Women who undergo egg freezing will be able to claim a $2,000 rebate in an Australian first, thanks to a $4 million expansion of the NSW Government's $80 million Affordable IVF Initiative.
A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will expand the eligibility criteria of the Fertility Treatment Rebate to cover egg freezing procedures and boost the number of places to 14,000.
Treasurer Matt Kean said that many women are looking to have children later in life compared to previous generations for a range of deeply personal reasons.
"This is all about giving women more choice and taking some of the stress away from undergoing fertility treatments," Mr Kean said.
"With one egg freezing cycle costing up to $10,000, this rebate will help thousands of women choose what is best for them.
"More than 2,200 rebates have already been paid to women undergoing IVF treatments since applications opened on 1 January, with story after story of couples finally being able to make their dream of starting a family a reality."
Minister for Women and Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than 1,000 women undergo egg freezing each year in NSW, and the NSW Liberal Nationals Government is committed to supporting them.
"Navigating the journey to parenthood can be a stressful experience but this rebate will help remove the financial hurdles," Mrs Taylor said.
"NSW is already one of the most affordable places in the world to have fertility treatments thanks to our IVF rebates, and we hope these new egg freezing rebates set a precedent for further Commonwealth investment in women's health and fertility treatments."
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the new criteria is an important step towards ensuring that everyone in NSW has more options to start a family if they want to, no matter their financial position.
"While no-one can guarantee that fertility preservation treatments will lead to pregnancy, if you and your doctors decide that egg freezing is a safe, effective and appropriate option for you, then the Government will help relieve the financial stress that it incurs," Mr Hazzard said.
To be eligible for the $2,000 rebate from Service NSW you must:
- be a resident of NSW
- have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from a registered Assisted Reproductive Treatment provider who has determined the procedure is in your best interests
- have accessed the treatment from 1 July 2023.
The NSW Affordable IVF Initiative, announced as part of the NSW Government's 2022-23 Budget, also includes:
- providing a $2000 rebate for fertility preservation, IVF or other assisted reproductive technology treatments
- extending the $250 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
- providing up to five days' paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.
