Donation

Egg, Sperm and Embryo Donation

This page is about egg donation, embryo donation (adoption) and sperm donation in Elite Private Clinic. All these infertility treatment methods – egg donation, embryo donation and sperm donation  – are allowed in Estonia by law.

Egg donation – for recipients

Donated eggs are useful in cases when ovaries of recipient-woman are not producing eggs (ovaries pathological dysfunction, malfunction or increased age ) or if repeatedly were unsuccessful cycles of artificial reproduction – no good embryos developed (no high quality eggs to transfer into uterus) and no chance to become pregnant.

Donated eggs are also useful  if there is present higher risk for genetically transmitted diseases and defects in offspring to appear (You can read more about egg donation indications  in wikipedia). You can look  also the page with information about our different infertility treatment choices using egg or embryo donation: egg donation programs and prices.

Key points of using egg donors in Elite Clinic

1. No waiting list.
2. Our egg donors are between the ages of 21-33 years old and:
   -they must have good family medical history. An egg donor who has a history of cancer, heart disease, Down syndrome in the family, alcoholism, drug abuse, psychological problems etc, will not be accepted into our egg donation program;
   – HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, chlamydiosis, trichomonosis negative.
3. Our egg donation program is anonymous. The recipient is not allowed to see photographs of egg donors nor know their name, address etc. All data provided by us about donors is in the list of egg donors we send to You. According to law age limit for recipients in Estonia is 50 years old. Also – no identifying information regarding the recipient couple is provided to the egg donor.
4. Our egg donors are covered by their own health insurance to cover any unforeseen medical problems that result from ovarian stimulation and/or egg retrieval.
5. We have our own cryopreserved donor sperm of different sperm donors according to international standards.

Choosing from our Egg Donors

Recipient may choose egg donors she likes the most.

We ask to choose 3 donors instead of 1, so we have more opportunities to choose the best of them (best meaning an egg donor whose cycle can be matched with recipient’s cycle, donor with whom we had best results previously, who has already donated etc). Then we will see which one of these 3 you chose is the best and we will use her egg cells. So please send us 3 codes of donors you like (you can see the codes in the egg donors table we will send). Information about the terms used in the selection table:

1. Donor’s education level

Keyword “high” in the list of donors stands for university study (student at the moment) or university degree (3 or 4 years of study = bachelor degree). Keyword “school” stands for 12 years of basic and secondary education. Our donors must have at least 12 years of school background (graduated secondary school).

2. Viruses

Keyword “negative” in the list of donors means donor does not have specified antibodies to that virus, positive means she does have.

In different countries there are different practices. For example in some countries (like Finland) people are not tested for all these viruses named in the list of donors of Clinic Elite because 50-85% of population has those viruses. We, as a responsible medical institution, just want to be honest and tell our patients all we know about our donors. About importance of having or not having these viruses, you should ask from your personal GP.

3. Egg Donor’s Blood Type

You may choose a donor you like most, you do not have to consider blood type etc. unless you consider it important for yourself – from medical point of view that is not important for us. Blood group could be important for people who already have antibodies or had some kind of group/rhesus conflict previously.

About sperm donation

Use of donor sperm should be taken into consideration in cases when the husband’s sperm doesn’t contain spermatozoon at all or its concentration of them is low, motility reduced and number of normal forms of spermatozoa is too low or absent (ie defective forms too big) or husband have inherited diseases.

Our sperm donors are healthy, mostly married men in the age between 24-39 years. Most of them have higher education . The majority of donors have children.

According to the Estonian rules, all sperm donors have passed their compulsory analyses of sexually transmitted diseases. The security of inherited diseases has also been investigated.

Donor sperm is not used before 6 months after the delivering if all control analyses are normal.

According to standards of the European Tissue banks Association, donor sperm is being preserved only frozen. Sperm Donors are anonymous in Estonia.

Step by Step

Here can be found needed steps of egg donation process – information for egg donation patients-recipients who are able to have tests performed in a local clinic in their home country. It means you do not need to travel to Elite Clinic for a first consultation. Here you find information about medical assistance needed at home by your doctor or clinic.

Tips for an egg donation recipient

1. Ask your local doctor if he or she is ready and able to support you in your egg donation attempt in Elite Clinic:

Helping you and your partner with testing.

