Marie, 35, and Pierre, 37, had been trying to conceive for two years when tests revealed blocked fallopian tubes. IVF was their only option — but France's public healthcare system put them on an 8-month waiting list. Unwilling to lose precious time, they looked abroad. What happened next changed everything.
The French IVF Waiting Game
"When the doctor told us IVF was our only option, we were devastated but ready to move forward," Marie recalls. "Then she told us the wait time — eight months just to start. Eight months of watching my fertility decline while sitting on a list."
In France, IVF is fully covered by the national health insurance (Sécurité Sociale) for women under 43. But the demand far exceeds capacity in public hospitals. Wait times of 6-12 months are common, and in some regions, even longer. For a 35-year-old woman with a known fertility issue, every month matters.
Eight months of waiting when you're 35 and you know your fertility is declining every single month — it felt like the system was working against us, not for us.
— Marie, ParisPrivate IVF in France was an option — but at €10,000-15,000 per cycle, it was beyond what the couple could afford without significant financial strain. "We started researching alternatives almost immediately," Pierre says. "At first, we looked at other European countries. Spain. Greece. The Czech Republic. All popular destinations for French couples."
Discovering FertiJourney
It was during one of Pierre's late-night research sessions that he found FertiJourney. "I was searching for IVF cost comparisons when an article about a British couple who went to Shenzhen caught my eye. The idea seemed extreme at first — China? For IVF? But the more we read, the more it made sense."
The couple reached out through the FertiJourney website and received a response within 24 hours. "They scheduled a video consultation for the same week," Marie says. "We spoke with an English-speaking coordinator who walked us through the entire process — costs, timeline, the clinic, accommodation, everything. By the end of the call, Pierre and I looked at each other and knew this was our path."
Why They Chose China Over Spain and Greece
Marie and Pierre seriously considered the popular European IVF destinations before choosing Shenzhen:
| Factor | Spain | Greece | China (Shenzhen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IVF Cost | €5,500-7,000 | €4,000-5,500 | €5,500 (via FertiJourney) |
| Wait Time | 2-4 months | 1-3 months | 2 weeks |
| Language | Some French-speaking clinics | English widely spoken | English coordinator provided |
| Lab Technology | Good | Good | Advanced (latest equipment) |
| Travel + Stay | €2,000-3,000 | €2,000-3,000 | €1,600 (flights + 3 weeks) |
| Total Estimated | €7,500-10,000 | €6,000-8,500 | €8,500 |
| Add-ons | PGT-A: €2,000+ extra | Limited availability | Advanced options available |
"The deciding factors were speed and the sense of being truly cared for," Pierre explains. "Spain was competitive on price, but we'd still be waiting 2-4 months. With FertiJourney, we started treatment in two weeks. That time was more valuable than the small price difference."
The Treatment Journey
Initial Video Consultation
Marie and Pierre had a comprehensive video call with a FertiJourney coordinator and a fertility specialist from Luohu Hospital in Shenzhen. They reviewed Marie's medical records, discussed the tubal factor diagnosis, and created a treatment protocol. "The doctor was thorough and answered every question we had. We felt confident before we even booked our flights."
Arrival in Shenzhen
The couple flew from Charles de Gaulle to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (with a layover). FertiJourney had arranged their accommodation — a serviced apartment 15 minutes from Luohu Hospital. "We were met at the airport by our coordinator, who spoke excellent English and immediately put us at ease. Shenzhen felt modern, clean, and surprisingly familiar."
Ovarian Stimulation
Marie started her stimulation protocol within days of arriving. "The clinic was impressive — much more modern than what I'd seen in Paris. Everything was digital, efficient, and the monitoring was frequent. I had ultrasound scans every 2-3 days, and they adjusted my medication based on how my follicles were responding."
Egg Retrieval: 10 Eggs, 4 Embryos
The retrieval went smoothly. "Ten eggs retrieved — I cried when they told me," Marie says. "After everything we'd been through, hearing that number felt like winning the lottery." Of the 10 eggs, 8 were mature, 7 fertilized, and 4 developed into good-quality embryos. "The embryology lab at Luohu is state-of-the-art. We saw photos of our embryos and the embryologist explained their grading in detail — in English, with our coordinator helping translate any complex terms."
Fresh Transfer and the Wait
Marie and Pierre opted for a fresh transfer of one embryo. "The transfer itself was quick and painless. Our coordinator was with us the whole time, explaining what was happening. Then came the hardest part — the two-week wait, in a foreign country, far from home." They spent the TWW exploring Shenzhen's parks, eating at local restaurants, and video-calling family in France.
Positive Pregnancy Test
"The day of the blood test, we barely slept. When the coordinator called and said 'félicitations,' I burst into tears. Pierre was hugging me, we were both crying, and the coordinator was crying too. It was one of the most emotional moments of our lives." The beta HCG level was strong, and a follow-up ultrasound confirmed a viable pregnancy.
Baby Boy Born 2024
Marie returned to France for her pregnancy care. In 2024, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy in a Paris hospital. "We named him Lucien. He's our miracle, and every time I look at him, I think about that leap of faith we took — flying halfway across the world for a chance at being parents. It was the best decision we ever made."
