It’s been three 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 and top benefits advisors 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, LinkedIn, Spotify, Pintrest and Intel. 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. While some Canadian companies are investing in their DEI strategy through increased benefits, many are not. This could partially account for the fact that some industries are having a harder time than others in recruiting and retaining new talent. Of note Chanel, select University of Toronto departments, and SalesForce all have added IVF coverage to their plans.
In late 2023 a group of senior benefit advisors weighed in on how the fertility benefits landscape has changed. This study showed approximately 47% of companies polled offered some fertility medication coverage. Unfortunately, many advisors were unaware of their clients’ fertility procedure needs or coverage, illustrating how much more education needs to be done in this space.
In Canada, the average cost of one round of IVF is approximately $20,000, including treatment and medication. 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, most fertility benefits are put in place on the advocacy of employees needing them. We are committed to working with our patients, Conceivable Dreams and Fertility Benefits Matter to reduce the barriers to inclusive fertility treatment for all. Contact our financial advisor today to find out what coverage your company may offer or to receive materials on how to advocate for coverage with your HR department.