• Analyses for oocyte recipient:

Obligatory (not valid if performed outside European Union):

• Blood test of HIV,  T.pallidum Ab, Hbs Ag, HBc-Ab, anti-HCV (valid for 3 months),
• Complete Blood Count (valid for 3 month)
• Blood test , Testosterone, TSH, E2,PROL (valid for 6 months),
•  Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonosis (PCR test, valid for 3 months),
•  PAP Cytological test from cervix of the uterus (valid for 2,5 years),
• APCR (valid for 12 months)

Recommended:

• Rubella(IgM+IgG) (valid for 6 month)
• ABO-Rh Blood typing (valid for 6 month)
• any day of cycle: PROL,Test,TSH (valid for 6 month)
• Day 3-5 of cycle: FSH, LH (valid for 24 month)

2. Analyses for husband of oocyte recipient:

Obligatory:

• Spermiogramme (sperm analysis: sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, valid for 6 months),
• Blood test of HIV,  T.pallidum Ab, Hbs Ag, HBc-Ab, anti-HCV (valid for 3 months),
• Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonosis (PCR test, valid for 3 months)

Taking or not other – recommended tests –  is on your responsibility. We strongly suggest taking all the tests listed.

 Helping you to get needed medications:

• Diphereline 3,75 mg depo (or Zoladex 3,6 mg depo)
• Estrofem (or Progynova or Zumenon) 2 mg VI org
• Progesterone intravaginal 400 mg N 80 or Crinone gel V org

Helping you in performing two ultrasound investigations.

3. Please fill in the questionnaire and send it back via e-mail to info@elitekliinik.ee or by fax +3727409931.

4. Please ask your doctor to carry out necessary tests . Please send us your results via e-mail or fax – the embryo transfer is only possible if all test results are fine.

5. Send us codes of 3 donors you liked the most from the list of egg donors (ask for the list of donors via e-mail to info@elitekliinik.ee) and the dates you prefer to start your treatment.

6. Wait for Elite Clinic`s confirmation about your choice of donors and pay first payment to book your donor and start the process.

7. Dr Andrei Sõritsa from Elite Clinic will send you information about the names and amounts of medication you need. Tell that information to your doctor at home and ask your doctor if he or she can prescribe you the medication needed.

8. Inform us if you can buy all medication needed at home.

9. Inform us if you want Elite Clinic to send you medication needed for your treatment. Price of medication depends on the amount needed by your personal treatment plan.

10. After receiving your treatment plan from Dr Andrei Sõritsa, ask your doctor at home appointments to perform a scan and hormonal tests. The ultrasound scan is needed to check endometrium and ovaries, also is needed hormonal test for E2. Please follow the dates named in your personal written instruction.

We wish you a successful treatment and a positive result in Elite Clinic!

About our Egg Donors

How We Select Egg Donors

At Elite Clinic, egg donation is always voluntary. There are no binding contracts—each woman donates only if she genuinely wishes to do so. If a donor is on vacation, has other commitments, or is experiencing health issues (such as a cold, stress, or any illness), she cannot proceed with the donation. That’s why we encourage recipients to select more than one donor, ensuring flexibility in timing and better synchronization of cycles.

Besides health and availability, this also allows our doctors to choose the best possible donor based on cycle synchronization. While it is possible to select only one donor, this may increase stress and reduce the chances of an optimal outcome. Allowing the final decision to be made by a doctor can often result in better success rates.

Donors must be both physically and mentally healthy. Ideally, they should already have a healthy child — this serves as proof of their own fertility.

Why Women Choose to Donate

Women choose to become egg donors for many different reasons. Some are motivated by the desire to help others — many of them already have children and empathize deeply with the pain of infertility. Others may see donation as a way to give back or find emotional healing, such as in cases where they’ve had past abortions.

While a compensation fee is provided to acknowledge the donor’s time and effort, it is not substantial enough to be a primary source of income.
Thus, financial gain is not typically the main motivation for most donors.

Donors are ordinary people, they are compassionate women who want to make a difference. They are not individuals looking to earn a living through donation, and they must meet strict health and psychological criteria before being accepted.

The Screening Process

Prospective donors typically learn about the opportunity through media articles or our website. Advertising in this field is limited and strictly regulated by law.

