Fonasa Executes 85% of Fertility Programs Amidst Historical Lows
Chile’s Fertility Rate Declines, Assisted Reproduction Options Expand
Table of Contents
- Chile’s Fertility Rate Declines, Assisted Reproduction Options Expand
- Chile’s Fertility Treatment Options: Navigating Public and Private Healthcare
- Why is Chile’s Fertility Rate Declining?
- Factors Contributing to the Fertility Decline
- What Fertility Treatments are Available in Chile?
- How Can I Access Fertility Treatments in Chile?
- Are Fertility Treatments Covered by the Public healthcare System (Fonasa)?
- Public Program Utilization Rates (2019-2024)
- Have there been recent changes to Fonasa’s fertility programs?
- How Can I Access Fertility Treatments in the Private System?
- What are the costs associated with fertility treatments in Chile?
- Are there payment plans for fertility treatments?
- Are fertility treatments in Chile becoming more popular?
SANTIAGO, chile – Chile is experiencing a importent decline in its fertility rate, mirroring a global trend. According to the latest statistics from the INE (National Statistics Institute),the average number of children per Chilean woman has fallen from 2.74 in 1980 to 1.16.
This figure is a cause for concern, as it sits well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman needed to maintain the population over time.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Bárbara Gutiérrez, an academic at the School of Obstetrics adn Neonatology, attributes the declining fertility rate, in part, to women choosing to postpone childbearing.
Gutiérrez notes that delaying motherhood impacts fertility. “The decrease in fertility associated with increasing age is a measurable phenomenon.” This trend has led to an increased demand for fertility treatments.
Accessing fertility Treatments
Fertility treatments in the private sector can be expensive, potentially exceeding five million pesos, depending on the number of attempts. However, the public system offers several options for those seeking assistance.
Fonasa, the Chilean public health insurance fund, provides access to two types of fertilization programs: low and high complexity.Low-complexity treatment typically involves artificial insemination, where sperm is introduced into the woman’s uterus during ovulation to facilitate natural fertilization.
High-complexity treatment includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Both techniques involve creating embryos outside the mother’s body. IVF fertilizes an egg with sperm in a lab habitat, while ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg.
These treatments are available through the public health network or at private centers.
National Program Utilization
Low Complexity Treatments
Fonasa data indicates that in 2019, onyl 27.4% of the more than 2,800 available slots for low-complexity assisted fertilization treatments through the Institutional Attention Modality (free access) were utilized. Demand decreased further in 2020 due to the pandemic, with only 6.1% of slots occupied.Though, utilization has gradually increased, reaching 14.2% in 2024.
High Complexity Treatments
For high-complexity treatments, 77.6% of the 575 slots were used in 2019. Utilization fell to 54.4% in 2021 but rebounded to 85% in 2023 and 70.8% in 2024.
| Program | Quotas | Execution 2019 | Execution 2020 | Execution 2021 | Execution 2022 | Execution 2023 | Execution 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Complexity | 2,858 | 27.4% | 6.1% | 8.9% | 12.2% | 15.2% | 14.2% |
| High Complexity | 575 | 77.6% | 39.8% | 54.4% | 65.5% | 85% | 70.8% |
Fonasa officials stated that measures have been implemented to encourage greater use of these benefits.
According to Fonasa, “Even when the demand for these benefits depends on the will of people, with the aim of promoting their use and as part of the permanent review process of our programs, we have carried out, in conjunction with the Undersecretariat of Assistance Networks, an update of the inclusion criteria in the assisted fertilization programs of high and low complexity, eliminating with this all kinds of discrimination in access, both in clinical and administrative criteria.”
Fonasa also noted a recovery in demand for fertility treatments following the pandemic. “We have observed that the demand for the use of fertility associated with fertility has been recovered after pandemic, as has happened with other types of health care. In that direction, this year we have incorporated a new benefit, the antimullerian hormone, which allows the female fertility index to be known, and with this, determine the cases in which a treatment is required to achieve pregnancy.”
Private System Options
Fonasa users can also access fertility treatments in the private system through PAD bonds (Payment Associated with Diagnosis). this benefit provides access to a package of health services, including surgery, hospital stays, medications, and supplies, at a fixed price in private facilities with agreements with Fonasa.
