Surrogacy By State

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in California?


Surrogacy is a transformative experience for your family, and can go a long way towards building the fulfilling family life you’ve always dreamed of. However, the cost of surrogacy in California can discourage some prospective parents.

There are many strategies to make surrogacy an attainable goal for families of all financial backgrounds – one of these pathways may be right for your family.

Untangling the complicated structures of extraneous costs and hidden fees can be daunting, but we’re here to help you understand surrogacy costs. Once you’re ready, take your next steps by contacting us.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in California?

Surrogacy costs in California are estimated between $150,000 and $179,000+. Your choice of agency has a large impact on your overall price.

This price surprises some intended parents. While these prices are unexpected and concerning for many, they become more understandable as the reasons for the fees become clear.

An Example Surrogacy Cost Breakdown in California

Both the overall cost of surrogacy and the distribution structure changes based on your choice of surrogacy agency. This is an example breakdown showing how a hypothetical surrogacy professional may distribute funds:

ServiceCost
Agency Fees21%
Surrogate Compensation35%
Screening and Matching21%
Legal Costs11%
Medical Costs12%

You deserve personalized support that matches your family’s needs. If you need help finding a surrogacy professional that matches your priorities, connect with us today.

What’s a Realistic Income for Surrogacy?

While surrogacy is not an expense to take on lightly, it is attainable. There are no hard income requirements to sign up with a surrogacy professional. The viability instead largely depends on your budget. Many families with consistent income can find a viable pathway to surrogacy.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are many paths open to intended parents looking for surrogacy financing. Some rely on savings, financial assistance, equity or loans, while other families already have the resources to cover the cost. No one option will be right for every family.

What Value Do You Get for the Costs of Surrogacy?

Agency fees, matching fees, screening fees — you may feel that these provide no actual benefit to your growing family. However, these expenses directly impact you. Here are three ways an agency can subtly improve your surrogacy experience:

Finding an agency who will provide these benefits could have a very positive impact on your surrogacy experience overall.

Understanding the Cost of Surrogacy in California

The surrogacy costs in California can be hard to clearly understand. Let’s discuss some of the fees, and why they’re important.

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in California?

The degree of insurance coverage for surrogacy is highly variable. Some policies cover surrogacy medical costs; a few policies also cover things like agency fees and surrogacy compensation.

However, most policies either specifically exclude surrogacy, or don’t mention it at all, which presents its own set of challenges.

It can help to have professional advisors when dealing with insurance and surrogacy. The best surrogacy professionals will purchase extra insurance policies to help fill gaps in your coverage.

How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in California?

The average surrogate compensation ranges from $55,000 to $75,000. This compensation recognizes her dedication and personal investment in helping to grow your family. Most often, surrogacy compensation is the largest single expense within your budget.

These compensations aren’t all profit for the surrogate. This fee also covers things like:

Since surrogacy compensation is based on the surrogate’s cost of living, working with a surrogate in California could mean your compensation amount could increase.

How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?

IVF costs in California can range from $15,000 to $40,000. Some of the costs of IVF may be covered by your insurance plan.

You may notice some surrogacy professionals don’t account for IVF in their cost or wait time estimates. Make sure to review the surrogacy process and check for any other procedures or expenses your surrogacy professional didn’t mention.

How to Pay for Surrogacy

Many intended parents save for years, little by little, in order to afford surrogacy.

If you have any profitable investments like long-term mutual funds, these could take care of much of the costs.

Homeowners can take out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). This method is often overlooked, but it comes highly recommended by economists.

Many charitable organizations offer grants to intended parents. This can be an impactful supplement to assist your budget.

Some companies offer adoption assistance, which can often be extended to surrogacy. Some companies even offer surrogacy-specific benefits.

There are also loans available for intended parents. Surrogacy professionals may offer a financing plan, or they may work with partner organizations like Sunfish or FutureFamily. Be aware of predatory lending and high interest rates. Consult a surrogacy professional for more information and personalized advice. 

Surrogacy Agencies in California

Your choice of surrogacy professional will affect your surrogate process. For example, agencies screen prospective surrogates before matching with families, avoiding potential issues before they arise. Agencies also offer financial protection, professional legal support and more. If you want to work with an agency near you, here are a few options:

Fertility Clinics in California

Fertility clinics provide essential support during the surrogacy process, like gamete donation, embryo creation and IVF. Finding a good clinic can make all the difference in your journey. Here are a few clinics you can consider:

When Can I Get Started?

While your time table is up to you, you should know that you don’t have to wait any longer to begin your journey towards the family you’ve always dreamed of. You can contact us today for free, to connect to resources, information, and experienced professionals who will help you plan out your surrogacy process.

Male and Female couple smiling with surrogate mother
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