Each donor undergoes a comprehensive screening process. Initially, a separate doctor evaluates the candidate. Following preliminary testing and a consultation with Dr. Deniss Sõritsa or Dr. Svetlana Räim, donors are then introduced to Dr. Andrei Sõritsa, the head of Elite Clinic and a specialist in infertility treatment. Candidates who are deemed unsuitable due to addiction, illness, or other health concerns—are not accepted.

Egg Donation in Estonia Is Anonymous

Under Estonian law, egg donation is strictly anonymous. Elite Clinic is not permitted to disclose whether a specific donor has resulted in live births. Furthermore, other recipients may use the same donor combinations, and the legal limit is a maximum of six children per donor.

We are also not allowed to provide information about a child’s genetic siblings, even after the child reaches adulthood. This law is in place to protect both donors and recipient families, particularly given Estonia’s small population.

Donors are not informed of the outcomes of their donations. Similarly, recipients and their children are not given information about other children conceived from the same donor or donor combination.

Embryo Use and Rights

According to Estonian law, a recipient may use her frozen embryos to attempt another pregnancy, choose to have them destroyed, donate them for scientific research, or allow them to be used to help another infertile couple. However, recipients cannot request any financial compensation for donated embryos.

Selling embryos is prohibited.

Elite Clinic does not profit from donated embryos. According to our price list, the cost of a frozen embryo transfer is the same whether using your own embryos or donated ones. Patients pay only for the medical procedures involved (thawing, incubation, and transfer), regardless of embryo origin.

Privacy and Legal Protection

Patients have the right to inform their children about their origins if they choose. However, Elite Clinic staff are not allowed to contact recipient children or share their information with others. This ensures the privacy of all families and is strictly regulated by Estonian law.

By signing the Elite Clinic consent forms, each recipient agrees to the terms of anonymous donation as defined by Estonian legislation.

The Donor Selection Process: 7 Key Steps

Medical and Psychological Evaluation: Two gynecologists assess the donor candidate to determine physical and mental suitability.

Nurse Involvement: An experienced nurse works with donor candidates, offering valuable insights based on their long-term experience with childless couples.

Trust and Transparency: Both donors and recipients complete detailed questionnaires and provide signed confirmations of the accuracy of their information. All rules applying to recipients also apply to donors.
While it’s theoretically possible that a donor (or a recipient’s
partner) may be unaware of certain hereditary conditions in their family, this is a limitation of any medical history collection.

Proven Track Record: The first child born from donor egg cells at Elite Clinic was in 1996, from frozen donor eggs at Elite Clinic was in 2016.
There have been no cases of transmitted infections or mental illness through donated eggs.

Optional Psychological Evaluation: If the recipient wishes, additional testing such as a psychological evaluation can be arranged for an extra fee.

Legal Compliance: Egg donation in Estonia is tightly regulated. While psychological testing is not required by law, all other necessary evaluations are completed.

Real-Life Experience: Many donors regularly visit the clinic with their own children, providing reassurance of their fertility and parental experience.

The main goal of egg donation is to help families who are unable to conceive naturally. Our goal at Elite Clinic is to work only with healthy, responsible women whose reproductive systems are proven to be strong and reliable.

Information for Patients-Recipients

If you have chosen to begin infertility treatment with donor oocytes at Elite Private Clinic, we kindly ask you to provide the following medical test results before starting the process.

Step 1: Initial Preparation

Required Medical Tests

• For the Oocyte Recipient
• For the Recipient’s Partner (Husband)

1.1. Doctor at Home

Your doctor at home will need to perform an ultrasound scan and hormonal tests. The ultrasound is required to assess the endometrium and ovaries, and a blood test for Estradiol (E2) is also necessary.

1.2. Recommendations for Recipients

Supporting Women’s Health and Fertility

Women are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes:

• Regular weight-bearing exercise
• A balanced, nutritious diet
• Avoidance of smoking
• Maintenance of a healthy body weight

In cases of inadequate vitamin D levels or low calcium intake, dietary supplementation may be necessary. Supplementation may also be beneficial for women with a low body mass index (BMI).