The use of PAD bonds for assisted fertilization treatments has increased in recent years. For example, treatments to induce ovulation rose from 99 cases in 2019 to over 1,000 in 2024. Artificial insemination treatments for women increased from 195 in 2019 to 473 in 2024, and treatments for men rose from 118 to 261 during the same period. These figures indicate a growing number of Fonasa users seeking fertility treatments in the private sector.
Treatment Costs
Fonasa covers a portion of the treatment costs through the PAD bonus.Such as, the total cost of a process in a private clinic, from aspiration to the maintenance of frozen embryos, can reach $5,067,660 pesos. However, with the purchase of PAD bonds, the price is reduced to $2,923,800 pesos.
Chile is experiencing a decline in its fertility rate, prompting increased demand for assisted reproduction. This guide explores the options available, including public and private healthcare pathways, and provides facts relevant to those seeking fertility treatments in Chile.
Why is Chile’s Fertility Rate Declining?
The fertility rate in Chile has fallen considerably, from 2.74 children per woman in 1980 to 1.16.This concerning decline is attributed,in part,to women choosing to postpone childbearing. Delaying motherhood can impact fertility, leading to an increased need for fertility treatments. (See factors)
Factors Contributing to the Fertility Decline
According to Bárbara Gutiérrez, an academic at the School of Obstetrics and Neonatology, there has been a higher proportion of women in Chile are delaying motherhood.
What Fertility Treatments are Available in Chile?
Both public and private healthcare systems in Chile offer fertility treatments. These include low-complexity treatments like artificial insemination and high-complexity treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Low-Complexity Treatments
Artificial insemination involves introducing sperm into a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. this is typically used to help with conception.
High-Complexity Treatments
High-complexity treatments like IVF and ICSI involve creating embryos outside the body, which can then be transferred.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
How Can I Access Fertility Treatments in Chile?
You can access fertility treatments through both the public (Fonasa) and private healthcare systems. The public system offers programs for low and high-complexity treatments. You can also seek treatment in the private sector.
Are Fertility Treatments Covered by the Public healthcare System (Fonasa)?
Yes, Fonasa, the Chilean public health insurance fund, provides access to fertility treatments. There are two types of assisted fertilization programs available:
- Low-Complexity: Treatments like artificial insemination are included.
- High-Complexity: Treatments like IVF and ICSI are offered.
Public Program Utilization Rates (2019-2024)
The utilization rates for Fonasa programs have varied over the years, with fluctuations particularly during the pandemic. The statistics show the percentage of available slots that were used
| Program | Quotas | Execution 2019 | Execution 2020 | Execution 2021 | Execution 2022 | Execution 2023 | Execution 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low complexity | 2,858 | 27.4% | 6.1% | 8.9% | 12.2% | 15.2% | 14.2% |
| High Complexity | 575 | 77.6% | 39.8% | 54.4% | 65.5% | 85% | 70.8% |
Have there been recent changes to Fonasa’s fertility programs?
Fonasa has implemented measures to increase uptake of fertility benefits and has updated inclusion criteria to eliminate discrimination.A new benefit, the anti-mullerian hormone test, has also been introduced to assess female fertility and determine if and when treatment is required to achieve pregnancy.
How Can I Access Fertility Treatments in the Private System?
Fonasa users can access fertility treatments in private facilities through PAD bonds (Payment Associated with Diagnosis). This provides a pre-negotiated package of services at a fixed price.
What are the costs associated with fertility treatments in Chile?
The total cost of a fertility process in a private clinic, including aspiration to the maintenance of frozen embryos, can reach $5,067,660 pesos. With PAD bonds with Fonasa the price is reduced to $2,923,800 pesos.
Are there payment plans for fertility treatments?
The source document does not specify payment. But using the PAD provides a means of financing that can be arranged with the the private clinic.
Are fertility treatments in Chile becoming more popular?
Yes, there is growing demand for fertility treatments in Chile.The data from the private sector,provided,highlights an increasing use of treatments such as ovulation induction,artificial insemination for women and men,indicating a growing trend among Fonasa users seeking fertility treatments in the private sector.