It’s been two years since Fertility Matters Canada and Conceivable Dreams launched Fertility Benefits Matter, a new campaign to improve fertility benefits in Canada. We thought it was time to check in with companies across Canada to see if the fertility benefit landscape has improved or if there is still work to be done. As a recap, data from 2021 stated that only 5% of Canadian companies offered fertility treatment benefits, compared to 40% of companies in the US. Here is our round-up:
Big Canadian Banks and Fertility Benefits:
Over the past few years, large companies have begun to restructure their benefit plans. The biggest announcements, and splashy promotions, have come from Canada’s five big banks. This industry is competitive for top-notch MBA graduates so it is no surprise they often compete in compensation packages. In this industry, coverage ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 in lifetime maximum coverage.
Bank of Montreal has increased the lifetime maximum for fertility drugs to $20,000, The bank also reimburses $20,000 each for fertility treatment and surrogacy expenses, for a potential $60,000 in capped benefits.
RBC has covered medication for fertility treatments since 2004 but, recently increased it to a maximum of $20,000. RBC also upped their treatment coverage to $20,000, with a lifetime maximum of $60,000.
TD’s coverage lists $20,000 each for treatment and medication, for a total of $60,000 that could be accessed over a lifetime.
Scotiabank expanded coverage to $10,000 for infertility treatment in addition to medication, as well as $10,000 for surrogacy expenses, for a maximum lifetime benefit of $30,000.
CIBC recently began covering $15,000 each for treatment and drugs, with a total lifetime maximum of $30,000.
Tech Companies and Fertility Benefits:
Big technology companies are known for offering a wide range of employee perks, and many of them have started to recognize the importance of fertility benefits for their employees. In Canada, the leaders in fertility benefits are Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and Intel. But this year alone TRIO worked with 2 small tech firms to get coverage added for their employees. For employees looking for tech-specific jobs, we recommend using www.levels.fyi to compare benefit treatment plans between companies.
Other industries as a whole are falling behind. A study showed that less than 5% of companies offered coverage. This could partially account for the fact that some industries are having a harder time than others in recruiting and retaining new talent.
In Canada, the average cost of one round of IVF is approximately $20,000. With limited provincial government funding (Ontario is only one of five provinces that provide some sort of coverage) this high cost puts IVF out of reach for many Canadians.
Overall, it appears that there have been some improvements in fertility benefits in Canada, but the extent of these changes may vary depending on the specific region, employer, or insurance plan. We are committed to working with our patients and with Fertility Benefits Matter to reduce the barriers to inclusive fertility treatment for all.
