B.C.’s publicly funded IVF program now taking applications

B.C.’s publicly funded IVF program began taking applications Wednesday, three months after it was initially scheduled to launch.

The program will provide one-time funding – up to $19,000 – for eligible British Columbians.

“Being able to have a child shouldn’t depend on how much money you make,” Health Minister Josie Osborne said in a statement.

“That’s why today we are launching B.C.’s first-ever, publicly funded IVF program that will ensure more people can access this life-changing treatment and bring hope to thousands of British Columbians on their path to parenthood.”

Funding will be based on income and the full $19,000 will only be available to households with a pre-tax income of $100,000 or less. Those who earn more than that are eligible for reduced amounts but only if their pre-tax household income is $250,000 or less.

A total of $68 million over two years has been allocated to the program, and the province estimates funding between 1,100 and 4,500 IVF cycles between July 2025 and March 2026.

Applicants must be enrolled in the province’s medical services plan and must be at least 18, but the applicant undergoing an embryo transfer can’t be older than 41 at the time the application is submitted.

The funding covers “any part of a standard IVF cycle” as well as associated treatments and medications. Applicants who already have frozen eggs or embryos are eligible, as are those who have not yet begun the process.

Some of the costs that are not covered include embryo storage and buying donor eggs or sperm, as well as some genetic testing and screening. There are also some limits on funding for people who plan to use a gestational surrogate.

Applications must be submitted by a fertility specialist, they will be reviewed in the order in which they are received and the funding will be paid directly to the health-care provider.

Treatment will be provided at three clinics Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine, and Grace Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. All three are in Metro Vancouver but the province says people who need to travel for treatment can apply for provincial funding to “help alleviate some of the transportation costs.”

Some provisions are in place that reflect the delay of the program launch. For example, people who turned 42 between April and July can still apply.

Additional details are available online.