South Australia’s fertility treatment rebate: your complete guide
Key takeaways
- From 1 July 2026, South Australia has its own fertility treatment rebate scheme, a first for the state
- Eligible residents can receive up to $2,000 per fertility treatment cycle, for up to two cycles. A separate $250 rebate is available for pre-fertility treatment testing
- The rebate sits on top of your existing Medicare IVF rebate, it doesn’t replace it
- To qualify, you need to meet SA residency rules, be the person seeking to become pregnant, and meet one of three financial criteria
- Applications open 1 July 2026 through the SA Government website. Embrace Fertility can help you check your eligibility and complete your declaration form as part of your treatment plan
What is the SA fertility treatment rebate?
The SA fertility treatment rebate is a new state government payment that helps cover out-of-pocket costs for fertility testing and treatment, on top of what Medicare already provides.
The South Australian Government has committed $18.5 million over four years to the scheme. It’s the first time the state has offered dedicated financial support specifically for fertility care, and it reflects a broader recognition that the cost of treatment is often the biggest barrier standing between people and starting or growing a family.
committed by the SA Government over four years
How much money can you claim back?
You could receive up to $2,250 in total rebates across testing and one treatment cycle, or up to $4,250 across two cycles.
TESTING + ONECYCLE
$2,250
in total rebates
TESTING + TWO CYCLES
$4,250
in total rebates
| Rebate type | Amount | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-fertility treatment testing* | $250 | Once, for eligible testing |
| Fertility treatment cycle | $2,000 | Per cycle, for up to 2 cycles |
*Please note: the pre-fertility testing rebate only applies when your specialist orders the tests, not your GP.
Who is eligible for the SA fertility rebate?
You’re eligible if you’re a South Australian resident receiving fertility testing or treatment, you’re the person seeking to become pregnant, and you meet one of three financial criteria.
Basic eligibility criteria
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South Australian resident
- Be the person seeking to become pregnant using fertility treatment
- Have paid an out-of-pocket cost for eligible testing and/or an eligible treatment cycle
- Be receiving testing or treatment for a fertility issue
- Have accessed the testing or treatment on or after 1 July 2026
Fertility tests can be carried out on either partner, male or female, but only the person seeking pregnancy can lodge the rebate application.
Financial eligibility criteria
You also need to meet at least one of the following:
- You receive Family Tax Benefit
- You hold a Health Care Card (this includes a Low Income Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card)
- Your household income is $180,000 or less
How does the SA rebate work alongside Medicare?
The SA rebate is applied last, after your Medicare rebate (and Medicare Safety Net, if relevant) has already reduced your costs. Think of it as three layers of support stacking on top of one another:
1
Medicare IVF rebate
Claimed first, through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, reducing your initial treatment cost
2
Medicare Safety Net
Once your out-of-pocket Medicare costs pass a set annual threshold, your Medicare rebate on further services increases
3
SA fertility treatment rebate
Applied to whatever out-of-pocket cost remains, up to $2,000 per cycle for two cycles
Used together, these three layers can meaningfully lower what you actually pay across a course of treatment. Your Embrace Fertility care team can walk you through how each layer applies to your specific plan.
How do you apply for the SA fertility rebate?
You apply in three steps: download and complete a declaration form with your specialist, then submit it through the SA Government website.
-
1
Download a declaration form
Choose the pre-fertility testing form or the treatment form (or both) from the SA Health website. You can also request a printed form by phoning 08 8372 7578.
-
2
Complete the form with your specialist or provider
This confirms your treatment details and out-of-pocket costs.
-
3
Submit your application online
Through the SA Government’s Concessions and Grants portal.
A few practical tips
Official sources and further reading
- SA Health: South Australia’s Fertility Treatment Rebate Scheme
- Pre-Fertility Treatment Testing Rebate Guidelines
- Fertility Treatment Rebate Guidelines
Scheme support: 08 8372 7578 or fertilityrebate@sa.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
When does the SA fertility rebate start?
The scheme opens on 1 July 2026. Only testing and treatment accessed from that date onwards is eligible.
Can I claim both the testing rebate and the treatment rebate?
The $250 testing rebate and the $2,000 per-cycle treatment rebate are separate and can both be claimed if you meet the criteria for each.
Does the rebate cover ICSI?
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) falls under ART treatment cycles, so it’s included where it forms part of an eligible fertility treatment cycle. It’s best to confirm with your specialist how your specific treatment plan is categorised.
Is the SA rebate means-tested?
You need to meet one of three financial criteria: receiving the Family Tax Benefit, holding a Health Care Card (including Low Income or Pensioner Concession Card), or having a household income of $180,000 or less.
Who applies for the rebate, me or my partner?
Only the person seeking to become pregnant can submit the application, even though testing can be done on either partner.
Does the rebate cover fertility preservation, like egg freezing?
Egg, sperm and embryo freezing or storage for fertility preservation purposes only is specifically excluded from the scheme.
How do I know if I'm eligible before starting treatment?
Speak with your fertility specialist early. The Embrace Fertility team can help you understand your likely eligibility and how the rebate might apply to your treatment plan, though final assessment is always made by SA Government.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Our team can help you check as part of your treatment plan.
CONTACT US
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