FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand the importance of clarity in such a high-stakes journey. Don’t find the answers you need below? Reach out here. We’re always happy to listen and help.
Table of contents
Our Services
Commercial cryoshipping sends the tank through courier networks, where it changes hands along the way. With LifeParcel, one courier travels with your materials from pickup to delivery, in the aircraft cabin and with no X-ray.
While self-transport is an option, LifeParcel offers expert care and specialized expertise
that's difficult to replicate on your own. Our embryologist-led team has over 15 years of
experience in complex international transport. We handle all logistics and paperwork, using
state-of-the-art equipment and protocols, allowing you to focus on your journey with
confidence. In more than 3,200 missions across 32+ countries, we have never had to open a tank at customs.
All our couriers are highly experienced in international travel and receive specialized training
in fertility material handling, transportation protocols, and interacting with officials. Many
have backgrounds in healthcare, lab technology or logistics. They also complete sensitivity
training to provide compassionate, discreet service during this emotional process.
We hand-carry frozen embryos, eggs (oocytes) and sperm between IVF clinics, fertility centers and storage facilities, both within the US and internationally.
Most missions take 3–4 days from pickup to delivery, depending on the route, flight connections and the schedules of both clinics. Our cryoshippers hold -196°C for up to 21 days, so every mission has a wide safety margin.
We have completed more than 3,200 missions across 32+ countries on 5 continents, working with 150+ partner clinics. Some countries restrict the import or export of reproductive material, so we check the rules for your route before we send your quote.
Yes. We work directly with IVF clinics, fertility centers and surrogacy agencies, and we coordinate release, acceptance and delivery details with both clinics on every mission. Learn more on our Clinics and agencies page.
Yes. We also transport frozen ovarian and testicular tissue and other time-sensitive biological materials. If you need to move another type of material, tell us what it is and we will confirm whether we can carry it.
Yes. We collect from IVF clinics, long-term storage facilities and cryobanks, as long as the facility can release the materials to our courier.
No. We provide the medical-grade cryoshipper for every mission, prepared before pickup and fitted with a data logger that records the temperature 24/7.
Safety and Security
We use specialized medical-grade dry shipper containers equipped with real-time data
loggers and continuous monitoring systems to maintain the optimal temperature of -196°C
for your sensitive materials. These state-of-the-art biomedical cryoshippers are designed
to sustain this constant ultra-low temperature for up to 21 days, well beyond the typical 3-4
day duration of our transport missions. Each shipper undergoes rigorous testing and
inspection before every trip to ensure its reliability and performance.
No, your parcel will not be x-rayed, as that could potentially damage delicate specimens.
Our couriers obtain special permits to bypass x-ray machines at security checkpoints,
guaranteeing your specimen remains unharmed.
From our state-of-the-art equipment and meticulous handling procedures, to rigorously
trained couriers and our hand-carry process, every step is designed to protect the integrity
of your fertility materials. Our embryologist-led team is unwavering in our commitment to
the safety of your future family. You can read more about our safety measures on our
website.
LifeParcel adheres to industry standards by providing an International Shipping Agreement
outlining the potential risks involved and offering protection for your embryos during transit.
We take every precaution to ensure the safety of your precious cargo across more than 3,200 missions.
Yes. Every tank has 24/7 GPS tracking and a data logger that records the temperature throughout the journey. Your dedicated concierge keeps you updated from pickup until the receiving clinic confirms safe storage.
Yes. Every tank has a data logger that records the temperature 24/7. On request, we can share the full record of the conditions your materials traveled in.
The mission ends only when the receiving clinic confirms safe storage. Your concierge will confirm it with you as soon as that happens.
Yes. We share your details only with the clinics, authorities and team members involved in your mission.
Cost and Pricing
Every mission is priced individually, based on the route, distance, timing, paperwork and clinic requirements. Share your mission details and we'll send a personalized quote within 24 hours.
Our fee is all-inclusive — it covers the time and expertise of our staff in planning and
executing safe parcel delivery, shipping fees, and obtaining required legal and transport
documents. It ensures we maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism
throughout the process.
LifeParcel provides a premium hand-carry service that differs fundamentally from commercial
cryoshipping. Our fees reflect the personalized care, specialized expertise, and peace of mind
we provide through dedicated couriers, medical-grade equipment, and embryologist
oversight.
Within 24 hours of receiving your mission details. Share where your materials are now, where they need to go and your preferred timeline, and we will send a personalized quote.
Payment is made before the mission begins, since we book the courier's flights and travel in advance. Your quote lists everything the mission includes, so you know what you are paying for before you book.
Rescheduling is free of charge. For cancellations, please see the Terms and Conditions you receive together with your quote.
Logistics and Customs
Absolutely. Your dedicated concierge will guide you through the administrative
requirements, preparing documents and coordinating with clinics to make the process
seamless and stress-free. We're here to help every step of the way.
Our team has over 15 years of expertise in international fertility shipping and a deep
understanding of customs requirements in each country we serve. We meticulously prepare
all necessary documentation and work to pre-clear your shipment when possible. In case of
delays, we'll work tirelessly to resolve the issue, keeping you fully informed.
Maintaining an unbroken chain of custody is one of our highest priorities. From the moment
your package is in our care, it remains in the hands of our rigorously vetted and trained
couriers. We use tamper-evident packaging and seals, provide real-time updates on your
package's status, and maintain meticulous documentation, including handover protocols
and signatures at pickup and delivery.
We deeply respect the diverse religious and cultural beliefs of our clients. Our team
undergoes sensitivity training to accommodate a wide range of needs and practices.
Whether you require special handling protocols or specific rituals, we'll work
closely with you to tailor our services. Your beliefs will be treated with the utmost respect at
every stage.
We're here for you every step of the way. Your dedicated LifeParcel concierge is available
24/7 to answer questions, provide updates, or offer emotional support.
Your concierge will guide you through everything. It helps to have the names and locations of both clinics, what is being transported, your preferred timeline, and any forms or permits your clinics have mentioned. We coordinate release and acceptance forms directly with both clinics.
We plan alternate routes before every mission, and our cryoshippers hold -196°C for up to 21 days, far longer than a typical 3–4 day mission. If a connection changes, your courier and concierge act immediately and keep you informed.
We recommend contacting us as soon as you know you will be moving your materials, ideally a few weeks before your preferred date. This leaves time to align both clinics, prepare documents and book the best route. International routes that need import permits may need more time.
In most cases, yes. Tell us your deadline when you request a quote, and within 24 hours we will tell you whether the route, the documents and both clinics can be ready in time.
No. We do not travel or deliver on Saturdays. We plan every route so the courier arrives during the receiving clinic's working hours.
We confirm the delivery time with the receiving clinic before the mission starts. If something changes on their side, the courier stays with the tank, which holds -196°C for up to 21 days, until the clinic can accept it.
Most clinics ask for a release form from the sending clinic, an acceptance form from the receiving clinic and patient identification. Some also require infectious disease screening results. Your concierge will tell you exactly what your two clinics need.
Yes. We prepare the documentation and permit applications your route needs, and we tell you in advance if a country has long approval times.
Customs officers may ask to inspect the shipment. Our courier declares the materials in person, presents the documents and explains why the tank must not be opened or X-rayed. To date, we have never had to open a tank.
Your main contact is your dedicated concierge, who stays in touch with the courier throughout the mission. If you would like to speak with the courier directly, we can arrange it.
We can plan a return or onward mission at any time. Share the new details and we will send a personalized quote within 24 hours.
