Intended Parents

Why is Surrogacy So Expensive?

Having the family you’ve been dreaming of is priceless, especially when you are unable to conceive or have been trying to conceive for some time. However, many families are surprised to learn how significant the financial cost of surrogacy is and wonder at how they can afford it.

This article will share the expected costs of surrogacy and why so many families are willing to shift their finances and make room for the expenses in their budget.

Read more about the costs that make up your surrogacy journey or contact a surrogacy professional to get a personalized quote.

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How Expensive is Surrogacy?

The average cost of surrogacy can range from $150,000 to $300,000 or more.

While, surrogacy can be expensive, you’ll find that many different factors contribute to the high cost.

Here’s a cost breakdown:

Surrogacy agencies generally charge a fee that can range from $15,000 to $30,000. This covers services such as matching you with a surrogate, coordinating the surrogacy process, and providing support during the journey.

The compensation for a surrogate is one of the largest costs associated with surrogacy. The base pay for a surrogate typically ranges from $65,000 to $110,000, depending on her experience and the region in which she lives. Highly experienced surrogates or those in areas with a high cost of living tend to have higher pay, and in some cases you may have additional compensation for the surrogate for things like prescribed bed rest or twin pregnancy.

IVF (in vitro fertilization), prenatal care, and delivery expenses can cost $15,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on complications and the need for specialized treatments or medication. Insurance coverage may impact these costs significantly.

Legal services, including creating contracts and establishing parental rights, can cost $5,000 to $10,000.

If insurance doesn’t cover surrogacy-related expenses, you might need to purchase supplemental insurance premiums, which can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

Together, these components make up the total cost of surrogacy. But while the price tag can seem daunting, it’s important to remember that surrogacy allows intended parents to build a family when other options may not be viable.

There are numerous programs and financing options to help with the costs of surrogacy. Find out more about how your family can afford surrogacy.

Finding a qualified surrogate can be like finding a needle in a haystack, and great surrogacy agencies invest in finding surrogates and screening surrogates so that you can get matched in as little as 1 - 6 months. Learn more here.

What is the most expensive part of surrogacy?

Surrogate compensation is typically the most expensive part of the surrogacy process. The average compensation range is 50k-110k depending on surrogate experience and cost of living in her state.

Embryo creation/IVF is typically the second most expensive expense.

Why is Surrogacy So Expensive?

As you can see from the list above, surrogacy can be costly because it requires help from several professionals and compensates a surrogate to cover her time, effort, and the physical demands of pregnancy.

The surrogate must go through a rigorous medical and legal process, often involving multiple IVF cycles, medical screenings, and doctor visits.

Though it can seem to be a large amount of money at first, many families are willing to cover these costs because of the priceless value of of building their families. Ultimately, it is essential to recognize that this expense reflects the care, time, and dedication required by the surrogate, as well as the complex process involved in surrogacy.

Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogacy?

In most cases, health insurance does not fully cover the cost of surrogacy. While some insurance plans may cover medical expenses related to the surrogate’s pregnancy, the base pay for the surrogate and other associated expenses (such as legal and agency fees) are generally not covered.

If your health insurance or your surrogate’s health insurance does not cover the full range of surrogacy expenses, you may need to purchase supplemental insurance to cover pregnancy-related costs. It’s essential to talk with your insurance provider and your surrogate’s provider to understand the coverage options available.

Fill out this form and get personalized help from a surrogacy professional who can help you navigate insurance.

Resources for Affording Surrogacy

While the cost of surrogate pregnancy can seem overwhelming, there are several ways to make surrogacy more financially accessible. Here are a few resources and options:

Insurance
In some cases, health insurance policies may cover parts of the surrogacy process, particularly pregnancy-related medical expenses. However, it’s essential to check with your insurance provider to see if surrogacy is covered under your policy.
Grants and Loans
Some grants, fertility loans, or personal loans are available for surrogacy. These can help cover the costs of the surrogacy journey, including medical and legal expenses. You can research fertility financing companies or specific surrogacy grants.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
For some intended parents, accessing their home equity can provide the necessary funds to cover surrogacy. This option allows you to borrow against the equity in your home at relatively low interest rates.
Payment Plans
Some clinics offer payment plans for fertility treatments and surrogacy-related medical expenses, allowing intended parents to break up the costs into more manageable installments.
Credit Cards
Some people use credit cards with high limits to pay for surrogacy costs, though this should be done cautiously due to high-interest rates.

Surrogacy costs may seem overwhelming, but with the right help, they don’t have to be. Contact us today to get the support and resources you need to budget for building the family you’ve been dreaming of.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does anyone afford surrogacy?

Affording surrogacy can be achieved by utilizing a variety of resources, including insurance, fertility financing, grants, loans, and payment plans. It’s important to explore all options and plan carefully to make surrogacy more affordable.

Why is surrogacy so expensive in the US?

Surrogacy in the U.S. is expensive due to the high costs associated with medical treatments (like IVF), surrogate compensation, legal fees, and agency fees. These costs are further influenced by factors such as the surrogate’s location, experience, and whether or not insurance covers some of the expenses.

What is the most expensive part of surrogacy?

The most expensive part of surrogacy is typically the compensation for the surrogate, followed by medical costs related to IVF and pregnancy care. Additional fees, including legal and agency costs, contribute to the overall expense.

Do surrogates get paid if they miscarry?

Yes, surrogates typically receive compensation if they miscarry, but the specific terms depend on the agreement made with the intended parents. Some surrogacy contracts stipulate compensation for surrogates who experience a miscarriage, though certain conditions or insurance coverage may impact this.