PGT IVF Embryo Storage Agreement Checklist for Thailand: What to Review Before You Sign

If you are preparing to sign an embryo storage agreement in Thailand, treat it as a long-term planning document, not a formality. The agreement should clearly state how long your embryos will be stored, how fees work, what happens at renewal, and which disposition options you can choose. Because storage rules, contract terms, and legal requirements can change and vary by clinic, confirm every specific detail directly with your treating clinic and, if needed, an independent lawyer. This guide is not legal advice; it is a checklist to help you ask better questions before you sign.

At a glance

• Confirm the storage duration, start date, and renewal process in writing.
• Ask for a full fee schedule, including what happens if you pay late or stop paying.
• Review all disposition options and how you can change your instructions later.
• Check consent requirements for both partners and for any future use.
• Ask how you will receive reminders and how to update your contact details.
• Request a copy of the agreement in a language you fully understand.

1. Parties, identity, and contact details

Start with the basics. The agreement should identify you and any partner or co-signer correctly, using the same names as your identity documents. Check that the clinic’s legal name and contact details are included. If you are an international patient, confirm how the clinic will contact you across time zones and whether email or a patient portal is acceptable for formal notices.

• Are all names spelled exactly as they appear on your passport or ID?
• Is there a clear address, email, and phone number for formal notices?
• If you have a partner, are both of you listed as parties or consenting individuals?
• Can you nominate a trusted contact if you become unreachable?

2. What is being stored and how it is identified

Your agreement should describe the embryos being stored and how they are labelled or coded. You do not need clinical details in the contract, but you should be able to match the agreement to your treatment records.

• Does the agreement state the number of embryos or the labelling system used?
• Can the clinic confirm how your embryos are identified in its records?
• If you have embryos from more than one cycle, are they listed separately?

3. Storage duration and renewal terms

Storage is usually time-limited. The agreement should state the initial storage period, the start date, and what happens when that period ends. Renewal terms matter because a missed renewal could affect your options.

• What is the initial storage period, and when does it begin?
• How and when will you be notified before the period ends?
• What steps must you take to renew, and by what deadline?
• What happens if you do not renew on time?
• Can you renew for different lengths of time?

4. Fees, payment, and what happens if you stop paying

Ask for a complete written fee schedule. Because prices vary by clinic and can change, confirm current amounts directly with the clinic rather than relying on general information. The agreement should explain not only the storage fee but also related charges.

• What is the storage fee, and what period does it cover?
• Are there separate charges for renewal, administration, or handling?
• Are there fees for shipping, transfer, or disposal if you choose those options?
• What payment methods are accepted for international patients?
• What happens if a payment is late or stops?
• Will you receive a receipt or statement for each payment?

For a broader look at cost categories, see embryo storage cost in Thailand.

5. Disposition options and how to change them

Disposition is what happens to your embryos if storage ends, if you no longer wish to store them, or in other circumstances. The agreement should list the options available at that clinic and explain how you can record or change your choice.

• What disposition options does the clinic offer?
• Can you change your instructions later, and what is the process?
• Do both partners need to agree to a change?
• What happens if you cannot be reached or if there is a disagreement?
• Are there any options that are not available at this clinic?

Because legal and ethical rules can differ, ask the clinic to explain its own policy and consider independent legal advice for your home country.

6. Consent, future use, and third parties

Consent language can be detailed. Read it slowly and ask for clarification on any point you do not understand. The agreement should explain what your consent covers and how it can be withdrawn or amended.

• What future uses do you consent to, and what uses are excluded?
• How can consent be withdrawn or changed?
• What happens if one partner withdraws consent?
• Are there any provisions about donation, research, or transfer to another clinic?
• Does the agreement mention what happens in the event of death or incapacity?

7. Practical questions to ask the clinic

Bring these questions to your next appointment or email them to the clinic’s patient coordinator. Ask for answers in writing where possible.

1. Can I have a copy of the full agreement in English before I sign?
2. Who is my main contact for storage questions?
3. How will you remind me before renewal is due?
4. What is the process if I want to move my embryos to another clinic or country?
5. What are the current fees, and how often do they change?
6. What happens if I lose contact with the clinic?
7. Can I get independent legal advice before signing?

8. Before you sign: a short next-step checklist

• Read the entire agreement, including any annexes or consent forms.
• Highlight every blank, unclear term, or cross-reference.
• Ask the clinic to explain anything you do not understand.
• Confirm the storage duration, renewal date, and fee schedule in writing.
• Decide your disposition instructions and how you want to record them.
• Keep a signed copy and any related receipts in a safe place.
• Consider independent legal advice if the agreement affects your home-country rights.

For more preparation tools, visit our patient resources page. If you have questions about your own situation, you can contact us or read our frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

Is an embryo storage agreement in Thailand legally binding in my home country?

That depends on the laws where you live and the terms of the agreement. This guide is not legal advice. Ask the clinic for its policy and consider consulting an independent lawyer who understands cross-border fertility arrangements.

What should I do if I do not understand a clause in the storage contract?

Do not sign until you understand it. Ask the clinic to explain the clause in writing, request a translation if needed, and seek independent legal advice if the issue is important to you.

Can I change my mind about embryo disposition after signing?

Many agreements allow changes, but the process and any limits depend on the clinic and applicable rules. Check the agreement for how to update your instructions and whether both partners must agree.

What happens if I forget to renew storage?

Policies vary. The agreement should state what happens if storage is not renewed, including any notice period and the options available to you. Ask the clinic to explain this clearly before you sign.

Are storage fees in Thailand fixed for the whole storage period?

Not necessarily. Fees and renewal terms can change. Ask the clinic for a current written fee schedule and how often fees are reviewed.

Continue your research

• Embryo storage cost and contract guide
• Patient resources
• Prepare a private case review

Medical information notice: This article is educational and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling or treatment advice from a licensed clinician. Provider services, availability, fees and policies should be verified directly before booking.