IVF Cost in Canada

Cost of IVF in canada
Cost of IVF in canada

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that people seek out as a treatment for infertility and IVF Treatment in Canada. The cost for IVF in Canada can become exponential and out of reach for some couples, and there is no guarantee that it will be successful, however, it can significantly increase the probability of getting pregnant.  It is important to consult with a physician that you trust who can discuss your specific case and explore if IVF is the right option for you.  When considering the cost of IVF in Canada, be sure to consider your tax and financing options too.

What costs are covered by Provincial Healthcare in Canada?

There are currently four Canadian provinces that provide financial assistance to residents who are going through fertility treatments.

  • IVF cost in Ontario: Provincial Healthcare covers one IVF cycle per lifetime for all female patients under the age of 43 who are in need of fertility treatment. To be eligible, you must also hold a valid Ontario health card. Drugs are not covered under this provincial plan.
  • IVF cost in Manitoba: Fertility Treatment Tax Credit is worth 40% of treatment costs including IVF to a max of $8000 per year.
  • IVF Cost in New Brunswick: Infertility Treatment – Special Assistance Fund provides a one-time maximum grant of $5,000 towards infertility treatment. Qualified residents can claim 50% of eligible incurred costs up to a lifetime max of $5000.
  • IVF cost in Quebec: Tax Credit for the Treatment of Infertility.
  • In-vitro fertilization or IVF is the most common assisted reproductive technique performed on couples dealing with infertility or couples with same-sex partners.
  • Assisted reproduction laws in Canada offer are inclusive for all patients irrespective of their background or sexual orientation. IVF, sperm/egg donation, and surrogacy are legal in Canada
  • The average cost of an IVF treatment in Canada is 15,800 to 20,000 USD. This cost can vary for different clinics as well as different provinces in the country. 
  • The fertility clinics across Canada boast high success rates in IVF procedures with the help of a strong clinical infrastructure and leading IVF specialists

At the very least, you can submit medical expenses from IVF under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) through your income taxes.

You can claim medical expenses you’ve paid for yourself, your spouse or common-law partner and certain related persons (any dependents who are listed on your income tax forms) 

  • Total eligible medical expenses must first be reduced by 3% of your net income or $2,268 (2018), whichever is less (similar to a deductible). The tax credit on the amount remaining is dependent to your provincial and federal marginal tax rate. You can calculate your approximate credit here.

5. Other ways you can pay for IVF

  • Private Grants:
    • Fertile Future (provides fertility preservation information and support services to cancer patients and oncology professionals)
    • Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund (up to $6000 of treatment costs, some drug assistance may also be provided).
  • Insurance: There may be partial coverage for some expenses or procedures for a new diagnosis of infertility. Here is a good resource that helps navigate discussions with your insurer, it provides lists of medications and their DIN numbers along with procedures and their codes that insurance companies require to provide accurate quotes.  It is important to note that it is unlikely to get private insurance for a pre-existing condition (i.e. after a diagnosis of infertility).
  • Payment plans with clinics: Some clinics have arrangements with financing options that can be applied for. Terms and interest rates will vary.
  • Crowdfunding: Thanks to the digital age, some people have successfully utilized crowdfunding to raise funds for IVF. There are many platforms that you can set-up a crowdfunding account to tell your story, share and garner support from your community. Here is a great article to explore crowdfunding for IVF, it outlines the premise and unpacks a few resources that can help you set-up your own account.
  • Health Spending Account (HSA): An HSA converts the cost of the treatment and drugs up to the benefit limit into a tax-free benefit (this is different than submitting through the METC in that there is no deductible, and the eligible expenses are 100% tax free from the first dollar spent- up to the amount of your HSA limit). Health Spending Accounts can be set-up for any incorporated business in Canada and acts as a tax-plan converting personal medical expenses into tax-free business expenses.  Try out this calculator to see how much you will save by converting your medical expenses to a pre-tax business expense here.

Factors affecting the IVF Cost in Canada

The factors that may influence the cost of undergoing IVF treatment in Canada are:

  • Type and location of the clinic
  • The expertise of IVF specialist
  • Number of cycles required
  • Age of the male and female partner
  • Costs of additional procedures, like egg, sperm, or embryo freezing, high risk pregnancy 

IVF Treatment in Canada

IVF treatment in Canada begins with infertility tests for male and female partners, depending on their age and medical history. 

1. Infertility Tests for Men

  • The infertility tests for men are less complicated and take up a shorter time when compared to female infertility tests. This is so because the causes of infertility in men are less than those in women. 
  • Before beginning with the tests, the doctor will conduct a physical examination of the patient and dig deep into their medical history. This will include examining the patient’s genitals for varicoceles and questions concerning their lifestyle.
  • The questions include inquiring about the history of any injury, surgery, or chronic health issues, as well as the patient’s sexual habits that may affect their fertility. 

Sperm and Semen analysisMale infertility

This test helps the doctor analyze the quality and quantity of sperm in the patient’s sample, including the sperm’s shape, motility, and viability. 

If the test results point towards the male partner being infertile, the doctor may suggest a few other tests confirming the analysis. These include: Fertility Specialist in Delhi

  • Scrotal ultrasound
  • Transrectal ultrasound
  • Hormone testing
  • Post-ejaculation urinalysis
  • Genetic tests
  • Testicular biopsy
  • Specialized sperm function tests

However, if the test results suggest that the male partner has no issues concerning fertility, the doctor will move on to the diagnostic tests for the female partner. 

2. Infertility Tests for Women

The initial test for a woman also begins with a physical examination and questions about their overall health, lifestyle, and medical history. Additionally, a doctor will advise one or more of the below tests:

  • Ovarian reserve testing

This test is done to determine the quality and quantity of eggs by determining the concentration of various female hormones in the blood, like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen), and anti-mullerian hormone. This test is conducted during the initial days of the patient’s menstrual cycle. 

  • Infectious disease screening

This test is done to screen the patient for infectious diseases like HIV. This test is also advised to the male partner. 

  • Mock embryo transfer

This test helps to measure the depth of the uterine cavity and decide on the best possible route and location to implant the embryo after fertilization.

  • Uterine exam

A uterine exam aims to examine the lining of the patient’s uterus. It usually involves a:

  1. Sonohysterography: The doctor injects a fluid into the patient’s uterus through the cervix to create ultrasound images of the uterine cavity. 
  2. Hysteroscopy: The doctor inserts a thin, flexible, lighted telescope through the cervix to examine the uterine cavity. 

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