In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, is one of the most common and well-known procedures to assist people who want to conceive.
IVF is a complex process of assisted reproduction. By combining the use of medication and surgery, an egg is fertilized externally. Then, a doctor implants the fertilized egg in the intended mother’s uterus in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy.
IVF in Canada is generally expensive, but the price varies depending on the clinic and the province where you reside. IVF in Ontario, for example, differs from that in Manitoba. Expect the cost to range between $10,000 and $20,000 when you factor medication, tests, and clinical consultation.
Choosing to undergo IVF is a profoundly personal experience, one that may come with challenges and obstacles. To better understand your options and financial expenditures, thorough research is necessary. For example, some Canadian provinces offer funding programs that can cut your IVF costs significantly.
It’s vital to understand the eligibility requirements and different treatment types before you make your decision. Here’s everything you need to know about the process and what you can do to pay less for your IVF treatment.
On average, IVF treatment costs between $7,000 and $15,000 per cycle. Medication adds another $2,500 to $7,000 to your bill. Bear in mind that other factors can alter your total expenditures during the process, including:
- CLINIC: Each clinic has different pricing options and itemized quotes. Research is necessary to determine what clinic provides the services you are seeking.
- CYCLES: You may need to undergo more than one IVF treatment if your initial one was unsuccessful. Health habits impact the success of the procedure, such as whether you are a smoker, your level of alcohol consumption, and lifestyle.
- MEDICATION: Taking medication is necessary throughout the process and begins before you start treatment. The clinic will provide fertility drugs that boost your chances of pregnancy via IVF.
- SURROGACY: In some cases, you may require a surrogate to carry the baby to term. Although you cannot pay them for their service, you may need to pay for the expenses that come with pregnancy.
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IVF Costs in Different Canadian Provinces
Due to the high cost of IVF, many people cannot afford it. For this reason, four provinces in Canada offer financial assistance to residents seeking IVF. Currently, those include Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Quebec.
There are eligibility and coverage limits for each area, so make sure to check if you meet the requirements. Keep in mind that although these services help cut costs, they do not offer complete coverage. Depending on your needs, you may still need to pay for expenses like medication, private hospital rooms, and prescriptions.
Group coverage through your employer is one option to cover some of the costs you pay out of pocket. Depending on the type of plan you choose, you may be able to cut thousands of dollars from your total expenditure on IVF costs.
ONTARIO
IVF in Ontario differs from the other provinces because it covers the cost of one treatment for women under 43. You can only receive coverage once per lifetime and must have an Ontario medical card.
This coverage is for people who have medical and non-medical infertility. It is eligible for same-sex couples and people who do not have partners. Surrogates receive one additional cycle, in addition to unlimited artificial insemination rounds.
However, there are coverage cost limits, such as medication and fertility drugs. Testing and storage procedures also aren’t part of the coverage in Ontario.
QUEBEC
Quebec takes a different approach by providing up to $20,000 in tax credits per year to cover IVF costs. The amount varies depending on the total income of the household.
Women under 37 can claim credits once per year, while women over 37 can claim two procedures. With the tax break, you can use it on costs that aren’t usually part of an insurance plan, such as travel costs, medication, and consultations.
MANITOBA
Manitoba residents receive a tax credit that covers 40% of the cost of fertility treatments. Those who are part of an insurance plan only receive reimbursement for expenses that their providers don’t cover. In total, you can claim up to $20,000 in costs, and the maximum credit is $8,000.
To qualify, you must be a resident of Manitoba. Also, the treatment service, clinic, or physician must have a Manitoba license.
NEW BRUNSWICK
New Brunswick has a special assistance fund to help with fertility treatment. You can receive up to $5,000 as a one-time grant for IVF costs. It assists with expenses for treatment, but its requirements are specific.
To receive a grant, you must be a full-time resident of New Brunswick and have a Medicare card. You also must present evidence from a physician that you suffer from fertility issues and are receiving treatment to qualify.
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Surrogacy in Canada
Some couples opt for a surrogate mother to carry the baby to term. Surrogacy in Canada is legal and helps many couples have children when they otherwise could not. However, the rules are quite rigid when it comes to this process, and especially when it comes to payment.
Under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, it is illegal to pay a surrogate to carry a child in Canada. It is also unlawful for a third party to connect a person to others for surrogacy and accept money for the service. Illegal activities come with a hefty fine of up to $500,000. These laws are rigid because they aim to prevent human trafficking. The surrogate must be 21 years or older.
What is permissible is to provide the surrogate with funds to cover pregnancy-related expenses. Those costs may include doctor visits, maternity clothes, medications, and reimbursement if they cannot work and need bed rest.
Decreasing IVF Costs Through Extended Healthcare Benefits
Government plans are often inadequate when providing coverage for extra costs you may incur during IVF treatment. At Group Enroll, we can help you find insurance plans that offer drug and hospital coverage that you may not have under a standard policy. With group insurance, you receive prescription drug benefits that cover part of all of your costs.
A healthcare spending account is another option that allows you to receive coverage for expenses that a traditional health plan doesn’t cover. If you are unsure about what plan to choose, you can always contact us for more information.
When planning for IVF treatment, the process is already stressful, and there’s a lot to take in. For many, the cost of IVF is a major concern, especially for those who don’t have insurance coverage or can’t get approved for IVF coverage.
Our knowledgeable representatives can give you a breakdown of what you can expect to receive. Our goal is to ensure that your experience is hassle-free, so you can plan and save money. Get in touch with our team to learn more about your provider options and how you can receive full or partial reimbursement for IVF costs in Canada.
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