IUI and IVF Prep on a Budget
Since I do a lot of IUI and IVF prep acupuncture in clinic and help many people prepare for fertility treatments, I often hear about the expenses that go into procedures. Use this guide to plan how to go through your treatments while being mindful of budget.
Sign up for funded fertility treatment
The majority of Canadian provinces now or soon will provide some sort of funding for fertility treatments. The rules and coverage vary from province to province, so look into the fertility funding available in your province.
You’ll also need to double check whether the fertility clinic you’re working with is elligible for funding, since not all clinics are registered in the funding program.
The wait can be lengthy so I encourage you to work on prep in the meantime.
Private fertility grants
There are a variety of private fertility grants available to Canadian residents. Many of these grants receive their funding through donations. The amount and frequency of grants varies from one organization to the next. Here is a summary of fertility grants in Canada.
Use your health benefits for IUI and IVF Prep
Every benefits plan varies, but there are many services that are covered by most health plans that can help you with your IUI and IVF prep.
Acupuncture for IUI and IVF Prep
Fertility acupuncture involves many different aspects, including egg and sperm health, hormone balance, uterine lining, circulation, and the list goes on. Additionally, it’s a really useful tool to help manage stress. It can also support the immune system, which is involved in fertility factors around autoimmunity, immune challenges, and endometriosis.
Naturopathic medicine
Working with a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) can help with many different aspects of fertility prep as well. The advantage of working with an ND is that they can run additional testing that your doctor may not have run. They can also advise you on the supplements that will help your fertility.
Osteopathy
Many osteopaths offer visceral manipulation, a gentle practice that involves ensuring ideal movement between organs. This can help with circulation to reproductive organs. Additionally, if you have (or suspect) endometriosis, working with an osteopath can reduce the negative effects of adhesions.
Mental health support
People keep repeating how important stress management is for fertility. Mental health support can take many different shapes, whether that’s psychotherapy, occupational therapy, or massage therapy. Of course, acupuncture can help too.
Be ready to invest out of pocket for IUI and IVF prep
Sometimes, your health practitioners may refer you for services or recommend products that you don’t have coverage for. We only do that if we think it will significantly help increase your chance of success. While the cost may be heavy at times, we’re often looking at the big picture. Increasing your chances of success with your first cycle reduces the need for you to continue paying for fertility treatments in the long run.
Submit your expenses for the Medical Expense Tax Credit
A portion of your fertility expenses will be eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit during income tax time. You can submit fertility expenses incurred for tests, procedures, and medications that have been prescribed by a medical doctor. They need to not have been covered by your private insurance in order to be eligible.
Additionally, any allied health treatments you’ve received that weren’t covered by your private insurance will be eligible, as long as they’re regulated in your province. In Ontario, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, osteopathy, and psychotherapy are eligible expenses.
Use the Ontario fertility tax credit
Starting in 2025, the government of Ontario is adding a tax credit to cover a portion of your fertility treatments, tests, costs incurred to travel for treatment, and medications. The tax credit will cover 25% of your annual expenses up to $5000 per year.
If you’d like to get started with acupuncture for IUI or IVF prep in Ottawa, book your acupuncture treatment today!
