Treatment Options AbroadGender selection—also known as family balancing—is a growing area of interest for couples worldwide. Through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) combined with PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) or PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing), doctors can determine the sex of embryos before implantation. This allows families to select a male or female embryo with 70–99% accuracy, depending on the technology and clinic expertise.
The cheapest countries for gender selection include Colombia, India, and Mexico, with IVF + PGD starting at just $4,500–$7,000, compared to $18,000+ in the U.S.
However, gender selection is not available everywhere. In countries such as the UK, Canada, and Turkey, gender selection is restricted or only allowed for medical reasons, such as avoiding sex-linked genetic disorders. In contrast, several destinations—including Colombia, India, Mexico, Greece, Cyprus, and Thailand—offer legal gender selection for family balancing at a fraction of the price charged in the U.S. or Western Europe.
In the U.S., the average cost of IVF with PGD is between $18,000 and $25,000 per cycle. Abroad, the same procedures can cost $4,500–$10,000, depending on the destination.
This guide explores the cheapest countries for gender selection in the world, outlining costs, treatment standards, legal considerations, and patient experiences.
1. Colombia
“Colombia has quickly become one of the most affordable and reliable countries for gender selection.”
- Average Cost (USD): $5,000–$7,500 per IVF + PGD cycle
- Why Choose Colombia:
- Fertility centers in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena are equipped with modern IVF labs.
- Specialists are often trained in the U.S. and Europe.
- Packages typically include consultation, IVF cycle, genetic testing, embryo transfer, and embryo freezing.
- Success Rates: 70–80% depending on age and health.
Patient Journey:
International patients usually arrive in Colombia for a 2–3 week stay. After initial consultation and testing, ovarian stimulation begins. Egg retrieval and fertilization follow, after which PGD/PGT is performed to determine embryo sex. Patients often return home within 15–20 days, and many clinics offer follow-up via telemedicine.
Highlight: Colombia is particularly popular among North American and European couples who want quality care close to home at a fraction of U.S. prices.
2. Mexico
“Mexico is a top destination for Americans and Canadians seeking gender selection close to home.”
- Average Cost (USD): $6,500–$9,000 per cycle
- Fertility Hubs: Tijuana, Cancun, Monterrey
- Why Choose Mexico:
- Proximity makes travel affordable and easy.
- Clinics provide English-speaking staff and coordinators.
- U.S.-trained doctors and ISO-certified labs.
- Success Rates: 75–85% for PGD/PGT-based gender selection.
Patient Journey:
Couples from the U.S. often cross the border for fertility care. Most spend 10–14 days in Mexico for the cycle. Packages can include hotel accommodations, airport pickup, and bilingual nursing support. Some clinics coordinate with local U.S. doctors for monitoring, reducing time abroad.
Highlight: Mexico offers 50–60% savings compared to U.S. fertility clinics, without long-distance travel.
3. India
“India offers the lowest costs for gender selection with advanced technology and internationally trained fertility specialists.”
- Average Cost (USD): $4,500–$7,000 per cycle
- Fertility Hubs: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai
- Why Choose India:
- Highly skilled doctors trained in U.K. and U.S. fertility programs.
- IVF + PGD costs are among the lowest in the world.
- Hospitals adhere to ISO and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) standards.
- Success Rates: 65–80% depending on maternal age.
Patient Journey:
Couples typically stay in India for 2–3 weeks. A full package may include ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo testing, and transfer. Post-treatment, many clinics offer virtual follow-ups for convenience.
Highlight: India is ideal for couples looking for affordability and global-quality IVF labs, making it the #1 cheapest country for gender selection.
4. Thailand
“Thailand combines modern fertility science with a welcoming medical tourism environment.”
- Average Cost (USD): $7,000–$10,000 per cycle
- Fertility Hubs: Bangkok, Phuket
- Why Choose Thailand:
- JCI-accredited fertility centers with cutting-edge PGD labs.
- Strong emphasis on international patients.
- Comfortable recovery options in luxury hotels and wellness resorts.
- Success Rates: 70–85% for PGD-based gender selection.
Patient Journey:
Thailand is a favorite among patients from Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. Couples typically spend 2–3 weeks for IVF + PGD and then extend their stay for a relaxing recovery holiday. Clinics often provide complete tourism-inclusive packages.
Highlight: Thailand offers a unique combination of affordable fertility treatment and luxury recovery experiences.
5. Greece
“Greece is a popular European destination for affordable IVF and gender selection.”
- Average Cost (USD): $6,000–$9,000 per cycle
- Fertility Hubs: Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete
- Why Choose Greece:
- Experienced fertility specialists with high international patient flow.
- Costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe.
- Liberal IVF laws allow family balancing under regulated programs.
- Success Rates: 70–80%.
