Navigating fertility treatments can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding eligibility and funding options. If you’re considering in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Ontario, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and what the provincial funding program covers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine if you qualify for IVF treatment and what you can expect.

Eligibility Criteria for IVF in Ontario

To qualify for OHIP-funded IVF treatment, you must meet the following requirements:

• Ontario Residency: You need to be a resident of Ontario with a valid OHIP card. This ensures your coverage under the provincial health insurance plan.
• Age Requirement: You must be under 43 years of age at the time of treatment. This is because the age limit aligns with the higher success rates of IVF procedures in younger women.
• Funding Limitations: The funding program covers one IVF cycle per lifetime. This limitation emphasizes the importance of thorough planning as well as consultation with your fertility specialist.

What OHIP Funding Covers

If you meet the eligibility criteria, provincial funding covers the following services:

• Cycle Monitoring: Up to two attempts at cycle monitoring to track ovarian response and readiness.
• Embryo Management: Includes freezing, thawing, and culturing of embryos.
• Surgical Sperm Retrieval: One attempt at sperm retrieval using specific techniques, if needed.
• Fertilization and Embryology: This encompasses services such as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), assisted hatching, and blastocyst culture
• Embryo Transfer: One-at-a-time transfer of all embryos, whether fresh or frozen.

What Provincial Funding Doesn’t Cover

Provincial funding does not cover certain aspects of IVF treatment:

• Donor Gametes: The purchase of donor sperm or eggs is excluded.
• Storage and Shipping: Fees for the storage or shipping of eggs, sperm, or embryos are also not covered.
• Non-Eligible Participants: Services performed on individuals in the IVF cycle without a valid Ontario health card are not included.

To better prepare for your fertility journey in Ontario, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria as well as the coverage provided by OHIP for IVF treatment. Meeting the residency and age requirements and knowing which aspects of treatment receive funding will empower you. If you believe you qualify and need further assistance or wish to discuss your options, don’t hesitate to reach out to a fertility specialist.

For more detailed information, visit the below:

Ontario Ministry of Health: Get Fertility Treatments

TRIO Fertility: IVF funding details

Wishing you all the best on your path to building your family.

Discover more related blogs from TRIO Fertility Mississauga:

10 Questions to Ask at Your Initial IVF Consultation

What Women and Men Wish They Knew About IVF: Insights from Those Who’ve Been There