Temporary reimbursement program for in vitro fertilization services at age 41
During the first year of the program, there were some delays in obtaining in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Consequently, some women lost their eligibility for services insured by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) due to their age.
Therefore, a temporary reimbursement program has been established to reimburse the expenses incurred by the affected women and their families. It is effective since June 1, 2022.
If a woman who was eligible for insured IVF services on November 15, 2021 is no longer eligible because of her age, she can benefit from the temporary reimbursement program if she meets the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria
To benefit from the temporary reimbursement program for in vitro fertilization services, you must:
- Being 41 years old between November 15, 2021 and December 31, 2022 (born between November 15, 1980 and December 31, 1981)
- Being 41 years old at the time of receiving IVF services
- Meet the eligibility criteria for insured IVF services, except the woman’s age
- Received the services from a doctor participating in the public health insurance system
If a person is 41 years old, meets the eligibility criteria and:
- she has already received IVF services since November 15, 2021, she can submit a request for reimbursement to the RAMQ as of June 1, 2022.
- she is currently receiving IVF services, she can continue her treatments as usual and must pay for them as planned. Once the services have been provided, the person can submit a request for reimbursement to the RAMQ as of June 1, 2022.
- she has not yet started the IVF services, she can begin her treatments and must pay for all services. She will be billed for the uninsured IVF services. Once the services have been provided, the person can submit a request for reimbursement to the RAMQ.
Regarding the waiting times, assisted-reproduction centres recommend that eligible women who wish to take advantage of the temporary program should take steps to obtain an appointment before the age of 41 and a half in order to benefit from IVF services in time before reaching the age of 42.
Reimbursement terms
Embryo transfer remains an insured service until the age of 42 less a day. It is therefore not included in the temporary reimbursement program.
Reimbursement requests will be processed by the RAMQ.
All the details regarding the procedure and the reimbursement form are available on the RAMQ website 
.
Last update: March 6, 2024
