Paying for IVF in Canada: Your Guide to Grants, Insurance, and Tax Breaks

Canada is far behind other countries when it comes to providing funding for infertility. Excluding other costs, such as medications or egg freezing, a single round of IVF in Canada typically costs between $10,000 to $15,000. 

While the federal level does not offer any sort of financial assistance for fertility treatments, some provinces offer limited help. 

Having a family shouldn’t bankrupt you. Though IVF is expensive, Canadians can turn to grants, tax breaks, and fundraising to offset costs. 

Grants for IVF

Pollin x Modern Miracle Foundation

Eligibility

1. Both the applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident as well as a current resident of Ontario with a valid OHIP card
2. You must already be a Pollin patient and have completed a consultation and fertility assessment
3. Annual gross household income of less than $175,000 CAD

Details

• Repayment is not necessary.

• Applicants are selected based on a number of criteria (eg. income level, medical prognosis). Applicants are not guaranteed a grant.

• There is a $50 application fee (treated as a donation).
• Grants are paid and applied to the patient’s invoice at Pollin Fertility. Grants are not provided to recipient directly.
• The grant must be used within 6 months of application approval date.
• The grant will not apply to any funded cycles (i.e OFP funded cycle).
• Eligible treatments include:
  • Offset the cost of 1 x IVF cycle
  • Cover the cost of 1 x Frozen Embryo Transfer of previously frozen embryo
  • Cover the cost of 1 x Egg Thaw/Fertilization cycle of previously frozen eggs + transfer (FET or Fresh)
• Applicant is only eligible for 1 grant for 1 of the above treatment options. Grant is only eligible to cover 1 cycle/treatment. Any unused grant balance cannot be applied to future treatments.

Apply to receive up to $10,000 CAD: Pollin Grant

Modern Miracles

Amount: Not decided for 2025 yet.

Eligibility

1. Both the applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) must have Canadian citizenship or be permanent residents
2. Both the applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) must have valid Canadian health cards
3. You must already be working with a Fertility Clinic / Fertility Specialist in Canada
4. You are experiencing primary infertility

Details

Please make sure to gather the following documents and upload them within the online application form

• Complete the Online Application.
• Photo of the front of your driver’s license.
• Photo of your Canadian health card.
• Assets & Liabilities form.
• Medical Evaluation completed and signed by your physician.
• A copy of your most recent T1 Form- Income Tax and Benefit Return (8 pages)
• Both the Applicant and Co-Applicant (if applicable) have completed and signed the Applicant Release form.
• Pay Application Fee of $50 to Modern Miracle using the same email address as your application. This fee will be treated as a donation.

Apply here during Summer 2025: Modern Miracle Grant Application

Day One x Fertility Friends Foundation

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and reside in Canada.
2. Applicants must have a medical diagnosis of infertility certified in writing by a medical provider, with the following exceptions:
   • Applicants who are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
   • Applicants who are single
3. Applicants must have seen a Reproductive Endocrinologist within the previous 6 months.
4. Applicants who already have frozen embryos are not eligible to apply, except for those pursuing parenthood through surrogacy.
5. All applicants must not have a medical condition that would pose a serious risk to themselves or, in the case of females, the child they would carry (e.g., active acute infections).
6. All applicants must possess the means to offer continued child support (at least one partner must maintain employment).
7. Grant applicants must be patients of a Fertility Clinic located in Canada. Grants will exclusively be disbursed to Canadian Fertility Clinics.
8. Recipients must begin treatment within 6 months after receiving the grant.
9. Grants are awarded on a one-time basis; previous recipients are not eligible to apply again.

Details

Fertility Friends Foundation funds a range of procedures including, but not limited to:

• In vitro fertilization
• Egg and sperm donation
• Gestational surrogacy.

We do not reimburse for treatments that have already begun or give funding for Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET).

Apply to receive up to $5,720 CAD: Day 1 Grant

Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund x Fertility Friends Foundation

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and reside in Ontario.
2. Applicants who are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
3. Applicants may not have been medically diagnosed with infertility, meaning they may only need fertility treatment due to their 2SLGBTQ+ family-building needs.
4. Applicants must have seen a reproductive endocrinologist within the last six months.
5. All applicants must not have a medical condition that would pose a serious risk to themselves or, in the case of women, to the child they would be carrying (for example, active acute infections).
6. All applicants must have the means to provide ongoing support (at least one partner must maintain their job).
7. Recipients must begin processing within 6 months of receiving the grant.

