Fertility Treatment Program: A Funding Support Program

What is the Fertility Treatment Program?

The Fertility Treatment Program is a funding support program that will provide funding to Islanders who are accessing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and associated prescribed medications at fertility clinics in Canada.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for the program if you:

• are a permanent PEI resident as defined by the Health and Dental Services Cost Assistance Act;
  • As per the Health and Dental Services Cost Assistance Act, “resident” means a resident as defined in the regulations under the Health Services Payment Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. H-2, but does not include persons who are resident pursuant to a temporary resident visa, study permit, work permit or other similar visa or permit issued by the  Government of Canada;
  • As per the regulations of the Health Services Payment Act, “resident” means a person legally entitled to remain in Canada and who makes his or her home in and is ordinarily present in Prince Edward Island, but does not include a tourist, a visitor to the province, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, students ordinarily resident in another jurisdiction, or a person serving a term of imprisonment in a penitentiary as defined in the Penitentiary Act (Canada) R.S.C. 1985, Chap. P-5;
• have a valid PEI Health Card; and
• have filed your most recent income tax return.

How much funding can be accessed?

The program will provide between $5,000 and $10,000 annually, based on family income, for eligible expenses associated with IVF and/or IUI.  

How is family income assessed for the program?

Family income is calculated based on the following formula using information from your most recent income tax return:

Your income from Line 150 (total income before taxes)
less Line 210 (split income)
less Line 214 (child care expenses)
less Line 220 (support payments made)

ADDED TO your spouse's information (if applicable)

Your spouse’s income from Line 150 (total income before taxes)
less Line 210 (split income)
less Line 214 (child care expenses)
less Line 220 (support payments made)

How many times can the funding be accessed?

You can access maximum funding for up to three 12 month terms.

What if I have private insurance?

If you or your spouse/partner have private insurance, you are required to provide a letter from the provider(s) confirming the terms of coverage for any prescribed medications and/or IVF/IUI procedures. 

In cases, were the private insurance coverage for IVF/IUI procedure, and/or any prescribed medications exists, you must submit all eligible receipts to your private insurance first. They will be the first payor. You can then submit the remaining out-of-pocket eligible expenses to the Fertility Treatment Program.  

How do I apply?

You need to fill out the Fertility Treatment Program application form (287 KB). The completed form can be mailed to:

Fertility Treatment Program
Department of Health and Wellness
Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE  C1A 7N8

What information will I need to provide during the application process?

The application form will ask for:

• contact information
• health card number
• social insurance number
• private health insurance coverage

If you have a spouse, you will also be asked to provide your spouse’s social insurance number and private health insurance coverage.

For those with private health insurance coverage, you will need to submit a letter from your provider confirming coverage for IVF/IUI treatments and medications.

When am I eligible for coverage?

Once approved, your eligibility will start from the date noted in your approval letter and will continue for a 12 month period.

What expenses are eligible for coverage?

Eligible expenses include IVF and IUI procedures at a fertility clinic in Canada and prescribed medications associated with IVF or IUI procedures.

What expenses are not eligible for coverage?

Expenses that are not covered include storage of eggs/sperm, travel and accommodations, initial consultation fee at clinic.

What happens after I apply?

The application will be reviewed to ensure it is complete and to assess eligibility.  Eligible applicants will receive a letter confirming total approved funding and funding period. 

How do I submit expenses?

To submit expenses for reimbursement you will need to:

• Complete the Expense Claim Form (provided with your approval package)
• Provide copies of receipts
• Complete Vendor Registration Form (provided with your approval package)

The completed Expense Claim Form and copies of receipts must be submitted within six months of receiving the approved fertility treatment under the Program. 

Can I receive money upfront?

No. Successful applicants will be reimbursed for expenses after they have occurred. 

Can I receive funding for expenses I already had?

Expenses that occurred prior to the date identified in your approval letter are not eligible for reimbursement.

Can I claim medical expenses related to fertility treatment and/or associated medication on an income tax return?

Expenses for fertility treatments (IUI and IVF) and associated prescribed medication that were not covered through the private insurance and/or fertility treatment funding can be claimed as a medical expense on your tax return. For more information please contact the Canada Revenue Agency.

Do I have to apply before starting treatment?

No.  However, expenses incurred prior to your approval date are not eligible for reimbursement.  

What if I move away from PEI?

Your eligibility for this program will end the day you leave PEI to take up residency elsewhere.

Who is administering the program?

Department of Health and Wellness staff will administer the program.

How can I contact the Fertility Treatment Program?

You can contact the Fertility Treatment Program at fertilitysupportprogram@gov.pe.ca