BC’s Publicly Funded IVF Program: Application Process and Next Steps
Updated as of August 20th, 2025
In early 2024, the Province of British Columbia announced a new publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program aimed at improving access to fertility treatments for eligible residents. The initiative, backed by a $68 million investment over two years, is set to begin in the 2025/26 fiscal year. While not all information about the program has been released, we do have an update as of August 20th, 2025.
Who Qualifies for the Program?
To be eligible, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be 41 or younger at the time of application if undergoing embryo transfer.
- Be enrolled in B.C.’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) both at the time of application and throughout treatment.
The funding will cover a range of IVF-related services, including egg and sperm retrieval, fertilization, blastocyst culture, embryo transfer, and necessary medications. Those using previously frozen eggs or embryos may also qualify for funding.
How to Apply
Applications will be submitted by a participating B.C. fertility specialist on behalf of eligible patients. The application process officially opens on July 2, 2025, for treatments occurring between July 2025 and March 2026.
If you are considering IVF and want to explore this funding option, here are the steps to take:
- Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
- Consult your healthcare provider to discuss your fertility concerns. If you don’t have a regular provider, resources are available to help you find one.
- Request a referral to a fertility specialist. You can receive this from your GP or a Telehealth provider.
- Complete a consultation with a fertility specialist to assess your treatment options.
- Undergo any required diagnostic testing or preparatory treatments as recommended by your specialist.
- If advised, complete any other fertility treatments before proceeding with IVF.
Application Submission & Approval Process
Once you have met with a participating fertility specialist, they will submit your application to the Ministry of Health on your behalf. All intended parents involved in the process must be listed on the application.
Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. The Ministry of Health will assess each submission to confirm eligibility for the program. If approved, funding will be sent directly to your fertility clinic, which will then contact you with details on the next steps in your treatment plan.
Next Steps
The introduction of this program marks an important step in making fertility care more accessible in B.C. As more details become available, we will continue to share updates to ensure you have the latest information.
For further details on the application process and eligibility, visit the official B.C. government website here. If you have specific questions about your fertility journey, we encourage you to speak with one of our PCRM doctors.
Update on BC’s Publicly Funded IVF Program
If the BC Ministry of Health notifies us that you have not been approved for the Publicly Funded IVF program, we will contact you directly to review your options and support you in deciding next steps. You may choose to:
- Place your cycle on hold, or
- Continue treatment with the self-pay option.
We understand this can be a difficult time, and we want to assure you that our team is here to support you throughout your fertility journey. Please let us know how we can best assist you.
Wait List Management:
We have put a moratorium on adding patients to our wait list as our current list of patients exceeds the forecasted amount of funding we’re receiving over both years’ of funding. We are doing so to ensure patients do not delay their fertility treatment with the false hope that funding may become available this year or next. The province has not committed to a 3rd year of funding, which is why we want to temper expectations for our patients.
Q: Do you anticipate lifting the moratorium on the wait list?
A: We do not. However, you’re welcome to check in periodically to see if patients drop off the list. Please note that our
Q: Can you call me if spots open on the wait list?
A: We will not be contacting patients if we resume our wait list management. Please feel free to call every 3 or 4 months to check on the status.