In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that around 17.5% of the adult population—about 1 in 6 worldwide —experiences infertility. The revised statistic came as a revelation to many, including HR leaders and benefits consultants, who may not have realized the whole, international scope of the issue and the global need for comprehensive, inclusive, high-quality fertility care.
Over the last three decades, multinational companies based in the United States have employed an increasing number of international workers. As companies expand their global teams, benefits parity has become essential for HR. But as you may have already discovered, if you’ve explored extending fertility benefits to workers outside the U.S., accessibility, cultural considerations, and legal restrictions can complicate the issue of extending fertility care benefits to international employees. In order for HR leaders to navigate the complex benefits landscape, it’s essential to partner with a fertility benefits vendor that understands the ever-changing nuances of global fertility and family-building services and fully supports a diverse workforce.
Fertility rates — and care — around the globe
Recent research has shown that — excluding the effects of migration — many countries are predicted to have a population decline of over 50% from 2017 to 2100, partly due to family-planning policies focused on avoiding or terminating pregnancies and mitigating population growth. As a result, world population growth has slowed, and countries are now seeking solutions to optimize family building when desired. In some countries, these efforts include implementing financial incentives and public funding of fertility treatment. Still, there is a significant variation in this spending from country to country, leading to substantial disparities in access to fertility care.
There are notable and significant differences in how countries regulate and view fertility care, making it difficult to understand the scope of international benefits. For example, some countries restrict access to the preservation of eggs, sperm, and embryos. In Singapore, women under 35 can legally elect to freeze their eggs; in Australia, insurance does not cover elective egg freezing; and in the U.S., insurance often doesn’t cover fertility preservation for medical treatments. Knowing and understanding these regional nuances can be challenging for any HR leader or benefits consultant, which is why working with a benefits vendor specializing in global fertility care can be so important.
Why global fertility care is an essential part of inclusive fertility benefits
To provide complete and comprehensive fertility care for your global employees, it is critical to find a fertility vendor that understands the fine distinctions of worldwide fertility and family-building services, stays up-to-date on the latest changes, and provides support no matter where employees are located worldwide.
Fertility benefits are no longer considered a “nice-to-have” employee perk; increasingly, they’re becoming integral to any competitive benefits package. Not only have reports shown that employees all around the world are delaying parenthood, but an increasing number of women are exploring “proactive fertility care” options, which include services like fertility testing and egg freezing to help individuals better understand, assess, prolong, or improve their fertility. The reasons why employees delay parenthood vary. However, according to the BBC, everything from economic uncertainty to limited housing availability to increased labor-market participation among women may contribute to the decision in the Western world, where proactive fertility care is standard.
As these trends continue, employees worldwide will prioritize professional opportunities that support and foster their personal decisions. To demonstrate that support, employers must consider comprehensive fertility care an essential need and understand that despite their upfront costs, fertility benefits can also lower overall healthcare spending and costs associated with reduced employee productivity.
Research from FertilityIQ found that 62% of employees who had their in vitro fertilization (IVF) covered by their employer reported being more likely to remain in their jobs for longer. Carrot’s Fertility at Work report found that — regardless of geographic location — many employees are facing fertility challenges and seeking support from their employers. Only 32% of respondents seeking to grow their families said they could afford fertility treatment, and 42% said that a new job offer with no fertility benefits would be a “deal breaker.”
Actionable steps to ensure your fertility benefits serve a global workforce
To ensure your company is moving forward with the right fertility benefits vendor that adequately serves your global workforce, consider the following essential criteria:
- Language support. Language access is a critical component of inclusivity for a global solution. Carrot is the only platform with end-to-end translation and provides employees full support in 10 languages. Carrot also offers on-demand interpretation of benefits chats, enabling members to have benefits calls translated into their language of choice.
- An inclusive network of well-vetted global providers. Not only does a vetted network of providers mean employees can trust that any choice they make will ensure compassionate, high-quality care, but it also means the recommended providers will align with their cultural and language preferences. Carrot’s network of 3,800+ eligible clinics and 3,400+ agencies and attorneys provides an expansive, well-vetted selection of partners across the globe.
- Cross-border care. Providing care navigation support to members worldwide can help employees going through various legal processes or trying to understand international regulations and policies.
Partnering with Carrot for optimal global coverage
As the leading global fertility benefits provider for modern health plans and employers, Carrot provides flexible financial coverage and expert care navigation across every region of the U.S.. It is available in over 120 countries and at over 3,800 clinics. Carrot also works with various partners to ensure members have access to donor gametes, gestational carriers, and adoption services, and the Carrot team includes world-class healthcare providers, fertility experts, and benefits specialists. Learn more about how Carrot can optimize your company’s global fertility benefits at carrotfertility.com.
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