Accessing fertility preservation services in Victoria involves understanding the medical, financial, and legal frameworks in place. Here’s an overview to help you start planning:
Medical Requirements
Medical Necessity: Individuals undergoing gender-affirming treatments (e.g., medical treatments, hormone therapy or surgeries) that may impact fertility are eligible for fertility preservation services.
Referral: A referral from a general practitioner (GP) or specialist is typically required to access these services.
Service types
Fertility Preservation: Options include sperm, egg, and embryo freezing.
Public Egg and Sperm Bank: Victoria has established Australia’s first public egg and sperm bank at the Royal Women’s Hospital.
Public Services
Cost: Victoria provides a limited but Public Fertility Care services, for eligible individuals. Services are available through the Royal Women’s Hospital and partner health services across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Private Services Costs
Egg Freezing: Approximately, $4,000+ per cycle, plus medication and other associated costs.
Sperm Freezing: The cost of sperm freezing varies depending on the clinic and the services included. Fees may include collection, analysis, and storage.
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Initial Collection and Freezing: Approximately $450+, which may include the first six months of storage.
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Ongoing Storage Fees: The exact figures vary, it’s common for clinics to charge an annual fee for continued storage.
Medicare: May cover certain aspects of fertility preservation, such as consultations and some procedures, especially when deemed medically necessary.
Private Health Insurance: Coverage varies by policy. Typically, only services involving hospital admission are covered. Outpatient services, like consultations and tests, may not be covered and could incur out-of-pocket expenses.
Additional Resources:
Public Fertility Care Information
Melbourne IVF Fertility Preservation
Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Regulations
Deb Anthony is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in LGBTQIA+ healthcare, fertility and families. Deb is NOT a medical specialist. Deb provides the following information, based on general publicly available information to assist anyone hitting the web who wants more information. If you believe that you would benefit from exploring your fertility preservation or family planning options, have a look at the below, and contact your GP or any of the specialist services mentioned in this, and the following posts. Deb believes that the information provided is current and accurate t time of uploading, but may change at any time. Deb will not be monitoring updates to legislation, services or access requirements. You will need to do you own leg work to ensure you evaluate and access services and information relevant to your needs.
Deb does not endorse any specific service. The services listed here are commonly cited by colleagues, peers and clients. Deb does not have an experience, opinion or interest in any of the services linked. Deb provides this information simply to help people start navigating their family planning journey.
If you would like to unpack your thoughts and feelings on your current or future family planning journey, Deb is able to provide you with support in clinic (Watsonia) or telehealth.
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