For more information on fertility factors, visit: yourfertility.org.au

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Bone/Cardiovascular Health

For women diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), estrogen replacement therapy is recommended to:

• Support bone health
• Help prevent osteoporosis
• Potentially reduce the risk of fractures

While the combined oral contraceptive pill may be an option for some women, it may have less favorable effects on body composition. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally preferred. Early initiation of HRT is strongly recommended to:

• Reduce long-term cardiovascular risks
• Support overall health
• Mimic natural hormone levels until the average age of menopause

Cardiovascular Monitoring and Risk Assessment

Women with POI should undergo regular cardiovascular risk assessments. At a minimum, the following should be monitored annually:

• Blood pressure
• Weight
• Smoking status

Additional risk factors should be evaluated if clinically indicated.

1.3. Genetic Considerations

It is not possible to predict even approximately how your child will look or which traits he or she will inherit from the donor, as genetics is a highly complex and not fully understood process. However, you are welcome to consult with a geneticist for professional guidance and insight. Please note that all available information about egg donors is included in the donor list. We are unable to provide any additional details beyond what is listed.

1.4. CMV Status

While we cannot claim the risk is zero, we believe it to be extremely low. Semen processing techniques that remove white blood cells such as the density gradient method used to prepare IUI vials are believed to significantly reduce the risk. This method effectively eliminates nearly all white blood cells and seminal plasma, which are the primary carriers of the cytomegalovirus (CMV). Based on our clinical experience and published research, we do not consider semen from a healthy donor who is CMV antibody-positive (due to a past infection) to pose a meaningful risk of CMV transmission. However, this remains a medical matter, and we strongly recommend discussing it with your physician to make an informed decision.

1.5. Egg Donor Blood Types

Mother blood type	Father blood type	Possible donor blood type	Child possible blood type with parents	Child possilbe blood type with donor	Child impossible blood type
0	0	0	0	0	A, B, AB
0	A	0, A	0, A	0, A	B, AB
0	B	0, B	0, B	0, B	A, AB
0	AB	A, B	A, B	A, B	0, AB
A	A	0, A	0, A	0, A	AB, B
A	B	0, A, B, AB	0, A, B, AB	0, A, B, AB	NONE
A	AB	A, B, AB	A, B, AB	A, B, AB	0
B	B	0, B	0, B	0, B	A, AB
B	AB	0, A, B, AB	A, B, AB	A, B, AB	0
AB	AB	0, A, B, AB	A, B, AB	A, B, AB	0

Source: https://www.donorconcierge.com/post/egg-donor-blood-type-what-you-need-to-know

1.6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Step 2: Donor Matching & Medical Planning

2.1. Egg Donor Information

Information About Donors – Legal and Practical Considerations

According to Estonian law, both the recipient and the child are only permitted to access the limited information included in the official donor list, which we send to you via email. No additional information may be disclosed beyond what is provided in that list.

It is also not permitted to view donor photos in Estonia. Anonymity is strictly protected by law.

About Donor Availability and Selection

Donating is entirely voluntary and based on the donor’s free will — there are no binding contracts. A donor participates only if she is willing and able at that particular time. If she is on vacation, has other commitments, or is experiencing even minor health issues (such as a cold or elevated stress), she may not be eligible to donate.

For this reason, we recommend selecting more than one donor as a backup.
This also allows the medical team to choose the donor whose cycle is best synchronized with yours. While it is possible to select just one donor, this can increase stress and uncertainty, and may reduce the overall chances of success. Often, the best results are achieved when the doctor makes the final selection based on medical timing and readiness.

Donor Eligibility Criteria

All donors must meet strict health and educational standards. They must be in good physical and mental health and have completed at least 12 years of basic education. It is also strongly recommended that donors have at least one healthy child, as this serves as a natural confirmation of their fertility.

2.2. Preparation of Your Egg Donor

We require approximately 3–4 weeks to complete the donor’s medical testing, as certain tests such as karyotyping and cystic fibrosis screening—take longer to process. Following that, the donor will undergo 4–5 weeks of preparation for the egg retrieval procedure, and you will follow a similar preparation timeline.

Donor testing will begin immediately after the payment has been received.

2.3. Sharing an Egg Donor

If your test results are fine, the next steps are as follows:

1. Send us the completed questionnaire with your medical information, including the dates of your last three menstrual cycles.

