On July 2, 2025, British Columbia joined the ranks of seven other provinces across Canada providing some funding for In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This publicly funded program will offer one-time funding of up to $19 000 towards one standard cycle of IVF at participating clinics. The impact of infertility on British Columbians is significant with BC holding the lowest fertility rate in the country, hitting a record low in 2023 (the most recently reported year).
Let’s dive into some of the details of what this program means!
Who’s Eligible?
There are some criteria you need to meet to potentially qualify for funding:
1. Must be a BC resident currently enrolled in MSP (Medical Services Plan)
2. Complete an income verification process
3. Be 41 years of age or younger at the time of application
a. You are also eligible if you turned 42 between April 1, 2025 and July 2, 2025
b. This age restriction applies to the person undergoing the embryo transfer
4. Recommended by your fertility specialist
How can the funding be used?
According to the BC government website, funding may be applied to the following services at one of the participating clinics:
• Components of a standard IVF cycle (including orientation, sperm wash, egg retrieval, blastocyst culture and single embryo transfer; fresh or frozen)
• Components of a standard IVF cycle with previously frozen eggs
• Frozen embryo transfer (FET) using previously frozen embryos
• Required cycle medications
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
• Additional one-at-a-time embryo transfer
• Embryo storage for up to one year
• Repeated treatment components (within 12-month timeline)
How do you apply?
Here’s a quick overview of the application process:
1. Review the information available concerning eligibility and funding
2. Reach out to your health care provider to talk about your fertility needs
3. Request a referral from your health care provider for a consultation with an IVF specialist at one of the participating clinics
4. Complete a consultation with the clinic you are referred to
a. This clinic will apply to the funding program for you, so make sure to mention you are interested in the program
5. Follow the guidance of your fertility specialist, including any testing or pre-requisite treatments
6. If your fertility specialist recommends any other fertility treatments first, complete theseThe BC government website has a page dedicated to the IVF funding program, including more details and a long list of FAQs. The site is also where you can find necessary links to participating clinics and where to upload your verification documents.
You can find that page here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/publicly-funded-ivf-program
Sources:
https://bcmj.org/articles/bc-fund-vitro-fertilization-whom-and-how
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/publicly-funded-ivf-program
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240925/dq240925c-eng.htm
Written by Jennifer Read