Intended Parents

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown

Surrogacy can bring you the priceless gift of family, but for many families, the financial costs are a significant undertaking.

Knowing what costs to expect can help you budget and financially prepare more effectively.

This article will help you understand the costs of surrogacy so that you can plan for your surrogacy journey.

Find out more about how your family can afford surrogacy.

The Average Surrogacy Cost Breakdown

The cost of surrogacy can vary significantly depending on various factors, but on average, intended parents can expect to spend between $150,000 and $200,000 or more.

Here’s a breakdown of the major expenses that contribute to the total cost:

One of the basic surrogacy fees is the agency fee. Agency fees cover the services of a surrogacy agency that helps with matching intended parents to surrogates, providing guidance through the process, and handling logistics.

Surrogate compensation is the cost of the surrogate pregnancy itself—it is the amount paid directly to the surrogate for carrying the pregnancy. The compensation depends on factors such as the surrogate's experience and location.

Medical costs can also be significant. IVF for surrogate mothers cost roughly the same per cycle, and in many cases surrogates can have a higher success rate, which means that you may save money on IVF if you have a surrogate.

Other medical costs include fertility treatments, such as IVF (in vitro fertilization), prenatal care, and delivery. IVF costs are often one of the largest expenses within the surrogacy process.

Legal fees cover the cost of contracts between the surrogate and the intended parents, as well as any necessary legal services to ensure the process is carried out correctly.

Insurance costs may include the cost of covering the surrogate’s health insurance for maternity and delivery, or the purchase of a separate insurance policy if the surrogate's existing policy doesn't cover the pregnancy.

What Affects Costs?

The total cost of surrogacy can be affected by several key factors, including:

Surrogate Compensation: A surrogate’s location and experience can significantly influence compensation. For instance, surrogates in certain states may demand higher pay, while more experienced surrogates may also request a higher compensation.
IVF Costs: IVF is typically one of the most expensive parts of the surrogacy process. The cost of egg retrieval, embryo creation and embryo transfer can range from $12,000 to $30,000 per IVF cycle, and additional cycles may be necessary for a successful pregnancy.
Insurance: Insurance costs can also vary. Some states have laws that require insurance coverage for surrogates, while others may not. In some cases, intended parents must pay for a separate policy that covers the surrogate’s pregnancy.

What is the most expensive part of surrogacy?

The most expensive part of surrogacy is typically surrogate compensation or IVF. IVF includes the costs of fertility treatments, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. Medical costs associated with the pregnancy and delivery also add to the total cost.

What is the Average Cost for a Surrogate?

The average amount of surrogate compensation is approximately $50,000-$70,00, and depends on the cost of living in the surrogate’s area as well as her experience as a surrogate.

How Do Couples Afford Surrogacy?

Several programs and resources can help intended parents manage the financial burden of surrogacy:

Grants and Loans: There are surrogacy loans and grants available to help with expenses. Some organizations, such as the Baby Steps Foundation, offer financial assistance to families pursuing surrogacy.
Health Insurance: Many insurance companies now cover some surrogacy-related costs, particularly if IVF is involved. Be sure to check whether your policy covers IVF or surrogacy.
Credit Programs: Some fertility clinics and agencies offer credit programs to help spread out the costs of surrogacy over time.

Find out more about how your family can afford surrogacy here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do surrogates get paid if they miscarry?

Yes, most surrogacy contracts include compensation for the surrogate in the event of a miscarriage. However, the amount may vary depending on the stage of the pregnancy and the terms of the contract.

Will insurance cover a surrogate?

Insurance coverage for surrogacy varies depending on the surrogate’s location and her health insurance policy as well as the intended family’s insurance. Some states have laws that require surrogates’ maternity coverage, while others do not. In cases where insurance doesn’t cover the pregnancy, intended parents may need to purchase a separate insurance policy.

Is a surrogate cheaper than IVF?

Surrogacy is generally more expensive than IVF alone, primarily because of the surrogate’s compensation and the legal complexities involved in the process. IVF costs are typically included as part of the surrogacy process.

Whose insurance pays for surrogacy?

The insurance for surrogacy can be paid by either the intended parents or the surrogate. If the surrogate’s insurance covers the pregnancy, the intended parents may not need to purchase additional insurance. However, if the surrogate’s insurance does not cover surrogacy, intended parents must purchase a separate insurance policy.

How do couples afford surrogacy

Couples can afford surrogacy through a combination of savings, loans, grants, insurance and sometimes crowdfunding. Planning early and researching financial assistance options can help ease the financial burden.