2. Make the first payment.

Once we have your payment and completed information, the doctor will begin searching for a suitable family and donor. The embryo transfer (ET) is typically scheduled within six months.

Please note that with this option, you cannot specify an exact transfer time, such as in August or September, as the timing depends on the availability and cycles of the other family and donor. While the doctor will make every effort to accommodate your preferred timeline, we cannot guarantee the exact timing of the ET.

2.4. Using a Relative as a Donor

Allowed in Estonia. Please note: In Estonia, only anonymous donors and donors who are relatives of the recipient are permitted.

2.5. Using a Friend as a Donor

Answer to the topic using a friend as a donor is based on the Artificial Insemination and Embryo Protection Act § 32 (2): It is allowed in Estonia to use a friend as a donor under the category of non-partner donation. This means the identity of the donor is known to the recipient, but the donor declares that the child shall not be considered their descendant and waives all parental rights and responsibilities.

In other words, a friend can legally donate sperm or eggs, as long as they provide informed consent stating they will not be recognized as the legal parent of the child.

2.6. If Something Happens to Your Egg Donor

If something happens with your donor, Elite Clinic will offer you a free cycle but this will be scheduled after a 2-month waiting period.

Alternatively, if you agree, Elite Clinic can offer frozen embryo adoption instead. Please note that if an issue arises with your donor, we are unable to provide fresh donor eggs from another donor at that time.

2.7. Using Sperm from the European Sperm Bank

Recipients may choose to purchase and use sperm from the European Sperm Bank (ESB), although Clinic Elite also has its own sperm bank.

Please note:

Clinic Elite is not responsible for the quality of sperm purchased from ESB.

If the recipient decides to purchase sperm from ESB, all questions related to the sperm must be directed to ESB.

Clinic Elite does not have access to additional information about ESB sperm donors.

If the recipient selects an ID-release donor from ESB, the child may request identifying information at age 18, according to ESB’s rules and legal requirements.

Sperm Requirements:

• IVF: 2 ICI straws
• ICSI: 1 ICI straw
• IUI: 2 ICI straws

There is a fee for handling donor material from other banks (including ESB).

Storage fee: €1 per day (for sperm, embryos, or egg cells before/after the procedure).

Step 3: Treatment Planning

3.1. Medications

You can obtain the necessary medications either through your doctor in your home country or have them delivered by DHL from Clinic Elite.

Commonly Required Medications:

• Diphereline 3.75 mg depot (or Zoladex 3.6 mg depot or Procren 3.75 mg
  depot)
• Estrofem 2 mg (or Progynon, Progynova, or Zumenon) – to be taken orally (IV org)
• Progesterone 400 mg, intravaginal, quantity 80 (or Crinone gel, Lugesterone 100 mg, quantity 300, or Utrogestan 100 mg, quantity 300)
• Medication Cost: Approximately €400–430, including delivery (via DPD).

Dosage Example:

“2 mg x 3” means taking 2 mg in the morning, 2 mg at midday, and 2 mg in the evening.

The final dosage and schedule for embryo transfer (ET) will be determined by the doctor based on your ultrasound results.

Important:

All medications must be taken exactly on time and for the entire duration specified in your personalized written instructions. Always refer to your timetable to ensure correct usage.

3.2. Treatment Timeline (FP & ET)

Follicular Puncture (FP) is usually performed between Monday and Wednesday, and Embryo Transfer (ET) typically takes place between Wednesday and Friday.

The exact day of FP depends on how the donor’s follicles develop. For this reason, we usually plan a two-day window for FP and confirm the specific day once it’s clear that the donor is ready.

The male partner is generally required to come to Clinic Elite between 9:00 and 12:00 in the morning, while ET is typically scheduled between 12:00 and 15:00.

The exact timing of both the FP and the male partner’s visit can only be confirmed once we know when the donor’s eggs will be retrieved. The male partner’s schedule will be based on the donor’s egg development.

3.3. About Your Embryos

Embryo Thawing and Transfer at Clinic Elite

At Clinic Elite, we typically thaw embryos until we have at least two good-quality embryos available for transfer. Statistically, about 50% of frozen embryos do not survive the thawing process.

We usually transfer two embryos, which results in a pregnancy rate of approximately 50–70%. While Estonian law allows the transfer of up to three embryos, Clinic Elite does not recommend this due to increased health risks for both the mother and the babies.

