Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
When researching fertility clinics in Thailand, the information you find online may not cover your specific situation. Each clinic has its own laboratory protocols, pricing structures, and communication practices. Asking targeted questions helps you compare clinics on the factors that matter most for your treatment journey.
Below is a structured list of questions organized by topic. Use these as a starting point for your consultations and always request written answers or a detailed quotation.
Questions About Lab Success Rates
Success rates are often reported differently by clinics. To make a fair comparison, ask for specific, age-banded data and clarify how the clinic defines success.
- What is your live birth rate per embryo transfer for patients in my age group? Avoid relying on overall averages; ask for data stratified by age (e.g., under 35, 35–37, 38–40, over 40).
- How do you define success? Some clinics report biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, or live birth. Live birth per transfer is the most meaningful metric.
- Do you publish your success rates on a registry or third-party site? Transparency with independent data is a positive sign.
- How many IVF cycles do you perform per year? Higher volume may correlate with more experience, but does not guarantee individual outcomes.
Questions About Biopsy Policies (PGT)
If you are considering preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), understanding the clinic’s biopsy and testing protocols is essential.
- Do you perform trophectoderm biopsy on day 5 or day 6 blastocysts? Most clinics biopsy at the blastocyst stage, but timing can affect embryo survival and results.
- Is the biopsy performed in-house or sent to an external lab? In-house labs may offer faster turnaround, while external labs may have different quality standards.
- What genetic testing methods do you use? Common methods include NGS (next-generation sequencing) for PGT-A and PCR or NGS for PGT-M. Ask about the specific platform and its accuracy.
- What is your embryo re-biopsy rate? A high re-biopsy rate may indicate technical issues.
- How do you handle mosaic embryos? Policies on transferring mosaic embryos vary; ask about counseling and decision-making support.
Questions About Communication and Support
Clear communication is critical, especially when coordinating treatment from abroad.
- Do you have a dedicated international patient coordinator? This person should be your primary contact for scheduling, billing, and logistics.
- What languages do your medical staff speak? Ensure that your doctor and embryologist can communicate directly with you or through a reliable interpreter.
- How quickly do you respond to emails or messages? Ask about typical response times, especially for urgent questions during a cycle.
- Can I have a video consultation before booking? Many clinics offer free or low-cost initial consultations to discuss your history and treatment plan.
- Will I receive a written treatment plan and cost estimate before I travel? A detailed, itemized quotation helps avoid surprises.
Questions About Pricing and Packages
Cost transparency varies widely. Ask for a complete breakdown of fees.
- What is included in the base package? Common inclusions: monitoring ultrasounds, blood tests, egg retrieval, embryology lab fees, and embryo transfer. Exclusions often include medications, PGT, freezing, storage, and additional procedures like ICSI or assisted hatching.
- What are the costs for medications? Medication costs can be a significant portion of total expenses. Ask for an estimate based on your protocol.
- Are there any hidden fees? Examples: anesthesia, surgical facility fees, administrative charges, or surcharges for weekend procedures.
- What is your refund policy if a cycle is cancelled? Understand what portion of fees is non-refundable at each stage.
- Do you offer multi-cycle packages or shared-risk programs? Some clinics offer discounted rates for multiple cycles, but read the terms carefully.
Additional Questions to Consider
- What are your laboratory accreditations? Look for JCI, RTAC, ISO, or CAP certifications. These indicate adherence to international quality standards.
- Do you have an in-house embryology lab? In-house labs may offer better coordination and quality control.
- What technology do you use for embryo culture? Time-lapse incubators (e.g., EmbryoScope, Geri) may provide more data for embryo selection, but evidence of improved live birth rates is still evolving.
- How do you handle embryo freezing and storage? Ask about vitrification methods, storage duration limits, and annual fees.
- Can I speak with a former patient or read independent reviews? Patient testimonials can offer insights into the clinic’s patient experience.
Next Steps: How to Use This Checklist
- Compile a shortlist of clinics based on your research. You can explore our hospital profiles and hospital rankings for an editorial comparison.
- Contact each clinic with your list of questions. Request a written response and a detailed quotation.
- Compare the answers side by side. Pay attention to transparency, responsiveness, and how well the clinic addresses your specific needs.
- Schedule a video consultation with your top choices before making a final decision.
Remember that no clinic can guarantee a pregnancy or live birth. Use these questions to find a clinic that communicates clearly, offers transparent pricing, and aligns with your medical and personal preferences.
For more information on how we evaluate clinics, see our editorial policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important question to ask a fertility clinic?
The most important question is likely about the clinic's live birth rate per embryo transfer for patients in your specific age group. This gives you the most relevant data for your situation. However, also ask about pricing transparency and communication support, as these affect your overall experience.
Should I ask about the clinic's success rates for PGT?
Yes. Ask for the clinic's biopsy success rate (percentage of embryos that survive biopsy) and the proportion of embryos that are euploid (genetically normal) per cycle. Keep in mind that success rates depend on many factors, including maternal age and egg quality.
How can I verify a clinic's accreditation?
Ask the clinic for their current accreditation certificates and the accrediting body (e.g., JCI, RTAC, ISO). You can also check the accreditor's website to confirm the clinic's status. Be aware that accreditation does not guarantee individual treatment outcomes.
What should I do if a clinic refuses to provide written answers?
Consider this a red flag. Reputable clinics should be willing to provide written information, including a detailed quotation. If a clinic is evasive, it may indicate a lack of transparency. You may want to prioritize clinics that are open and responsive.
Continue your research
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.