Patient Journey:
European couples often travel to Greece for 10–14 days. IVF + PGD packages include genetic testing, donor options if required, and recovery in a Mediterranean setting.
Highlight: Greece is especially attractive to couples from the U.K., Germany, and Scandinavia, offering short travel times and affordable care.
6. Spain
“Spain is a global leader in fertility medicine and genetic testing.”
- Average Cost (USD): $8,000–$12,000 per cycle
- Fertility Hubs: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia
- Why Choose Spain:
- Fertility clinics are equipped with cutting-edge PGD technology.
- Wide availability of egg and sperm donor programs.
- High patient inflow from across Europe.
- Success Rates: 75–85%.
Patient Journey:
Couples typically stay 2–3 weeks in Spain. Clinics provide comprehensive support, including translation services, accommodations, and follow-up care.
Highlight: Spain is slightly more expensive but offers some of the highest success rates in Europe, particularly for donor IVF with PGD.
7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
“Dubai and Abu Dhabi are emerging as high-end fertility destinations.”
- Average Cost (USD): $10,000–$13,000 per cycle
- Why Choose UAE:
- Advanced labs with U.S. and European-trained doctors.
- Tailored VIP fertility packages with luxury recovery options.
- Attracts patients from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Success Rates: 75–85%.
Patient Journey:
Many couples choose UAE for discreet, luxury fertility care. Clinics arrange chauffeur-driven transport, hotel stays, and personalized fertility coordination.
Highlight: UAE is not the cheapest but offers high-quality, privacy-focused programs for couples seeking confidentiality.
8. Cyprus
“Cyprus offers affordable gender selection IVF for European and Middle Eastern patients.”
- Average Cost (USD): $6,500–$9,000 per cycle
- Fertility Hubs: Nicosia, Kyrenia
- Why Choose Cyprus:
- Clinics specialize in donor IVF with PGD for gender selection.
- English-speaking fertility doctors.
- Affordable costs compared to Western Europe.
- Success Rates: 70–80%.
Patient Journey:
Patients from the U.K., Germany, and Middle East often travel for short 10–14 day trips. Packages typically include genetic testing, accommodation, and transport.
Highlight: Cyprus is an excellent option for couples seeking family balancing IVF with flexible donor options.
Cost Comparison of Gender Selection (USD per Cycle)
| Country | IVF + PGD Cost | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| India | $4,500–$7,000 | 65–80% |
| Colombia | $5,000–$7,500 | 70–80% |
| Greece | $6,000–$9,000 | 70–80% |
| Cyprus | $6,500–$9,000 | 70–80% |
| Mexico | $6,500–$9,000 | 75–85% |
| Thailand | $7,000–$10,000 | 70–85% |
| Spain | $8,000–$12,000 | 75–85% |
| UAE | $10,000–$13,000 | 75–85% |
FAQs About Gender Selection Abroad
1. Which is the cheapest country for gender selection?
India and Colombia are the cheapest, starting from $4,500–$5,000 per cycle.
2. Which country has the highest success rates?
Spain, Mexico, and UAE clinics often report 75–85% success rates for PGD-based gender selection.
3. Is gender selection legal everywhere?
No. Some countries (like the U.K., Canada, and Turkey) only allow it for medical purposes. The countries listed here permit family balancing.
4. How long does treatment take abroad?
Usually 2–3 weeks, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, PGD testing, and embryo transfer.
5. What’s included in the cost?
IVF cycle, egg retrieval, lab testing, PGD/PGT, embryo transfer, and consultations. Medications and accommodation may be extra.
6. Can gender selection be combined with egg donation?
Yes. Countries like Spain, Greece, and Cyprus specialize in donor IVF with PGD.
7. Are doctors abroad English-speaking?
Yes. Clinics in Colombia, Mexico, Cyprus, and Thailand provide English-speaking coordinators and fertility specialists.
8. Can I save money by going abroad?
Yes. Patients typically save 40–70% compared to U.S. or U.K. clinics.
9. Is IVF with gender selection safe?
Yes, when performed in ISO or JCI-accredited clinics, it is as safe as in the U.S. or Europe.
10. Why do couples choose gender selection?
The main reasons are family balancing (choosing a boy or girl) and avoiding sex-linked genetic disorders.
Conclusion
The cheapest countries for gender selection in the world include India, Colombia, and Mexico, offering IVF + PGD cycles for under $7,000. Mid-range destinations such as Greece, Cyprus, and Thailand provide affordable options in Europe and Asia, while Spain and the UAE offer premium fertility care with higher costs but excellent success rates.
By choosing treatment abroad, couples can save thousands while accessing advanced fertility labs, experienced specialists, and internationally accredited clinics.
If you’re considering gender selection abroad, explore mymeditour — a trusted resource for connecting patients with the best fertility clinics worldwide.
