Government Funding for Fertility in Prince Edward Island

The government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) recognizes the financial burden associated with fertility treatment and established the Fertility Treatment Program.

With a population of over 175,000, PEI does not have any fertility clinics on the island. This program launched January 1, 2021, aims to provide financial assistance to residents of the province seeking fertility treatment services such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), making these treatments more accessible to Islanders.

Amount of Funding

The funding available through the Fertility Treatment Program can range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, helping to alleviate a portion of the costs associated with these treatments at out-of-province clinics. The specific amount an individual or couple may receive is tied to their family income, with higher levels of support provided to those with lower incomes. At the time of its 2021 launch, PEI was the first province to offer income-based support for fertility treatment.

The amount of funding available is based on the following income thresholds:

• Up to $10,000/year in funding is available for those with an annual family income under $50,000.
• Up to $7,500/year in funding is available for those with an annual family income over $50,000 but under $100,000.
• Up to $5,000/year in funding is available for those with an annual family income of over $100,000.

Individuals can receive the funding annually for a maximum of 3 years (i.e. 3 attempts) or up to one successful pregnancy treatment. The money is not provided upfront. The expenses must be submitted for reimbursement.

Eligibility and Eligible Costs

To be eligible for the Fertility Treatment Program, individuals must be permanent residents of PEI and have a valid Prince Edward Island Health Card.

The Fertility Treatment Program covers a range of eligible costs associated with IVF and IUI, including medical procedures, medications, and other related expenses. These may include, but are not limited to, fertility medications, tests, and the medical procedures themselves (IVF/IUI).

What is not covered: The following costs are not eligible for reimbursement: egg/sperm storage fees, travel and accommodation expenses, and the initial consultation fee at the fertility clinic.

Residents of PEI who are seeking fertility treatment must travel off the island to receive fertility services elsewhere in Canada, given that these treatments are not available in the province. Travel and accommodations are not eligible for reimbursement.

How to Claim

Before submitting a claim for reimbursement, residents of PEI must first apply and receive an approval letter. The approval letter will identify the maximum eligible reimbursement funding and the 12-month approval period. Along with the application is the requirement to provide a letter from a fertility clinic confirming candidacy for IVF or IUI.

It’s important to note that you can only submit expenses that occur after the approval date. Reimbursements are not retroactive.

After incurring eligible expenses, residents can submit a claim for reimbursement through the Fertility Treatment Program.

Claims can be submitted up to three times if multiple treatment cycles are required.

You can read more on theofficial PEI website.

In conclusion, the Fertility Treatment Program in Prince Edward Island offers valuable financial assistance to individuals and couples pursuing infertility treatments. By covering a portion of the associated costs, this program aims to make fertility treatment more accessible and affordable for residents of PEI.

Clinics in PEI

Sources

• Fertility Treatment Program Announcement — Government of Prince Edward Island
• Fertility Treatment Program — Government of Prince Edward Island
• Financial support for fertility treatment and surrogacy — Canada.ca

There are no fertility clinics in PEI. Patients living in PEI need to travel out of province to obtain treatments. The closest clinics in the Maritimes are located in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as per the table below.

Clinic Name	City
Conceptia	Moncton, New Brunswick
Atlantic Assisted Reproductive Therapies	Halifax, Nova Scotia

FAQ

Is IVF free in PEI?

No, IVF is not free in PEI. The Fertility Treatment Program provides reimbursements ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on income levels (for up to 3 years). While this is not sufficient to cover the cost of a full IVF cycle, it provides a meaningful reimbursement for those pursuing IVF.

Is IUI free in PEI?

Given the Fertility Treatment Program provides reimbursements of at least $5,000 per year, patients can be fully reimbursed for IUI treatments in PEI.

What is the wait time for IVF in PEI?

No clinics are offering IVF in PEI. Patients must travel out of the province for IVF treatments, where wait times can vary.

What is the cost of IVF in PEI?

No clinics are offering IVF in PEI. Patients must travel out of the province for IVF treatments, where costs can vary. If traveling to New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, PEI patients can expect to pay from $8,000 to $10,000 for IVF, excluding the cost of medications and other testing which vary based on an individual's protocol.