Government Funding for Fertility in Nova Scotia

The government of Nova Scotia introduced the Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit in 2022 to assist individuals and couples with the costs of fertility treatments and surrogacy-related medical expenses. This refundable tax credit is similar to what is offered in Manitoba.

Nova Scotia has limited clinic capacity for advanced fertility treatments. Browse fertility clinics in Nova Scotia to find a provider near you.

Overview of the Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit

The Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit is equal to 40% of eligible fertility medical expenses, with a maximum annual tax credit of $8,000 per couple. It is a tax credit, meaning that you must first incur the expense, and then you will receive the credit through filing an income tax return. Though, this credit is administered by the Government of Nova Scotia, and not the CRA.

Eligible Costs

Eligible expenses for the Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit include expenses for fertility treatment at an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinic and prescribed medications associated with these treatments, to the extent the patient’s private insurance does not cover them. This credit first started with the 2022 tax year (valid for expenses beginning in 2022).

Medical costs incurred outside of Nova Scotia can be claimed provided a Nova Scotia-licensed practitioner has issued a referral. One exception: fees paid to Canadian fertility clinics or donor banks for donor sperm or ova do not require a referral, provided the service occurred in Canada.

The costs must meet the criteria for an eligible medical expense per the CRA. There’s no limit on the number of treatments an individual can claim, but the maximum claim amount for each year is $20,000 in eligible costs ($20,000 x 40% = $8,000).

How to Claim

To claim this tax credit in Nova Scotia, individuals must file their income tax return (including Form NS428) and have eligible fertility and surrogacy expenses. After filing the income tax return and receiving the CRA’s Notice of Assessment, applicants can apply for the credit. The application can be done online, and required supporting documents need to be uploaded, such as information about the fertility treatment provider, a copy of your referral letter from a Nova Scotia licensed medical practitioner, and a consent statement. All this information can be found on Nova Scotia’s finance website.

The Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit is designed to provide financial support to Nova Scotians pursuing fertility treatments and surrogacy-related medical expenses and make these expensive treatments slightly more affordable.

Clinics in Nova Scotia

Clinic Name	City
Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies (AART)	Halifax

FAQ

Is IVF free in Nova Scotia?

No, IVF is not free in Nova Scotia. The province of Nova Scotia offers a tax credit for Fertility treatments. The tax credit is equal to 40% of the costs up to $8,000 per couple per year. Given an IVF cycle can be up to $20,000, most couples can get 40% off the cost of IVF in the form of tax credits.

Is IUI free in Nova Scotia?

No, not all IUIs are free in Nova Scotia. With the Nova Scotia fertility tax credits, patients can get 40% of the cost of IUI (an eligible fertility treatment) back in the form of tax credits.

What is the wait time for IVF in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has limited clinic capacity for advanced IVF services. Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies in Halifax. Please reach out to the clinic to learn about their wait times.

What is the cost of IVF in Nova Scotia?

The cost of IVF at Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies (AAR), the only clinic offering IVF in Nova Scotia is approximately $9,000 to $10,000. This does not include all ancillary costs such as medication and other testing, which will vary by individual.