The pregnancy rate with a single frozen embryo is also around 50–70%.

Embryo survival after thawing can vary greatly. For example:

• From 2 thawed embryos, sometimes only 1 is suitable for transfer.
• From 10 thawed embryos, occasionally none may be viable.
• From 4 frozen embryos, obtaining 2 good embryos for transfer is considered a very good outcome.

Example scenario:

If 8 donor eggs are fertilized and result in 4 good embryos, we typically transfer 2 and freeze the remaining 2. These embryos are stored free of charge for one year; after that, storage incurs an additional fee.

Guarantee:

If none of the embryos survive thawing or fail to develop properly, Clinic Elite refunds 90% of the prepayment (10% is retained for consultations and administration).

Cost Information:

The price of Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is not affected by the number of embryos transferred.

Choosing to use frozen embryos involves starting a new program, which includes a new treatment plan (schema), hormonal preparation, ultrasounds, and preparation of the embryos for growth and transfer.

3.4. Twin Pregnancy

After transferring 2 fresh embryos, the twin pregnancy rate is approximately 30%.

After transferring 2 frozen embryos, the twin pregnancy rate is around 17%.

Step 4: Travel & Logistics

4.1 Planning Your Visit to Tartu

Tartu is located 186 km from Tallinn and is easily reachable by bus, with frequent and comfortable connections available throughout the day.

It is also possible to travel via Riga.

Clinic Elite offers a transfer service, where our driver can meet you at your preferred location such as the airport or port to make your journey as comfortable and convenient as possible.

There are two options for treatment scheduling:

1. Single Visit (Approx. 3 Days – Home Preparation Required)

You come to the clinic once, staying for about 3 days, with all preparations done at home. This option is only possible if you have a doctor in your home country who can assist with ultrasound monitoring and hormonal tests. This is the most common option for international patients.

In this case, the male partner needs to be in Tartu once, and the female partner also once — you may travel separately if needed.

The first visit is for sperm collection and egg retrieval, and the second visit (3–5 days later) is for the embryo transfer.

No additional days in Tartu are required beyond those essential appointments.

2. Multiple Visits

This option involves several visits, starting with a consultation, testing, and continuing with hormonal preparation and monitoring at Clinic Elite

4.3. Coming on Weekends

If you plan to come on a weekend or national holiday, please note that an additional fee applies — services performed during these times are charged at double the regular price.

4.5. Your Dedicated Coordinator

Should you have questions, concerns, or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know. Our foreign patients contact person is midwife Karin Truu. In case we did not reply within 3 working days, please send your e-mail again, we might have not received it. info@elitekliinik.ee

Step 5: Financials

5.1. Payment Information

Once we receive your payment, embryo transfer usually takes place within 6–9 weeks.

If you are using an egg donor, payment must be made in advance to reserve a donor.

Bank Account Details:
Kliinik Elite AS
IBAN: EE06 2200 2210 2079 1602
SWIFT/BIC: HABAEE2X
Bank: SWEDBANK
Address: Liivalaia 8, Tallinn, Estonia

Please confirm all payments via email to: info@elitekliinik.ee.

5.2. Refund & Cancellation Policy

If Clinic Elite must cancel your treatment due to clinic-related reasons (including donor-related issues), you are entitled to either:

• A full refund, or
• A new treatment cycle free of charge.

In this context, “clinic fault” includes situations where the donor fails to comply with the treatment plan, experiences complications, or withdraws for personal or medical reasons. In such cases, you will be offered a new donor at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Note on Donor Responsibility

If a cycle fails due to any donor-related issues (e.g. incorrect medication use, adverse reaction, illness, accident, or voluntary withdrawal), Clinic Elite assumes full responsibility and will either:

• Refund your payment, or
• Cover the costs of preparing a new donor.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Policy

If your frozen embryos do not survive thawing or are not suitable for transfer, Clinic Elite will:

• Refund 90% of your FET program prepayment (10% covers consultations and planning), or
• Offer the option to use donated frozen embryos from other couples at no additional cost.