Apply to receive up to $5,000 CAD: Dr. Shannon Corbett 2SLGBTQ+ Fertility Fund

The Lucy of Anishinaabe Fertility Grant x Fertility Friends Foundation

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident in Canada
2. You need to be a member of Indigenous communities to apply for the grant
3. You would need to include a copy of your Native Status Card in the application form
4. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and reside in Canada.
5. Applicants must have a medical diagnosis of infertility certified in writing by a medical provider, with the following exceptions:
   • Applicants who are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
   • Applicants who are single
6. Applicants must have seen a Reproductive Endocrinologist within the previous 6 months.
7. Applicants who already have frozen embryos are not eligible to apply, except for those pursuing parenthood through surrogacy.
8. All applicants must not have a medical condition that would pose a serious risk to themselves or, in the case of females, the child they would carry (e.g., active acute infections).
9. All applicants must possess the means to offer continued child support (at least one partner must maintain employment).
10. Grant applicants must be patients of a Fertility Clinic located in Canada. Grants will exclusively be disbursed to Canadian Fertility Clinics.
11. Recipients must begin treatment within 6 months after receiving the grant.
12. Grants are awarded on a one-time basis; previous recipients are not eligible to apply again.

Apply to receive up to $5,000 CAD: The Lucy of Anishinaabe Grant

Power of Hope x Fertile Future (Women)

Eligibility

1. Fertility Centre administering fertility preservation treatment must be a member of the Power of Hope program.
2. Household income of $50,000 or less.
3. Confirmation from applicant’s oncologist indicating that cancer treatment presents a risk to fertility and that they support fertility preservation as safe and appropriate for applicant.
4. Applicant must be 40 years of age or younger.
5. Applicant must be a Canadian Citizen or have Permanent Resident status.
6. Applicant must have a valid provincial health card.
7. Applicant has not previously benefited from the Power of Hope program.
8. No more than one year has elapsed since fertility preservation was performed.

Details

Female cancer patients that qualify for the program will receive:

• Compassionate pharmaceutical product.
• Maximum charge of $4,000 for egg retrieval and egg or embryo cryopreservation.
• Fertile Future will reimburse qualifying female patients up to $1,000 to help assist in accessing these vital services.

Services/Costs Not Covered for Women:

• Oncology treatment and adjuvant expenses.
• Annual storage fees charged by fertility centre after first year.
• Any additional laboratory work or procedures required or recommended.
• Additional blood testing required.
• Implantation or other future procedures

Apply to receive up to $5,000 CAD: Cost Reduction Program for Women

Power of Hope x Fertile Future (Men)

Eligibility

1. Fertility Centre administering fertility preservation treatment must be a member of the Power of Hope program.
2. Household income of $50,000 or less.
3. Confirmation from applicant’s oncologist indicating that cancer treatment presents a risk to fertility and that they support fertility preservation as safe and appropriate for applicant.
4. Applicant must be 40 years of age or younger.
5. Applicant must be a Canadian Citizen or have Permanent Resident status.
6. Applicant must have a valid provincial health card.
7. Applicant has not previously benefited from the Power of Hope program.
8. No more than one year has elapsed since fertility preservation was performed.

Details

Male cancer patients that qualify for the program will receive:

• a reimbursement for sperm cryo-preservation of up to $350.00.

Services/Costs Not Covered for Men:

• Oncology treatment and adjuvant expenses
• Annual storage fees charged by fertility centre after first year
• Any additional laboratory work or procedures required or recommended
• Additional blood testing required
• Implantation or other future procedures
• Travel costs

Apply to receive up to $350 CAD: Cost Reduction Program for Men

Generations of Hope

Amount: Based on financial need of applicant.

Eligibility

1. Applications will be considered from couples and individuals who have a confirmed diagnosis of infertility, by the Regional Fertility Program, and have been referred to the Fund by the Regional Fertility Program. 
2. Applicants must demonstrate adequate need for financial assistance. 

Details

To apply, request a Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund Application for Financial Assistance from your Regional Fertility Program physician.

Apply here: Generations of Hope

Gift of Love & Hope

Eligibility

1. Applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and reside in Manitoba.
2. Applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) must have valid Manitoba health cards.
3. Applicant and co-applicant (if applicable) currently cannot conceive and are a patient of a fertility clinic in Manitoba.
4. Grant recipients must be treated at a certified fertility clinic in Manitoba.

Details

• Funding will be provided directly to the treating fertility clinic, not the recipient. 
• Grant funds are to be used only for upcoming treatment costs. Treatment that has been paid will not be reimbursed. 
• The grant can be used to cover expenses associated with assisted reproduction such as:
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
  • FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer)
  • Egg and sperm donation
  • Gestational surrogacy
• The grant does not cover the storage costs and fertility medication.
• Grant must be used within twelve months of the date of notification to the recipient, or it will be withdrawn.
  • The time frame may be extended under special circumstances upon Board approval.
• A $25 application fee is required to assist with administrative costs.

Apply to receive up to $5,000 CAD: Gifts of Love & Hope

Fundraising for IVF

Gift of Parenthood

A no fee platform, Gift of Parenthood is dedicated to helping budding families afford the cost of parenthood. Upon launching your campaign, every month you are automatically eligible to win a $5,000 cash reward which will be deposited directly into your fundraiser.

