Under a Canberra Liberals government ACT residents will be able to access up to $2000 for out-of-pocket expenses incurred when recieving IVF or certain Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments.

Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee who made the announcement today said the rebates will be available for all ACT families undergoing fertility treatment from an accredited provider to assist with costs not reimbursed by Medicare or private health insurance.

“Infertility affects around one in six Australian couples of reproductive age and the significant out-of-pocket costs involved with accessing these services is a barrier for many women and families who want to undergo this treatment,” Ms Lee said.

“This policy is about providing further support for Canberrans who wish to access IVF or certain ART treatments but are unable to do so due to out of pocket expenses.

“We have heard from many Canberra families who suffer for years - mostly in silence - with the emotional, physical and financial toll of infertility and treatments.

“We know the burdens this can place on so many families. A Canberra Liberals government I lead will acknowledge and understand these burdens and will support families going through these experiences,” Ms Lee concluded.

Shadow Minister for Health and Deputy Opposition Leader Leanne Castley said the rebates will cover out-of-pocket expenses of up to $2,000 incurred when undergoing IVF or certain assisted reproductive technology and up to $1000 for intra uterine insemination (IUI).

"These rebates will include a maximum $250 rebate for out-of-pocket expenses incurred undergoing inital fertility tests from the same clinics, to assist Canberrans determine their suitability for ART treatment," Ms Castley said.

“Rebates will also be available for ACT residents who access eligible interstate fertility clinics which may occur where specialised treatment is not offered in Canberra.

“ACT residents undergoing an eligible fertility treatment, on or after 1 October 2024, will be able to claim these rebates - available as a one-off payment for one cycle of IVF or IUI treatment from an accredited ART provider.

“In the ACT Assisted Reproductive Technology, including In Vitro Fertilisation, is available through several private sector providers.

“These rebates will assist families with gaps and ancillary costs, after applicants have received any Medicare rebates or private health insurance payments.

“Despite in 2022 the Health Minister saying Labor would explore options for increasing affordability and accessibility for ART, as usual nothing appears to have been done.

“The Canberra Liberals are committed to helping ACT women and families with these costs in order to undergo IVF or IUI treatments,” Ms Castley concluded.