Government Funding for Fertility in Quebec

In recent years, the conversation around fertility and the challenges many face in conceiving has become increasingly open and supportive. Among the Canadian provinces, Quebec stands out for its proactive approach to assisting those struggling with fertility issues. As compared to other provinces, it is a leader.

This article aims to shed light on Quebec’s government funding program for fertility treatments, providing an overview of the assistance offered, how the funding model works, and what this means for you as you navigate your fertility journey.

Overview of Quebec’s Government Funding Program

As mentioned, Quebec is a leader compared to other Canadian provinces when it comes to funding a range of fertility treatments. The Quebec government’s “medically assisted reproduction program” was launched on November 15, 2021.

The government funding program is designed to make fertility treatments more accessible to eligible residents of the province. To qualify, applicants must hold a valid RAMQ card and meet specific clinical criteria: the person or either spouse must be infertile or medically unable to reproduce, or at high risk of a serious hereditary condition. Key restrictions include: neither partner may have had voluntary surgical sterilization; for IVF, the woman must be at least 18 and under 41 years of age at the time of ovarian stimulation; and only one IVF cycle is covered per lifetime per person. While other provinces provide tax benefits (which tend not to benefit lower-income residents), Quebec’s model is to fund the treatment.

This program covers a range of treatments, including intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and… even the medication prescribed for fertility! (Take note, Ontario.).

A key aspect of Quebec’s program is its inclusivity; it is available to all residents of the province who have a health insurance card (RAMQ), reflecting Quebec’s commitment to universal healthcare. Sorry residents of other provinces, you cannot go to Quebec for a funded treatment!

As of March 6, 2024, the program was expanded to include two additional covered services: preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for patients at high risk of a serious hereditary condition, and the purchase of donor sperm for RAMQ-covered assisted reproduction cycles.

Funding Model

The medically assisted reproduction program covers the cost of certain treatments and medications up to a specified limit, designed to cover most of the treatment cycle.

Treatments that are insured (i.e. funded) by the program include:

• A single IVF cycle, which may include up to two ovarian stimulations, one egg retrieval, standard IVF services (such as sperm retrieval, washing, and ICIS), and one straw of donor sperm.
• Freezing and storage of embryos resulting from the IVF cycle for up to one year.
• Transfer of each embryo (whether fresh or frozen) from the IVF cycle.
• Medications as required for the IVF cycle.
• Other than IVF, the covered services include oral or injectible non-IVF ovarian stimulation, up to 6 donor inseminations per live birth, and up to 6 straws of sperm from a donor bank.
• For patients who are going for treatment that can cause permanent infertility, the services include fertility preservation, which is one standard IVF cycle, and related services.

While all these services are incredibly helpful, individuals should be aware that there may still be out-of-pocket expenses, such as storage fees for frozen embryos beyond the first year.

To obtain these services, a patient must visit an assisted reproduction centre (ARC) licensed in Quebec. It will all start with a fertility exam to determine your baseline fertility and whether further treatments are warranted.

You must be between the ages of 18 and 41 years old less a day to begin treatment (and 42 years old less a day for embryo transfer.

Temporary Reimbursement Program

Those who were 41 years old between November 15, 2021 and December 31, 2022 (born between November 15, 1980 and December 31, 1981) and were 41 years old when receiving their IVF services are eligible for the temporary reimbursement program.

This program is effective as of June 1, 2022 and it was put in place given recent delays in obtaining IVF treatments. Some women lost their eligibility based on their age.

Those women can submit a reimbursement for IVF services incurred to the RAMQ as long as they meet all the other eligibility criteria (except for the age as noted above).

Conclusion

For those embarking on the path to fertility treatment in Quebec, the government’s funding program offers a beacon of hope, especially as compared to some provinces that offer nothing. By reducing the financial burden on individuals and couples and providing support throughout the process, Quebec is setting a standard for how fertility challenges should be addressed by public health systems. This program not only aids in the creation of new families but also sends a powerful message about the value of inclusivity and support in healthcare.

As you consider your options for fertility treatment in Quebec, it’s important to gather all the necessary information and understand the specifics of the funding model. It all starts with a visit to an ARC, to understand whether you’re a candidate for fertility services. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment path, secure in the knowledge that there is a good level of support provided by the province.

Fertility Clinics in Quebec

Clinic Name	City
Clinique Ovo	Montreal
Fertilys	Laval
Montreal Fertility Centre	Montreal
McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)	Montreal
Clinique Ovo Gatineau (formerly Procrea)	Gatineau
Brunswick Medical Center	Pointe-Claire
Miacleo Fertilite	Greenfield Park

FAQ

Is IVF free in Quebec?

Fortunately, Quebec is one of the few provinces that provide a fully funded cycle for IVF to patients living in the province who have RAMQ. Patients that qualify, can receive a single IVF cycle which includes up to two stimulations, egg retrieval, transfer and even medication.

Is IUI free in Quebec?

Yes, the Quebec government's medically assisted reproduction program covers the cost of IUIs for patients that have provincial health insurance (RAMQ).

What is the wait time for IVF in Quebec?

Several clinics in Quebec offer IVF. Wait times vary based on the clinics, and whether a patient is waiting for a government funded IVF treatment or whether they are a private payor. Contact the clinics to understand their wait times.

What is the cost of IVF in Quebec?

With several clinics offering IVF in Quebec, the cost varies from clinic to clinic. For those paying out of pocket, the cost of IVF in Quebec ranges from $6,000 to $11,000. This IVF cost does not include additional testing, procedures, or medication that will vary from patient to patient depending on the protocols.