is an important factor when considering a change in your fertility care. There are two main fertility costs to consider:

  1. Your initial consultation with a new fertility specialist and
  2. The cost to transport embryos, eggs or sperm, if applicable.

The costs to transfer your embryos, eggs or sperm to City Fertility include a specialised courier fee to safely transport the gametes/embryos and an upfront storage fee at our clinic.

If you are interested in switching clinics, to best support you during this transition City Fertility are offering free embryo and gamete transport to your nearest City Fertility clinic as well as 12 months of free storage.*

Transparency of fees is very important and you can see all of our fertility treatment and IVF costs here Fertility Treatment and IVF Costs | City Fertility

Why Switch to City Fertility?

IVF is emotional, and patients place enormous trust in their doctor and fertility clinic. If you are thinking of changing IVF clinics, here are some things to consider.

Patient-Focused Fertility Care

City Fertility is an experienced and trusted fertility provider that has been helping people grow their families for over 21 years. We know that every fertility experience and journey is unique, and with City Fertility, you will receive a personalised treatment plan just for you. Your fertility specialist will care for you at every decision and at every stage of treatment. You will also be supported by world-class scientists, fertility nurses and a team who are truly passionate about the miracle of life every step of the way.

Proven IVF Success Rates and Lab Safety

At City Fertility, protecting the identification and traceability of every sperm, egg, and embryo is not just a priority. It’s fundamental to everything we do. We use a multi-layered verification system that includes both advanced electronic witnessing, called RI Witness and physical double-witnessing by expert human embryologists at every critical step. We prioritise quality above all, with rigorous controls in our laboratories and a culture of safety and care.

At City Fertility, we are proud to deliver consistently high success rates, backed by advanced reproductive technologies and compassionate patient-centred care. Our team of fertility specialists, embryologists, nurses, and counsellors, work collaboratively to ensure you receive the best possible care tailored to your unique needs, giving you the greatest chance of achieving a successful outcome.

Free Frozen Embryos, Sperm and Egg Transport

To support you in the decision to move IVF clinics, from 1 July 2025, City Fertility is offering free embryo, sperm and egg transport to your nearest City Fertility clinic and 12 months of storage.*

A Fresh Start for Your Fertility Journey

Switching clinics might feel daunting, but the process is simpler and safer than you might expect. Once you’ve chosen your new fertility specialist, all it takes is a referral from your GP and a conversation with our City Fertility patient services team. If you’re moving embryos, eggs, or sperm, we will coordinate the secure transport using medical-grade couriers and cryogenic vessels designed to protect them throughout the journey.

But beyond the logistics, this is about something deeper — knowing you’re in the right hands.

Book a consult or speak with our Fertility Advice Team today.

 

FAQs: Switching IVF Providers

Can you change IVF clinics?

Yes, changing IVF clinics is safe, common, and often empowering. Whether you’re early in treatment or already have embryos in storage, you have the right to choose care that feels right for you. With just a few steps, you can transfer your records and gametes (embryos, sperm, or eggs) to a new provider.

Can you transfer frozen eggs from one clinic to another?

Absolutely. Frozen eggs, embryos, or sperm can be safely transported between fertility clinics using secure cryogenic tanks called “dry shippers.” These tanks keep the samples frozen and stable throughout the journey. At City Fertility, we work with a specialised medical transport company to ensure a seamless, monitored handover.

When is it time to move on from a fertility clinic?

If you’re feeling unheard, uncertain or you simply want a second opinion, it may be time to explore your options. Trust is essential, and if you’re questioning your current care, a fresh perspective could bring renewed hope, clarity, and better outcomes.

Is it safe to move my frozen embryos?

Yes, the transport of frozen embryos, eggs, or sperm is extremely safe. The process is standard practice across fertility clinics. Samples are placed in specialised “dry shippers” that maintain the correct temperature and are monitored before, during, and after transfer. The risk of damage or degradation is negligible.

Will switching IVF clinics delay my treatment?

Not necessarily. If you already have frozen embryos or eggs, the process of switching clinics is straightforward and often quicker than expected. Our Patient Services team will help coordinate the timing, ensuring your treatment plan stays on track. In some cases, switching clinics can even reduce delays or improve outcomes.

Do I need a new referral?

Yes, you’ll need to obtain a new referral from your GP before your first appointment with your new fertility specialist. This ensures you can claim your Medicare rebate and that your new clinic has access to your medical history for continuity of care.

Is the medical transport options safe? How is it done?

Yes, it is exceptionally safe. Your embryos, eggs, or sperm are transported in a cryogenic “dry shipper” by a specialist medical courier. These tanks maintain ultra-low temperatures and are built for global transit. At City Fertility, we only work with experienced transport partners, and our team verifies every sample on arrival.

*Terms and Conditions: City Fertility will cover the transportation costs for your frozen embryo, egg and sperm, from your current clinic to the nearest City Fertility clinic (at City Fertility’s discretion). In addition, we will gift you 12 months of storage for free for a total savings of up to $1,480. This offer is available until 30 August 2025.

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