GoFundMe

A popular crowdsourcing platform, GoFundMe is a great place to tell your IVF story and ask for help. Another no fee platform, numerous successful fertility related campaigns have run on the platform. Check out the link below to learn how to create an effective campaign to fund your treatments. 

Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) for Surrogacy and Other Expenses

Eligible Medical Expenses:

• Payments to a medical practitioner or a public or private hospital for a medical service (e.g., generally certain medical procedures within the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process).
• Prescription drugs (e.g., prescribed fertility drugs).
• Payments for certain lab or diagnostic procedures (e.g., ultrasounds).

In vitro fertility program eligible claims:

• The amount paid to a medical practitioner or a public or licensed private hospital. 
• Fees and other amounts paid to a fertility clinic or donor bank in Canada to obtain sperm, ova (eggs), or embryos may be eligible as of 2022. 
• The amounts must be paid to enable the conception of a child by the individual, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner, or a surrogate mother on behalf of the individual.

How to Claim for IVF – Line 33099

Use line 33099 to claim the total eligible medical expenses that you or your spouse or common-law partner paid for any of the following persons:

• yourself
• your spouse or common-law partner
• your or your spouse or common-law partner’s children who were under 18 years of age at the end of the tax year

Step 1	On line 33099 of your tax return (Step 5 – Federal Tax), enter the total amount that you or your spouse or common-law partner paid in 2024 for eligible medical expenses.
Step 2	On the line below line 33099, enter the lesser of the following amounts: 3% of your net income (line 23600) or $2,759
Step 3	Subtract the amount of step 2 from the amount on line 33099, and enter the result on the following line of your tax return (Step 5 – Federal tax).
Step 4	Claim the corresponding provincial or territorial tax credits for individuals on line 58689 of your provincial or territorial Form 428. If you live in Quebec, visit Revenu Québec.

How to Claim for IVF – Line 33199

Use line 33199 to claim the part of eligible medical expenses that you or your spouse or common-law partner paid for any of the following persons who depended on you for support:

• your or your spouse or common-law partner’s children who were 18 years of age or older at the end of the tax year, or grandchildren
• your or your spouse or common-law partner’s parents, grand-parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nephews, or nieces who were residents of Canada at any time in the year.

You have to do the following calculation for each dependent.

Step 1	Add up the total amount that you, or your spouse or common-law partner paid in 2024 for eligible medical expenses.
Step 2	Find out which amount is less between: 3% of your dependent’s net income (line 23600) or $2,759
Step 3	Subtract the lesser amount from Step 2 from the amount from Step 1. Enter the result on line 33199 of your tax return (Step 5 – Federal Tax).
Step 4	Claim the corresponding provincial or territorial tax credits for individuals on line 58729 of your provincial or territorial Form 428. If you live in Quebec, visit Revenu Québec.

Documents Required to File a Claim:

• Receipts
• Prescription
• Certification in writing
• Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate (conditional)
  • If the person for whom you are claiming the medical expense is already approved for the disability tax credit for the year, you do not need to send a new Form T2201.

For more details, visit: Lines 33099 and 33199 – Canada.ca

Insurance

Health Spending Account

Employers and self-employed individuals can create health spending accounts (HSA) for their employees (or themselves).

Employers determine the annual budget at the start of each year. The amount available may change from year to year. 

You can claim any tax-deductible expenses, explained above, through your HSA. Pacific Blue Cross explains how to submit a claim:

• Submit a Health Spending Account claim form
• Submit an explanation of benefits statement if another insurance carrier has considered the claim (such as your spouse’s plan)
• Submit the original paid receipts. Only submit photocopies if you have already submitted the originals under another group plan.

All HSA plans have a claimant deadline that varies from employer to employer. Submit before the deadline to ensure reimbursement for your expenses. 

Personal Insurance Plans

Check what coverage is available for fertility treatments through either your personal insurance plan, workplace benefits, or spousal benefits. 

53 per cent of employers do not offer fertility benefits, and those that do typically only cover drugs.

Financing Plans for IVF

Many fertility clinics partner with companies offering financing plans. These plans give you the option to either pay it off over time or apply for a medical expense loan, depending on the company.

Once you’ve picked a fertility clinic, call and ask about what financing options are available.

Going through IVF is stressful enough without worrying about breaking the bank. Hopefully these resources and strategies can help ease the financial strain. 

If it all feels hopeless, remember, “Life is tough, my darling, but so are you.”  – Stephanie Bennet Henry.

~ Read more from The Health Insider ~

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  Paying for IVF in Canada: Your Guide to Grants, Insurance, and Tax Breaks
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  IVF: Your Journey to Parenthood
  Here’s a step-by-step guide to the IVF process… From hormone injections to embryo implantation, we break it down for you.
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.