Intended Parents

How Surrogacy Payment Plans Work

Exploring Surrogacy Financing Options

Surrogacy is a financial commitment, but many agencies and services often offer payment plans to help make this life-changing journey more manageable.

If you have any questions about surrogacy payment plans, reach out to a professional today to get a head start on your family-building journey.

Whether you’re exploring payment plans for surrogacy, surrogacy financing options or learning how surrogacy payments work, understanding the financial structure of the process can help you get on the right track toward affording surrogacy.

How Surrogacy Payment Plans Work [Stages of Payment]

Most surrogacy agencies don’t require intended parents to pay all costs upfront.

Instead, costs are typically divided into several installments that often align with key milestones in the surrogacy process. This payment schedule helps you manage costs effectively while ensuring that all necessary steps are completed smoothly and on time.

Agencies also offer payment programs and financing options tailored to fit varying budgets. These payment plans often vary depending on the agency you work with.

Surrogacy payment schedules usually follow some combination of these key milestones:

Surrogacy Payment Milestones

This initial payment is due when you sign with an agency, sometimes referred to as an “activation fee” or “consultation fee.” It typically covers:

· Marketing/advertising

· Initial screening and consultation

For many surrogacy agencies, the matching process is a significant milestone in the journey, and it’s often accompanied by its own payment stage. At this point, intended parents are matched with a surrogate whose values, personality, and goals align with their own.

The payment due at match confirmation usually covers:

· Additional screenings to ensure compatibility

· Finalizing all aspects of the match

After your surrogate completes medical evaluations and receives clearance, agencies may require another payment installment. This covers preparation for IVF and other medical services.

During the legal phase, you’ll need to fund your escrow account. Surrogacy escrow companies manage payments like:

· Surrogate base compensation (typically distributed monthly)

· Additional costs like maternity clothing and travel expenses

Once a fetal heartbeat is detected, the final installment may be due. This step ensures all costs are covered as the pregnancy progresses.

What to Look for in a Surrogacy Payment Plan

Transparency

Make sure that all costs are clearly outlined along with the fees. When you’re asking about a fee breakdown, make sure it’s detailed, including all expenses and payment timelines.

Escrow Company

Inquire about what escrow company the agency works with and get a detailed explanation on how surrogate compensation and costs are managed. Some agencies manage escrow accounts internally. While this may seem convenient, it can sometimes create a conflict of interest.

Many agencies work with dedicated escrow companies, such as seedtrust or other financial professionals, who specialize in managing surrogacy funds. These third-party companies ensure payments are handled with precision, offering an added layer of security and transparency for all parties involved.

Cost Coverage

Ask the agency what services are included within each installment. Make sure they disclose any unexpected costs like additional IVF cycles.

Surrogacy payment plans are designed to make your family-building journey more accessible and manageable. By understanding the typical stages of payment, exploring financing options, and choosing an agency with transparent financial practices, you can approach surrogacy with confidence.

Financing Options for Affording Surrogacy

If you’re concerned about affording surrogacy, some organizations offer payment plans and financing options:

Financing Through IVF and Surrogacy Loan Companies

Specialized lenders offer loans with structured repayment plans for IVF and surrogacy costs. These plans often have flexible terms tailored to your financial situation.

CapexMD: Offers flexible loan terms tailored to surrogacy expenses, including medical and legal costs.
BetterMed: Provides up to $350,000 in loans with zero percent interest rates.
LightStream: Loans range from $5,000–$100,000 with no collateral required.
Sunfish: Specializes in financing options up to $100,000 for fertility and surrogacy, offering customized payment plans to fit your budget.
Future Family: Offers tailored loan programs that include concierge services, helping intended parents manage payments while navigating the surrogacy process.

Personal Loans

If you’re exploring personal loans to finance your surrogacy journey, here are some options to consider:

US Bank Personal Loans: US Bank offers unsecured personal loans up to $50,000 with fixed rates and no annual fees. These loans can be used for surrogacy-related expenses, and funds are typically available quickly after approval.
SoFi Personal Loans: SoFi provides personal loans up to $100,000 with competitive interest rates and no hidden fees. They also offer perks like unemployment protection, making this a flexible option for surrogacy financing.
PNC Personal Loans: PNC offers personal loans ranging from $1,000 to $35,000 with flexible repayment terms. Their streamlined application process makes it easier to secure funds for your surrogacy needs.

Grants

Non-repayable grants can help cover surrogacy costs for eligible families.

The Hope for Fertility National Grant: Provides $250-$10,000 and is available to intended parents experiencing infertility.
The Cade Foundation: Provides up to $10,000 for family-building, including surrogacy.
Baby Quest Foundation: Offers $2,000–$16,000 for IVF and surrogacy-related expenses.
The Samfund: Provides grants of up to $4,000 for young adult cancer survivors to cover family-building expenses, including surrogacy.
Fertile Hope (LIVESTRONG Foundation): Offers financial assistance through its Sharing Hope Program for cancer survivors undergoing fertility treatments, including surrogacy. Grant amounts vary based on individual needs.

401(k) Withdrawals

You can withdraw from your 401(k) to fund surrogacy costs, though taxes will apply.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSAs can be used for eligible medical expenses, including IVF treatments. However, using funds for non-medical expenses may result in taxes.

Navigating surrogacy payment schedules can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us online now to learn more about financing options, cost management and finding a surrogacy agency with transparent payment plans.