Quick Answer
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is available at over 50 fertility clinics across Ontario, with the procedure and monitoring funded through the Ontario Fertility Program (OFP) for eligible residents with no lifetime limit on cycles. Markham Fertility Centre offers funded IUI across five locations in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, making it one of the most accessible options for patients outside downtown Toronto.
How IUI Funding Works in Ontario
Under the Ontario Fertility Program, IUI is one of the most accessible fertility treatments in the province:
- Unlimited funded IUI cycles for eligible Ontario residents with a valid health card
- No age restriction (unlike IVF, which is funded only for patients under 43)
- Inclusive eligibility: Available regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or family status. Covers medical and non-medical infertility, including single individuals and same-sex couples using donor sperm.
- Out-of-pocket costs remain for sperm preparation (~$685), fertility medications ($100 to $1,000 per cycle), and donor sperm if applicable
- Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit (effective January 2025): 25% of eligible out-of-pocket expenses, up to $5,000/year
Most clinics require a referral from a family physician. Wait times for funded IUI are generally shorter than for funded IVF, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the clinic.
Ultimate IUI Clinics in Ontario Compared
| Factor | Markham Fertility Centre | TRIO Fertility | Generation Fertility | Pollin Fertility | CReATe Fertility Centre |
| Locations | 5 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| On-site dispensary | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On-site andrology lab | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Donor sperm program | Health Canada-approved | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite monitoring | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| OFP-funded IUI | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
What Sets Each Clinic Apart
Markham Fertility Centre
- Five clinic locations across Ontario (Markham, Barrie-Innisfil, Oshawa, Orillia, Sudbury), the widest geographic reach of any Ontario fertility clinic in the province
- Satellite monitoring partnerships with DREAM Fertility (Oshawa) and Horizon Fertility (Orillia) bring IUI closer to home for patients outside the GTA
- Every IUI is performed by a reproductive endocrinologist, not a nurse or technician
- On-site dispensary means patients pick up medications at the same clinic where they are monitored
- Health Canada-approved Donor and Surrogacy program with full support for donor sperm selection, ordering, and transport
- Inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ family planning with a dedicated care pathway
- Established in 1990, over 12,000 families supported
TRIO Fertility
- One of Canada’s longest-established fertility practices with 40+ years of experience and over 100,000 patient cases
- International lab affiliation with IVI-RMA
- Access to Canada’s first early Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) program
- Affiliated with Evolve for patients who may also be considering egg freezing alongside IUI
- Downtown Toronto location convenient for central GTA patients
Generation Fertility
- Four locations across Ontario (Toronto/Vaughan, Newmarket, Waterloo) providing strong geographic coverage beyond the GTA
- Part of The Fertility Partners network, Canada’s largest coast-to-coast network of fertility practices
- Transparent pricing published online with active participation in the OFP
- Strong focus on patient education and financial counselling to help navigate funded vs. private treatment costs
Pollin Fertility
- Designed to not look or feel like a typical fertility clinic, with a modern, comfort-focused environment
- Features like vein light technology for blood draws, private ultrasound changing rooms, and a custom mobile app for scheduling and results
- Strong egg freezing program alongside IUI services
- Currently offering OFP-funded IVF, relevant for patients who may transition from IUI to IVF
Create Fertility Centre
- Known for treating complex and difficult cases, including patients who have not had success at other clinics
- Offers natural cycle IVF and mini-IVF options for patients who want to minimize medication use
- Competitive pricing for both funded and private cycles
- Established in 1999 with a strong reputation in the Ontario fertility community
What to Expect During IUI at Any Ontario Clinic
Regardless of which clinic you choose, the IUI process follows a standard framework:
- Consultation and diagnostic testing: Medical history review, hormone blood work, semen analysis, and HSG to confirm fallopian tube patency
- Ovarian stimulation (10 to 12 days): Oral medications (letrozole or Clomid) or injectable gonadotropins to stimulate egg development, with monitoring visits every 2 to 3 days
- Trigger shot and timing: An hCG injection triggers ovulation, with insemination scheduled 24 to 36 hours later
- Sperm washing and insemination: The semen sample is processed in the andrology lab (~2 hours), then deposited into the uterus through a thin catheter. The procedure takes a few minutes.
- Pregnancy test: Blood test approximately 14 days after insemination
A complete IUI cycle lasts about three weeks with 3 to 4 clinic visits. Success rates range from 10 to 20% per cycle for patients under 35, and most physicians recommend 3 to 5 cycles before considering IVF.
How to Get Started
- Get a referral from your family physician to a participating OFP clinic
- Contact the clinic to confirm funded IUI availability and current wait times
- Complete diagnostic testing (most is OHIP-covered)
- Begin your first cycle once your physician confirms IUI is the right approach
FAQ
Is IUI free in Ontario?
The procedure and monitoring are funded through the OFP with no lifetime limit. Sperm preparation, medications, and donor sperm remain out-of-pocket. The Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit can offset a portion of these costs.
How do I choose an IUI clinic in Ontario?
Consider location (you will need 3 to 4 morning visits per cycle), whether the clinic has an on-site andrology lab and dispensary, wait times for funded cycles, and whether the clinic offers donor sperm coordination if needed.
Can I switch clinics if I am unhappy with my current one?
Yes. Patients can transfer to another OFP-participating clinic at any time. Contact your preferred clinic to begin the transfer process.
How many IUI cycles should I try before considering IVF?
Most fertility specialists recommend 3 to 5 funded IUI cycles before transitioning to IVF. If pregnancy has not occurred after this point, IVF typically offers better per-cycle success rates.