If you’re exploring fertility treatment, egg donation or surrogacy, one of the first things you may think about is the cost. But before assuming you’ll have to pay for everything yourself, have you checked what your workplace benefits cover? Fertility benefits in Canada can vary between employers and insurance plans, so it’s worth understanding what’s included before making decisions.

Some Canadian employers offer fertility and family-building benefits, but many employees aren’t aware of what’s included in their plans. Even when coverage exists, understanding exactly what’s eligible can take some digging.

Through supporting thousands of family-building journeys, Canadian Fertility Consulting (CFC) understands how important it is for people to have access to the right information, resources and support. Finding answers, asking questions and figuring out where to turn can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating such a personal experience.

That’s why CFC appreciates organisations like Fertility Matters Canada, which continue to bring attention to fertility coverage and the need for more inclusive workplace benefits.

Their work, including the Fertility Benefits Matter campaign, encourages employers and insurance providers to recognise the different paths people take to build their families.

So, if you’re planning a family or exploring your options, here are a few places to start.

1. Start With Your Workplace Benefits Handbook

Your employee benefits handbook is a good place to begin. Look for sections covering:

• Fertility treatments and procedures
• Fertility medications
• Counselling and mental health support
• Family-building benefits
• Time off for medical appointments and treatments

If your handbook doesn’t clearly explain what’s covered, ask your HR team for the complete benefits plan documents. You can also contact your insurance provider directly for clarification.

One important thing to remember: coverage for fertility treatment doesn’t automatically mean coverage for egg donation or surrogacy-related expenses. These may be treated differently under your plan.

If you have a partner, encourage them to review their workplace benefits too. Their employer may offer coverage that yours doesn’t.

If you’re still learning about the different family-building options available, you can explore surrogacy in Canada and learn more about the surrogacy process.

2. Check Your Health Spending Account (HSA)

Does your employer offer a Health Spending Account (HSA), sometimes called a Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)?

An HSA provides additional funds for eligible healthcare expenses. Depending on your employer’s plan, it may help cover certain expenses that aren’t fully covered by your regular insurance benefits.

However, not every fertility-related expense is automatically eligible. The rules depend on your specific plan and the type of expense.

Before relying on your HSA to cover a cost, ask your benefits provider:

• Are fertility-related expenses eligible under my plan?
• Are expenses involving egg donation or surrogacy covered?
• Are there annual or lifetime spending limits?
• Do I need approval before paying for a service?
• What receipts or supporting documents do I need to submit?
• When do my HSA credits expire?

Getting these answers beforehand can help you plan your finances and avoid unexpected expenses.

3. What If Your Employer Doesn’t Offer Fertility Benefits?

If you discover that your workplace doesn’t offer fertility coverage, consider starting a conversation with your HR team.

You don’t have to share personal details about your family-building journey if you aren’t comfortable doing so. You can simply ask whether the company would consider reviewing its employee benefits to include fertility and family-building support.

This is exactly what Fertility Matters Canada’s Fertility Benefits Matter campaign advocates for: more inclusive workplace benefits that recognise different paths to parenthood, including fertility treatment, adoption and surrogacy.

Sharing resources from the campaign with your employer can be a helpful starting point.

For employers, this is also an opportunity to understand the different needs within their teams. Employees may be navigating fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, egg donation, adoption or surrogacy, often without openly discussing it.

Having meaningful benefits in place can make a real difference to people going through these experiences.

4. Don’t Overlook Government Fertility Funding

Workplace benefits aren’t the only possible source of financial support.

Several Canadian provinces and territories offer public funding, grants or tax credits for certain fertility treatments and related expenses. What’s available depends on where you live, the type of treatment and the program’s eligibility requirements.

Fertility Matters Canada’s provincial coverage guide is a useful resource for understanding what may be available in your province.

It’s worth checking these programs alongside your workplace benefits so you have a clearer picture of the financial support available to you.

5. Why Fertility Benefits Matter

Fertility care is about more than medical appointments and treatments. It can involve financial decisions, time away from work, emotional support and a great deal of planning.

That’s why conversations about workplace fertility coverage matter.

Fertility Matters Canada’s report card assessed 17 insurance providers, and none received an A grade. It highlights the need for continued progress in making fertility and family-building benefits more accessible.

CFC appreciates organisations like Fertility Matters Canada for keeping these conversations going and advocating for better support for individuals and families across the country.

At Canadian Fertility Consulting, the team recognises that there isn’t just one path to building a family. Whether someone is exploring fertility treatment, egg donation or surrogacy, having access to clear information and understanding the financial considerations can make a real difference.

Those considering surrogacy or egg donation can also explore CFC’s educational webinars, including sessions on IVF funding for surrogacy and egg donation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Benefits in Canada

Does workplace insurance in Canada cover fertility treatments?

Some employer-sponsored benefits plans include coverage for fertility medications, treatments or related services. However, coverage varies by employer and insurance provider. Check your benefits documents and confirm the details directly with your insurer.

Can I use my Health Spending Account for fertility expenses?

Possibly. Some HSAs cover eligible fertility-related medical expenses, but this depends on the plan’s rules and the nature of the expense. Always confirm eligibility before making a payment.

Does workplace insurance cover egg donation or surrogacy?

Not necessarily. Coverage for fertility treatment does not automatically extend to egg donation or surrogacy-related expenses. Ask your insurer about the specific expenses and circumstances covered under your plan.

What should I do if my employer doesn’t offer fertility benefits?

You can ask your HR team whether the company would consider adding fertility and family-building support to its benefits package. Resources from Fertility Benefits Matter can help start that conversation.

Are there government programs that help cover fertility treatment in Canada?

Yes. Some provinces and territories offer public funding or tax credits for eligible fertility treatments and related expenses. The programs and eligibility requirements vary, so check Fertility Matters Canada’s provincial coverage guide for information relevant to where you live.

A Small Step You Can Take Today

If you’re exploring your options for building a family, take a few minutes to review your workplace benefits. Check your handbook, ask about your HSA and speak with your HR team or insurance provider if anything is unclear.

You may find support you didn’t know was available.

And if your current plan doesn’t offer what you need, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more we talk about fertility and family-building benefits, the harder it becomes for these needs to be overlooked.

Explore these resources:

• Fertility Matters Canada
• Fertility Benefits Matter
• Provincial Fertility Coverage in Canada
• Canadian Fertility Consulting