Egg donors in Canada are not legally paid but may be reimbursed for eligible expenses. The typical reimbursement ranges between $5,000 and $8,000 per donation cycle.
This isn’t considered payment. It’s a reimbursement for costs like travel, lost income, accommodation, meals, childcare, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the donation process.
Why People Ask This
You’ve probably heard that egg donors in the U.S. make thousands. But you’re in Canada, and things work differently here.
Maybe you’re in your twenties, healthy, and thinking — can I donate my eggs and get compensated?
You want real numbers. You want to know if it’s legal, safe, and financially worthwhile. This guide breaks it down, without sugarcoating.
Is Egg Donation Legal in Canada?
Yes, egg donation is legal in Canada, but payment for it is not.
The Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) makes it illegal to pay for sperm, egg, or embryo donations. The intent behind this law is to prevent commercial trade in human reproductive material. However, you can legally receive reimbursement for legitimate expenses tied to the donation process.
You’ll need to keep receipts and submit them to the intended parents or clinic for reimbursement.
How Much Can You Get Reimbursed?
Most egg donors in Canada receive between $5,000 and $8,000 per cycle.
This amount typically covers:
- Travel and accommodation (if required)
- Childcare (for appointments)
- Lost wages (for time off work)
- Meals and daily expenses
- Over-the-counter medication or supplements
- Parking, gas, or taxi fares
Each donor’s reimbursement amount varies depending on individual circumstances, how far they travel, and how many appointments they attend.
What Does the Egg Donation Process Involve?
Here’s how the process usually unfolds if you’re working with a fertility clinic or agency:
1. Application & Screening
You’ll fill out forms and undergo tests to confirm your health, hormone levels, and fertility. Psychological screening is usually included.
2. Legal Contracts
Lawyers are involved. You’ll review and sign agreements with the intended parents to confirm you’re not financially responsible for any resulting children.
3. Hormone Injections
For 10–14 days, you’ll self-administer hormone injections to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
4. Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs are ready, they’re retrieved in a short outpatient procedure. Sedation is used, and you’ll need a day or two to rest.
5. Reimbursement
After retrieval, you submit receipts and documentation for your out-of-pocket costs. The clinic or the intended parents handle reimbursement.
Do All Clinics Offer the Same Reimbursement?
No. Reimbursement amounts vary across clinics and provinces. Some offer detailed expense plans upfront, while others handle it on a case-by-case basis. Below is a general comparison.
Estimated Reimbursement by Province
| Province | Typical Reimbursement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $6,000 – $8,000 | Highest demand in urban areas |
| British Columbia | $5,000 – $7,500 | Consistent demand in Vancouver |
| Alberta | $5,500 – $7,000 | Limited clinics in Calgary, Edmonton |
| Quebec | $6,000 – $7,500 | Reimbursement aligned with federal law |
| Nova Scotia | $5,000 – $6,000 | Lower volume, higher travel costs |
Tip: Always ask the clinic for a reimbursement breakdown before starting the process.
Are There Limits on How Often You Can Donate?
Yes. Most clinics recommend no more than 6 donations per lifetime.
Each donation cycle requires your body to go through hormonal stimulation and minor surgery. Clinics usually insist on at least two months of rest between cycles.
Your medical history, age, and response to hormones are all factors in whether multiple cycles are recommended.
Does Public Health Insurance Cover It?
No. OHIP and other provincial plans don’t cover egg donation procedures.
However, if you’re employed with benefits, some private insurance plans may partially cover time off work, medications, or transportation.
If you’re donating altruistically, you should expect reimbursement from the intended parents, not your own insurance or health plan.
Are There Risks to Egg Donation?
Yes, there are short-term and rare long-term risks, but the process is medically supervised.
Short-term side effects may include:
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Bruising or soreness at the injection site
- Mood changes due to hormone shifts
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a rare but serious reaction
Egg retrieval is generally safe, but it’s still a surgical procedure and carries a small risk of bleeding or infection. Most donors return to normal activity within a few days.
Is Egg Donation Right for You?
If you’re doing this purely for money, Canada isn’t the place. The law is clear — no one profits.
If you want to help someone build a family and receive fair compensation for your time and effort, it may be worth considering.
