Image: Peter Malinauskas/Facebook
South Australians struggling to conceive will soon be able to access new IVF rebates, with the State Government’s first Assisted Reproductive Treatment Rebate Scheme coming into effect from Wednesday, 1 July.
The Government says the new scheme will help reduce the financial barriers faced by women and families undergoing fertility treatment, with rebates available for both pre-IVF testing and IVF treatment cycles.
Eligible women and families will be able to access a $250 rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing, as well as a $2,000 rebate for fertility treatment for up to two IVF treatment cycles.
In some cases, the government says the rebate could cover almost half the cost of an IVF cycle, with current out-of-pocket costs typically exceeding $4,000 per treatment.
The State Government is committing $18.5 million over four years to deliver the rebate scheme, which was an election commitment aimed at making IVF more affordable for South Australians.
Infertility affects around one in six Australian couples who try to conceive, with IVF costs often creating a major barrier for people hoping to start or grow their families.
For decades, IVF has helped many South Australian families on their reproductive journey, offering hope to those who may not be able to conceive naturally.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the new scheme was about making sure cost was not stopping people from pursuing parenthood.
“Starting a family is one of life’s greatest joys and we don’t want IVF costs to be a barrier for those struggling to conceive.
“That’s why we are introducing this brand-new rebate scheme to help make IVF much more affordable for thousands of South Australian women and families.
“Our state-first scheme starts this week, providing rebates of $2,000 for IVF treatments plus $250 rebates for pre-IVF testing.
“We want to help more South Australians start and grow their families.”
The South Australian scheme is similar to the IVF rebate scheme offered in New South Wales, but the State Government says it will be more generous, with a higher income threshold and the ability to access the rebate for more than one cycle.
The rebate will help eligible South Australian families pay for critical tests and procedures involved in IVF treatment, including blood and imaging tests, removal of eggs and implanting of embryos.
To be eligible, women must be South Australian residents and must have incurred an out-of-pocket expense for an eligible pre-fertility test from an appropriate specialist, or an eligible IVF treatment from a registered Assisted Reproductive Treatment provider.
The treatment must be accessed from 1 July 2026.
Applicants must also be receiving the Family Tax Benefit, hold a Health Care Card, or have a household income of $180,000 or less.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Blair Boyer said infertility could take a significant emotional and financial toll.
“Infertility can be an incredibly difficult experience, placing emotional as well as financial pressure on individuals and families.
“This rebate scheme will help reduce some of that burden by making fertility treatment more affordable and accessible for eligible South Australians.
“We want more people to have the opportunity to pursue parenthood without cost being such a significant barrier.
“Access to fertility treatment should not depend solely on a person’s financial circumstances.”
