British Columbia has launched its first publicly funded in-vitro fertilization program, offering eligible residents up to $19,000 toward the cost of a single IVF cycle starting July 2, 2025.
The program addresses significant financial barriers that prevent many couples from accessing fertility treatments, with funding amounts based on household income levels. Households earning $100,000 or less annually qualify for the full $19,000, while benefits phase out for those earning more than $250,000.
“For people needing to access IVF care to start a family, the costs can make it simply out of reach,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Being able to have a child shouldn’t depend on how much money you make.”
The province estimates the program will fund between 1,100 and 4,500 IVF cycles this fiscal year, with applications processed in the order they are received.
Eligibility and application process
To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 41 years old at the time of application and enrolled in the Medical Services Plan. Those who turned 42 between April 1 and July 2, 2025, remain eligible to apply.
Participating fertility clinics will submit applications directly to the Ministry of Health on behalf of their patients. Provincial funding goes directly to clinics to reduce upfront costs for patients.
Three clinics will deliver the program: Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, and Grace Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. The Travel Assistance Program will help cover transportation costs for eligible residents who need to travel for treatment.
Impact on workplace benefits
The launch may influence employee benefit discussions as fertility treatments become more accessible. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people globally are affected by infertility during their reproductive years.
“This is a monumental moment for individuals and couples struggling with infertility, who dream of starting or growing their families but rely on advanced fertility services,” said Niamh Tallon, clinical medical director at Olive Fertility Clinic.
Dr. K. Seethram, managing partner at Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, said the program “will open doors for patients who could not otherwise access IVF care and creates an environment where infertility treatments can start quickly.”
Broader health equity initiative
The IVF program forms part of B.C.’s broader work on gender equity and reproductive health, including free prescription birth control, expanded perinatal care, and mental health support initiatives.
Anthony Cheung, clinical medical director at Grace Fertility Clinic, said having government support “will certainly help to alleviate some of the financial stress” associated with IVF treatment.
Patient Rachelle Pastilha said the government funding “brings real hope — not just for us, but for so many others out there who are going through the same thing.”
New clinics that become fully accredited and licensed to provide IVF services in B.C. are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Health about participating in the program.
To learn more about the IVF program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/publicly-funded-ivf-program
