Our IVF Journey in Greece: A Detailed Review

We traveled from Minnesota to Thessaloniki, Greece, to undergo IVF at Newlife IVF Clinic. After multiple unsuccessful rounds of IUI and one round of IVF in the US, we decided to explore medical tourism for fertility treatments. Here's our detailed review of the experience, including why we chose Greece, what made the journey stress-free, and our fantastic experience with Newlife IVF Clinic.

Our Decision to Travel for IVF

Our decision to go to Greece for IVF has its roots in our early days as newlyweds. As poor college students, we didn’t have the money for a big honeymoon, but Michael made a promise: for our five-year anniversary, we would go to Greece. This promise worked perfectly for me because I loved international travel and had never been to Greece, which was also on Michael’s bucket list.

However, five years came and went. Life got busy, and instead of spending our money on fun vacations, we were investing in fertility treatments. By the time we had been married for nine years, we were deep into our infertility journey, trying to figure out our next steps. It was around this time that Michael had a conversation with a coworker who had recently had twins. They shared their infertility story, mentioning that they went to the Czech Republic for IVF and were successful. This revelation opened our eyes to the possibility of traveling abroad for IVF.

Intrigued by the idea, we started researching various countries for IVF. The cost savings were significant, and Michael’s coworker assured us that the experience was not as daunting as it might seem. While looking into different options, I couldn’t help but think back to Michael’s promise of going to Greece. Combining our need for IVF with our dream trip to Greece suddenly made perfect sense.

I dived into researching IVF clinics in Greece, driven by my desire to finally visit the country. After speaking with several clinics, Newlife IVF stood out. Their success rates, excellent communication, and supportive staff were unparalleled. They blew all the other clinics out of the water, making our decision clear. We chose Newlife IVF in Thessaloniki and never looked back.

Addressing Common Fears About IVF Abroad

Fear 1: Language Barrier

Many people worry about communication issues when seeking medical treatment abroad. We were relieved to find that almost everyone in Thessaloniki spoke clear English. At Newlife IVF, the staff's English was impeccable, making communication seamless. We never felt misunderstood or unable to ask questions.

Fear 2: Safety Concerns

Traveling abroad for a significant medical procedure can be daunting. However, we felt safe and well taken care of throughout our stay in Greece. Thessaloniki is a welcoming city, and the local people were friendly and helpful. Even when we decided to do another round of IVF, I felt comfortable enough to travel alone.

Fear 3: Navigating a New Place

Getting around a foreign city can be intimidating, but Thessaloniki and the surrounding area was surprisingly easy to navigate. We used various modes of transportation, including walking, biking, public transit, taxis, and even renting a car. While the cars were smaller and manual, it added to the adventure and was manageable after dusting off my stick shift driving memories.

Our Experience in Greece

Cost Comparison

The cost difference between the US and Greece was staggering. In the US, the procedure alone was around $20,000 USD, whereas in Greece, it was about $3,800 USD. Each Gonal-F pen cost $250 in Greece, compared to $1,200 in the US. Including flights, accommodation, the procedure, medication, food, and entertainment, our total expense for three weeks in Greece was around $8,000.

Accommodation and Lifestyle

We stayed in a beautiful oceanside Airbnb, which added a vacation vibe to our trip. The ocean was clear and gorgeous, and we took many photos and videos that made our friends back home jealous. We balanced our meals between local restaurants and groceries, enjoying the best of both worlds.

For phone service, we initially used our carrier’s international plan, which was affordable. However, we found that getting a local SIM card at the airport was even more cost-effective. Most cell phone carriers offer reasonably priced international travel plans nowadays, but a local SIM card can save you even more. We had WiFi both at the Airbnb and the clinic, which covered most of our data needs. It’s essential to ensure that your accommodation has WiFi, as this makes staying connected much easier.

Experience at Newlife IVF Clinic

Newlife IVF Clinic exceeded our expectations. The staff genuinely cared about us and took the time to answer all our questions. Unlike the rushed and cold experience we had in the US, the team at Newlife made us feel valued and supported. They were always ready with recommendations for local attractions and places to eat, enhancing our overall experience.

The clinic's approach was thorough and compassionate. We felt like more than just patients; we felt like part of a caring community. The nurses and doctors at Newlife IVF made every effort to ensure we were comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Conclusion

Our experience with Newlife IVF in Thessaloniki, Greece, was nothing short of extraordinary. From the beautiful location and supportive staff to the significant cost savings, every aspect of our journey was positive. We now have our amazing son thanks to Newlife IVF, and we highly recommend anyone considering IVF to explore this option.

Don’t let the idea of traveling scare you. It was an unforgettable, life-changing experience that we will cherish forever. Greece provided us with both the medical care we needed and the vacation we always dreamed of. We are incredibly grateful to Newlife IVF and their dedicated team for making our dream come true.

Thank you for listening to our story. We hope it inspires and reassures others on their fertility journey.