Claims for fertility medications in Canadian workplace benefits plans have increased by 21 per cent over the past five years, according to a new report by Manulife Canada.
The report, which analyzed claims data from plan sponsors offering health benefits plans through Manulife, found more than half (56 per cent) provide coverage for fertility medication, but fewer than one per cent cover fertility clinic treatments.
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Among different age groups, use of fertility drugs among women aged 25 to 34 has increased by 13.5 per cent, while use among women aged 35 to 44 has increased by 24 per cent. According to Statistics Canada, the average age of Canadian mothers at their first birth reached a record 31.8 years in 2024, up from 26.7 years in 1976.
The report also noted one round of in vitro fertilization can cost between $10,000 and $20,000, and as multiple rounds are often required, many families need to pay significant costs out of pocket.
“For the one in six Canadian families who experience infertility, their journey is often marked by fear, anxiety, and financial strain that can quickly feel overwhelming,” said Jennifer Foubert, head of product for Manulife’s group benefits division, in a press release. “When fertility coverage is available, we’ve seen first-hand how it can relieve some of the pressure and fundamentally change how people experience this chapter of their lives — not just in the clinic, but in the everyday decisions that surround it.”
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