Finland’s Parliament has passed a new law on Kela reimbursements for private fertility treatments, limiting compensation to cases where infertility has a diagnosed medical cause. This decision effectively excludes most single women and same-sex female couples from financial support, sparking criticism over the law’s lack of inclusivity for diverse family structures.
The bill was approved in a 101–54 vote, with 44 MPs absent. The Centre Party, independent MP Harry Harkimo of Movement Now, and MP Timo Vornanen supported the measure. Originally set to take effect at the beginning of the year, the law will now be implemented in May following delays.
Exclusion of Non-Medical Infertility Draws Criticism
While the Social Affairs and Health Committee backed the government’s proposal, opposition parties, including the Social Democrats, the Left Alliance, and Green Party MP Bella Forsgrén, expressed dissent. They argued that the law unfairly disregards the needs of those seeking fertility treatments for reasons other than medical infertility, such as single women and same-sex couples.
Although public healthcare does not impose the same restrictions, critics note that the private sector’s high costs make fertility treatments inaccessible for many without financial aid. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health estimated that broadening coverage to include non-medical infertility cases would have added less than 800,000 euros in annual expenses.
Cost Burden Remains Despite Reimbursements
The financial impact of the law remains a concern, as Kela reimbursements only partially cover private fertility treatment costs. In private clinics, insemination procedures cost between 600–700 euros, while IVF treatments range from 4,200 to 5,000 euros. The use of donor sperm further increases costs.
Under the new law, Kela will cover nearly 200 euros of a 500-euro insemination treatment and approximately 25% of a 4,000-euro IVF treatment. Despite being an improvement from previous policies—when fertility treatments were removed from Kela reimbursement altogether under Sanna Marin’s government—the change is seen as benefiting those who can already afford private care.
While the government argues that the reform restores some financial support, opponents maintain that the policy fails to reflect modern family structures and continues to place a heavy financial burden on those seeking fertility assistance outside of the public healthcare system.
Related topics:
Future Family’s Orange Shield: Revolutionizing IVF Access with Innovative Insurance
Breakthrough Study Paves the Way for Affordable At-Home Male Fertility Tests
