Frequently Asked Questions
- Are sperm straws covered by the program?
- Where do private clinics and hospitals obtain sperm straws?
- Can patients obtain additional straws?
- Can patients resort to other providers?
- Can straws be acquired from known sperm donors?
- Is the cost of freezing sperm to preserve fertility (e.g. before receiving chemotherapy treatments) covered?
- Is the cost of freezing sperm prior to vasectomy covered?
- Is the cost of freezing of sperm obtaining by testicular aspiration for use in future IVF cycles covered?
Infertility Health Assessment
Are the health assessment (male and female) and the complementary tests indicated in certain clinical situations covered?
The health assessment (male and female) and the complementary tests indicated in certain clinical situations are not covered in private clinics. They are provided at no charge in hospital centers.
A private assisted-procreation center cannot require patients or their spouses to undergo these exams in its own clinic. Patients and their spouses can choose where they wish to have these laboratory and ultrasound exams carried out.
Egg Donation
Is egg donation covered by the program?
Costs related to egg donations are covered by the program if the donor is a Québec resident with a Québec provincial health-insurance card.
Sperm Straws
Are sperm straws covered by the program?
Straws of washed sperm from an anonymous donor (for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or insemination) are free of charge in private clinics and hospitals.
Where do private clinics and hospitals obtain sperm straws?
Hospitals and private clinics offering these services purchase from three commercial sperm banks in Canada. If applicable, private clinics use their own sperm banks in compliance with standards set by Health Canada. This enables them to offer a broader, more diverse selection of donors.
Can patients obtain additional straws?
Straws are purchased based on the patient's current needs, therefore one at a time (for insemination and in vitro fertilization). Patients who want additional sperm straws for future use (e.g. for a second pregnancy with the same donor) must do so at their own expense (purchase and storage).
Can patients resort to other providers?
Patients who want sperm straws from other sources (e.g. American sperm banks) must pay for them and their storage without possibility of reimbursement.
Can straws be acquired from known sperm donors?
Straws may be obtained from known sperm donors but at the patient's own expense.
Freezing sperm
Is the cost of freezing sperm to preserve fertility (e.g. before receiving chemotherapy treatments) covered?
Yes, it is covered.
Is the cost of freezing sperm prior to vasectomy covered?
No, it is not covered.
Is the cost of freezing of sperm obtaining by testicular aspiration for use in future IVF cycles covered?
Yes, but only for insured IVF cycles.
Medication
Are private insurers required to cover the medications required for assisted procreation?
The basic coverage for medications offered by private plans must correspond to that of the public plan administered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). All private insurers must therefore cover medications on the RAMQ list of medications 
. Generally, the medications for assisted procreation on this list and purchased since August 5, 2010 should be covered by your private insurer.
The Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux (MSSS) does not interfere in contracts between private insurers and their customers. Nevertheless, if you have problems with your insurance company for reimbursement or other issues, we suggest that you begin by reviewing the clauses in your contract with your private insurance company. After doing so, you can contact the OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance (OLHI). OLHI is an independent and free service providing information about consumer insurance companies and their products and services. You can contact OLHI to find out about your rights in this regard.
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The information on this page was updated on August 6, 2010.
