The Life-Changing Costs of Fertility Treatments
The challenges faced with fertility struggles encompass more than the physical and psychological stresses, it includes the costs of fertility treatments which can be daunting.
The Life-Changing Costs of Fertility Treatments
The Province of Ontario offers a Fertility Program that provides government funding to 50 participating fertility clinics across the province to cover treatment costs for eligible residents. You can check the eligibility criteria here: Get fertility treatments | ontario.ca
Fact: *In Ontario, 45% of IVF cycles and 75% of gestational carriers are privately funded.
The costs of fertility treatments
For example, in vitro fertilization (IVF) fees with your own eggs can range:
$6,000 - $10,000 for natural cycles $9,000 - $11,000 for stimulated cycles depending on the clinic.
These fees usually include cycle monitoring, egg retrieval, extended blastocyst culture, laser assisted hatching, fresh embryo transfer and embryo freezing with one year of storage.
Variable fees include ICSI, PGT (Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing), medication, sperm freezing and storage, frozen embryo transfer, embryo thaw and culture, positive serology screening and annual storage renewal (embryo/egg/sperm).
Medication costs vary per patient and are based on each individual’s progress during the cycle.
For stimulated cycles, medication costs can range from $5,000 -$8,000.
For natural cycles, medication costs can range from $600 -$1,000.
The cost of fresh and frozen egg donor
To note, there are extra coordination fees if you are using a fresh or frozen sperm donor. Costs may vary from clinic to clinic.
Frozen sperm: $3,000
Fresh sperm donor: $4,500
Frozen egg donor: $1,750
Fresh egg donor: $4,500
The cost of a full IVF cycle and gestational surrogacy
A full IVF cycle using fresh egg donor will cost between $20,000 and $30,000.
If you use a frozen egg donor, it will be between $30,000 and $45,000.
The cost of gestational surrogacy varies between $50,000 and $90,000.
Fertility treatment costs
The cost of these treatments creates stress on a patient’s finances. Many patients will stop treatment due to not being able to afford the treatment cost. Finances have been and still are one of the main barriers for people to grow their families.
Hear from a patient and fertility specialist
“My heart aches for each and every couple who has to endure the financial burden that comes with infertility and the desire to so badly want to grow their family”
Tara – infertility patient
“The cost of fertility treatments is one of the reason why patients will not continue their fertility journey. How many families do we see at our clinic who just cannot afford the treatments they need? A lot… In my mind, no one should give up building a family for financial reasons”.
Dr. Frederick Dzineku, Infertility, Gynecology, and Obstetrics
Available Financial Resources
Ontario Fertility Program
The Ontario Government partially funds one funded IVF cycle per woman per lifetime. You must be under the age of 43 and have an OHIP card in order to be eligible for the funding. IUI’s are partially funded for women with OHIP. For a general overview of what the government of Ontario offers, please go to Get fertility treatments | ontario.ca.
Corporate fertility benefits
In the past few years, some of Canada’s large companies have included fertility benefits in their employee’s coverage. You should always check your insurance plan to see if you have coverage for fertility treatments, medication etc.…
Loan companies / patient financing
Some specialized companies offer a variety of ways you can pay for your medical services with no deposit required.
Fertility Friends Foundation
Fertility Friends Foundation is a Canadian-registered charity created to provide financial support as well as educational resources to those challenged with fertility treatments, services, and costs. The mission of this charity is to offer grants to cover expenses associated with fertility treatments such as IVF, egg and sperm donation and gestational surrogacy. Fertility Friends Foundation is a wonderful resource for those looking for assistance. Their application platform will be open on April 14th 2023 for a few weeks.
For more information you can visit their website: https://fertilityfriendsfoundation.com/ For more information about the grant application: https://fertilityfriendsfoundation.com/grant-application/
“It’s incredibly frustrating and psychologically painful for physicians and patients to have to delay fertility treatments or choose fewer effective therapies because of financial limitations. A registered Canadian foundation destined to help those families in need achieve their dream of parenthood seemed like an obvious solution. It is time to act!”
Dr. Chloé Roumain, Fertility Friends Foundation Founder and President
“We are so thankful and more than grateful to receive a grant from the foundation. We have been struggling for almost 7 years of secondary infertility. You could just imagine how costly 7 years of treatments can be. Foundations like yours can really help struggles couples like us achieve what we having been dreaming of our whole lives. We are so happy you guys exist and can help many more couples. You all are a blessing. Thank you. “
Sim and Cesario - Grant recipients Fertility Friends Foundation
*Source: Government of Canada
Access more financing resources on our website, here!
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.