A photo shows a medical worker holding China’s first test-tube baby with a low risk of inheriting type 2 diabetes from a family member at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, August 2, 2022. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
According to the Zhejiang Daily, up to 3,000 yuan ($425) will be reimbursed for insured couples who opt for test-tube babies in Hangzhou, Zhejiang.
The new insurance is scheduled to take effect on January 1 and will be covered by West Lake Benefit United Insurance, the only commercial subsidized medical insurance supported by the Hangzhou Medical Insurance Bureau.
“West Lake Benefit United Insurance’s newly added assisted reproductive care reimbursement is in line with the country’s population policy, optimizing Hangzhou’s reproductive policy and promoting the balanced development of the population in the long term. ,” said Manager Zhu Aimin. Health Insurance Department of China Life Hangzhou Branch.
Under this policy, for insured persons undergoing assisted reproductive technology at designated provincial and municipal hospitals with specific assisted reproductive technology qualifications in Hangzhou, a portion of the cost of embryo culture and transfer will be covered by West Lake Benefit United. It is stipulated that it will be paid by insurance.
“Assisted reproductive technology enables people with reproductive problems that cannot be cured with drugs or surgery to become pregnant. It is used by couples,” said Deng Zhidong. Recently quoted by Beijing Business Today, he is the general manager of Bo’ao Medical Technology Co.
The reimbursement limit for embryo culture and transfer costs is limited to RMB 1,500 per year.
Embryo culture and transfer are two key steps in in vitro fertilization, with the former usually costing 2,000 to 6,000 yuan and the latter 2,000 yuan each time, Zhejiang Daily said.
According to a recent report by the Chinese Population Association and the National Health Commission, the infertility rate among people of childbearing age in China has increased from just 2.5-3% 20 years ago to about 12-15% (about 50 million people). rising.
fan xiaoying contributed to this story.