5.3. If the Recipient Cancels the Treatment

General Overview

Clinic Elite understands that unforeseen circumstances may arise. However, due to the nature of egg donation and IVF treatments, preparation involves significant planning, medical work, and coordination. Therefore, the following cancellation terms apply:

1. Cancellation Before Donor Stimulation

If you cancel after the donor has completed her screening and is ready for stimulation, but before stimulation begins, you lose the first payment of €1850.

No further payments are required unless you choose to proceed.

2. Cancellation After Donor Stimulation Has Started

If the donor’s stimulation has already started, all payments are non-refundable.

The only exception: if ICSI was planned and not performed, you will be refunded the ICSI fee.

Alternatively, with your written consent, we can:

• Continue donor stimulation,
• Perform egg retrieval and fertilization with your partner’s or donor sperm,
• Freeze the embryos for your use within the next 7 years.

3. Unforeseen Recipient Circumstances

If the recipient cannot proceed for personal or medical reasons (e.g. illness, accident, incorrect medication use, missed flight, late menstruation, failure to follow medical instructions), Clinic Elite is not responsible, and you may lose partial or full payment based on the treatment stage.

4. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Cancellations

If you cancel or postpone the FET before thawing the embryos, 10% of the fee will be retained to cover administrative and consultation costs.

If you cancel after the embryos are thawed, the entire fee is non-refundable.

5. Embryo Thawing Outcomes

If none of the thawed embryos survive or are not suitable for transfer, Clinic Elite will:

• Refund 90% of the FET prepayment (10% is retained for consultations and preparation),
• OR offer you the option to use donated frozen embryos from other couples at no additional cost.

Please note: Embryo storage fees are not refundable even if embryos do not survive thawing.

5.4. Procedure for Reimbursement in Case of Interruption of the Egg Donation Program

At Clinic Elite, a doctor acts as the intermediary between the recipient and the donor in the egg donation program. In accordance with Estonian law, both the donor and the recipient have the right to withdraw from the program at any time. To ensure transparency and fairness, Clinic Elite has established a reimbursement policy that applies equally to all patients.

Booking Policy

Recipients may book an egg donor up to 3 months in advance. Booking donors for longer periods is not allowed to provide all recipients with access to a wider selection of available donors. Donors are individuals with their own preferences regarding how often and when they wish to donate. Some may prefer to donate up to four times a year, rather than waiting six months between cycles. Just as recipients may need to change their plans, donors may also need to reschedule, travel, or pause donation for personal or medical reasons. Clinic Elite cannot obligate either party to proceed if circumstances change.

Reimbursement Policy Overview

If the donor is unable or unwilling to donate at the agreed time, Clinic Elite is responsible. In such cases, the clinic covers all expenses related to testing and preparing a new donor. No financial compensation is given to the recipient, but the recipient is not charged additional fees for the change. If the recipient initiates changes to an already agreed plan: The recipient is responsible for any resulting costs. This includes illness, personal emergencies, scheduling conflicts, or withdrawal from the program. The amount of non-refundable fees depends on when the recipient cancels. Details are available in the clinic’s price list. Please consult your doctor if clarification is needed before starting treatment.

Additional Notes on Timing and Substitutions

If a donor changes her mind, becomes unavailable, or fails medical screening:

• Clinic Elite will make every effort to find a suitable alternative donor within the desired timeframe.

If a recipient withdraws after a donor has already committed:

• The clinic will attempt to match the donor with another recipient or freeze the donor’s eggs for future use.

Please note that any change (from either side) involves time-consuming steps, including re-planning, re-testing, adjusting treatment protocols, and additional communication.

Medical Complications or Emergencies

If embryo transfer cannot be performed as planned due to medical reasons (e.g., unexpected menstruation, side effects from medication, illness, accident, etc.):

The eggs can be fertilized and frozen as embryos.

The embryo transfer can take place later, once the recipient is ready.

Please note that freezing, storage, and the frozen embryo transfer (FET) will incur additional costs. Such disruptions occur in less than 5% of cases annually.

Step 6: Post-Treatment Embryo Storage

In Estonia, embryos may be stored for up to 7 years, and Clinic Elite follows the same regulation.

The first year of storage is included in the treatment price, regardless of the pregnancy outcome.

Whether you become pregnant or not, freezing and storage of embryos for one year is covered in the initial cost.

Our Results

Results (statistics) of egg donor usage in Elite Clinic.