WHILE struggles with infertility can be very stressful and often distressing, the financial burden of receiving treatment is being eased in NSW.

Women who undergo fertility treatment with an accredited private provider will become eligible to receive a cash rebate of up to $2000.

It is believed around 12,000 eligible women will benefit from the rebate, which builds on the NSW Governments Affordable IVF Initiative, with NSW Treasurer Matt Kean saying it was the first of its kind in Australia.

“Families navigating their fertility journey don’t need to do it alone – we are backing them with an $80 million investment over four years to increase access to affordable fertility treatments,” Mr Kean said.

“This funding will mean more women won’t have to choose between looking after their household budget and starting a family.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said one in every six couples experiences fertility issues.

“Fertility challenges can be absolutely heartbreaking and a huge financial burden,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The NSW Government is lowering the cost of treatments, helping more women on their journey to start a family.”

This rebate is separate to the existing one for pre-IVF fertility testing and is not available for out-of-pocket costs for lower cost treatments in publicly supported fertility clinics in NSW.

The expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative also includes extending the rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing, expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly supported clinics, boosting fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need, and providing up to five days paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants.

The new fertility treatment rebate of up to $2000 will be open for applicants to make a claim from January 1, 2023.

Women who have undergone an eligible procedure from October 1 this year will be able to submit a claim when the rebate scheme opens.