Cost Comparison: France vs. China
| Item | France (Private) | France (Public) | China (Shenzhen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IVF Cycle | €10,000 | €0 (covered) | €5,500 |
| Medications | €2,000 | €0 (covered) | €1,200 |
| Flights (2 people) | N/A | N/A | €600 |
| Accommodation (3 wks) | N/A | N/A | €1,000 |
| FertiJourney Services | N/A | N/A | €200 |
| Wait Time | 1-2 months | 8 months | 2 weeks |
| Total | €12,000-15,000 | €0 + 8-month wait | €8,500 |
Savings vs. France Private: €6,500 (43%)
The Language Support Experience
As French speakers with intermediate English, Marie and Pierre were initially concerned about communication. "Neither of us speaks a word of Chinese," Marie laughs. "But from the first video call, it was clear that wouldn't be a problem."
FertiJourney provided a dedicated English-speaking patient coordinator who accompanied them to every medical appointment. "She was our bridge — translating the doctor's explanations from Chinese to English, then helping us understand any medical terms we weren't familiar with. She was also available on WhatsApp 24/7 for any questions."
I was terrified of the language barrier, but our coordinator made it feel like we had a friend in Shenzhen. She wasn't just a translator — she was our guide, our advocate, and our emotional support.
— MarieFor everyday situations — ordering food, navigating the metro, shopping — the couple used translation apps on their phones. "Shenzhen is a very modern, international city. We found that many younger people spoke some English, and people were incredibly friendly and patient with us."
A Weekend Escape to Hong Kong
One of the unexpected highlights of their trip was a weekend in Hong Kong. "Shenzhen is literally on the border with Hong Kong — it's a 30-minute high-speed train ride," Pierre explains. "We went during the stimulation phase, before things got too intense, and it was incredible."
The couple spent two days exploring Hong Kong's Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry, and the Temple Street Night Market. "It felt like a mini-holiday within our treatment trip. It helped us relax and reminded us that this journey wasn't just about medical procedures — it was an adventure."
Advice for French Couples Considering IVF Abroad
Marie & Pierre's Tips for French Couples
- Don't let the wait consume your fertile years. The French public system is wonderful in theory, but delays are real — and fertility doesn't wait.
- Calculate total costs, not just treatment costs. Include flights, accommodation, meals, and time off work. Shenzhen was surprisingly affordable for daily expenses.
- Research clinic success rates for your specific diagnosis. Not just general rates — look for data matching your age and condition.
- Language support matters. FertiJourney's English-speaking coordinators were essential. Don't underestimate the importance of having someone who understands both the medical and cultural context.
- Turn the trip into a positive experience. Yes, you're there for medical treatment. But you're also in an incredible part of the world. Explore, eat amazing food, and create memories.
- Trust your instincts. "We were nervous about going so far from home. But the quality of care exceeded every expectation we had."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Marie and Pierre choose China over Spain or Greece for IVF?
Marie and Pierre considered Spain and Greece but chose Shenzhen for several reasons. Both Spain and Greece had 2-4 month wait times for international patients. The cost in Spain was approximately €5,500-7,000, competitive but did not include accommodation. Shenzhen offered the fastest start (2 weeks from initial contact), the lowest total cost including travel and accommodation (€8,500 vs €15,000 in France private), and access to advanced lab technology. The FertiJourney team also provided comprehensive language support in English, which was a significant factor since neither Marie nor Pierre spoke Chinese.
How much did IVF cost Marie and Pierre in China versus France?
Marie and Pierre's total IVF cost in Shenzhen through FertiJourney was approximately €8,500, which included: the IVF treatment cycle (€5,500), medications (€1,200), accommodation for 3 weeks (€1,000), round-trip flights from Paris (€600), and FertiJourney coordination and translation services (€200). In comparison, private IVF in France would have cost approximately €15,000 for the same treatment. The French public system would have covered the cost but required an 8-month wait. The total savings were approximately €6,500 (43%) compared to private treatment in France.
What was the language support experience like for French speakers in Shenzhen?
Marie and Pierre spoke French as their first language and intermediate English. FertiJourney provided English-speaking coordinators who accompanied them to all medical appointments and translated between English and Chinese. The doctors at Luohu Hospital had functional English, and the FertiJourney team was available via WhatsApp for any communication needs. Marie noted that the presence of a dedicated coordinator at every appointment made the experience "surprisingly smooth." The couple also used translation apps for everyday situations in Shenzhen.
What advice would Marie and Pierre give to other French couples?
Marie and Pierre's advice for French couples: (1) Don't wait — the French public system's delays cost precious time. (2) Compare total costs, not just treatment costs. (3) Research clinic success rates for your specific age group and diagnosis. (4) Ask about language support upfront. (5) Turn the trip into a positive experience — they spent a weekend exploring Hong Kong. (6) Trust the process — "We were nervous about going so far from home, but the quality of care exceeded our expectations."
Your IVF Journey Could Start in 2 Weeks
Like Marie and Pierre, you don't have to wait months for treatment. Schedule a free video consultation with a FertiJourney coordinator and learn how you can start IVF in Shenzhen — with English-speaking support every step of the way.
Book a Free Consultation →