In an Australian first, women who have IVF or other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in private clinics can now claim a $2,000 rebate from the NSW Government.
During a visit to Monash IVF Kingswood, Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the $80 million expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative, announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-2023 Budget, will extend rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing, introduce a new $2,000 rebate for fertility treatment, increase the number of IVF treatment places in publicly-supported clinics and increase fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need.
“The new $2,000 fertility treatment rebate will help around 12,000 women with out-of-pocket costs and see fertility treatments become more widely accessible to NSW families,” Ayres said.
“We know these treatments take more than just an emotional toll – they can also add up over time.”
“No one should be denied the opportunity to start a family because of cost.”
The cash rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and eligible women can apply for it now through their MyService NSW account or in person at a Service NSW Service Centre.
Ayres said the NSW Government is committed to making the road to parenthood smoother for anyone struggling with infertility.
“This rebate will make NSW one of the most affordable places in the world to have IVF treatment, easing the burden on families trying to have a baby,” he said.
To be eligible for the $2,000 rebate you must:
- Be a resident of NSW,
- Have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from a registered private provider, and
- Have accessed the treatment from 1 October 2022.
Monash IVF Penrith fertility specialist, Doctor Nikhil Patravali, said the rebate had the potential to help many people in greater western Sydney who need help conceiving.
“For some people having a baby isn’t always easy and for those who need medical assistance it can be emotionally and financially draining,” Patravali said.
“It takes time to undertake fertility investigations and work out the most suitable treatment option so my advice to locals is book in with a fertility specialist sooner rather than later to give yourself the best chance of starting a family and to ensure you can access this rebate.”
Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand and Monash IVF Group Medical Director, welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting people who need medical assistance to start or expand their families.
“The extra financial support available through this rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments and help more people across NSW fulfil their dreams of having children,” Rombauts said.
More information on how to submit an application form for the rebate is available on the Service NSW website here.
The $80 million extension and expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative over four years (2022-23 – 2025-26) also includes:
- Extending rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing,
- Expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly-supported clinics,
- Boosting fertility preservation services for patients with cancer and other medical needs, and
- Providing up to five days’ paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.
