Before deciding to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), one of the most pressing concerns for many families is money: Which procedures are covered? How much will be reimbursed in my city? How can I verify this accurately? This article provides you with information about the current state of healthcare insurance coverage, helping you understand the costs involved before you start treatment.

1. First, remember: Most core treatments are already covered

Since January 2025, all 31 provinces across the country have included appropriate assisted reproductive procedures in their healthcare insurance systems. Among these, the five most frequently used procedures during an IVF cycle are now officially covered by insurance:

1. Embryo transfer

2. Sperm selection and processing

3. Embryo culture

4. Egg retrieval

5. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection

2. Which procedures are not usually covered or may not be covered

It's important to note that not all procedures related to IVF are covered by insurance. Some procedures might not be included due to differences in local regulations. For example, certain advanced embryo screening methods (such as PGT) may not be covered in every province. Additionally, non-essential medications and additional services that go beyond basic coverage may not be covered. Please refer to your local regulations for more details.

3. How to check local policies: Four steps to follow

Step 1: Visit official websites

Open the "National Healthcare Insurance Service Platform" app or website, and navigate to the section dedicated to healthcare insurance directories or public services. Here, you can find information about assisted reproductive procedures.

Step 2: Check the directory published by your local healthcare authority

Log in to the official website of your local healthcare authority and search for information related to assisted reproduction and healthcare insurance coverage. You'll find official documents here.

Step 3: Ask the hospital's healthcare insurance department

The healthcare insurance department at your hospital knows best which procedures are covered and how the reimbursement process works. You can ask them directly during your visit.

Step 4: Register for treatment outside your home province

If you need treatment outside your home province, you must register in advance through the National Healthcare Insurance Service Platform. Otherwise, it may affect your ability to receive reimbursement.

4. What does a typical IVF cycle cost include?

A typical IVF cycle costs include preoperative examinations, ovulation-stimulating medications, egg retrieval/fertilization/culture/transfer procedures, and any necessary cryopreservation steps. The core surgical and laboratory procedures are usually covered by healthcare insurance. However, ovulation-stimulating medications and other expenses may vary depending on local regulations and outpatient reimbursement policies.

It's important to note that this article doesn't provide absolute figures. Differences in reimbursement rates, deductible amounts, and types of insurance participation can make numerical estimates unreliable.

5. Three common misconceptions

• Misconception 1: "Being covered by insurance means everything is free." This is incorrect. Reimbursement is based on a certain percentage, and there is still a portion that needs to be paid out of pocket.
• Misconception 2: "If others can get reimbursed, so can I." This is also incorrect. Factors like your insurance status, the level of the hospital, and the type of insurance you have can affect whether your procedure is covered.
• Misconception 3: "I can get reimbursed after the procedure has been completed." In some cases, you need to register in advance or meet certain criteria before you can get reimbursed. Don't assume that everything will be covered automatically.

VI. Recommendations from Leilawa

Consider "checking policies" as a standard step before starting any fertility treatment. Spending half an hour understanding the boundaries of insurance coverage can help manage budgets and reduce unexpected expenses during treatment. Leilawa's free medical consultation service can also assist you in clarifying the process of requesting information-but ultimately, it's important to rely on official verification results.