Surrogacy is a process where a woman agrees to carry a baby for another couple or individual who is unable to conceive or carry a child to term. Surrogacy can be an emotionally fulfilling and life-changing decision for intended parents and surrogate mothers.

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More Resources to Read:

Infertility Treatment and Surrogacy Process

9 Factors To Improve IVF Pregnancy Rate

International Surrogacy Options Worldwide

Surrogacy Guide for Surrogate Mothers

Understanding Gestational Surrogate Costs

The cost of surrogacy in the USA can range from $100,000 to $225,000. The exact cost will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The surrogate’s compensation: This is the amount of money that the surrogate will be paid for carrying the pregnancy. The average surrogate compensation in the USA is around $35,000.
• The cost of fertility treatments: Surrogacy typically requires at least one in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The cost of IVF can vary depending on the specific clinic and the medications that are used.
• Legal fees: Surrogacy is a legal process, and there are several legal fees associated with it. These fees can include the cost of drafting a surrogacy contract, the cost of filing a petition with the court, and the cost of obtaining legal advice.
• Other expenses: Several other expenses can be associated with surrogacy, such as the cost of prenatal care, the cost of delivery, and the cost of travel.

The cost of surrogacy can be a significant financial burden for intended parents. However, there are several ways to reduce the cost of surrogacy, such as:

• Using a family member or friend as a surrogate: This can significantly reduce the cost of surrogate compensation.
• Pursuing surrogacy in a state with lower surrogacy costs: Some states, such as Georgia and Nevada, have lower surrogacy costs than other states.
• Working with an independent surrogacy agency: Independent surrogacy agencies typically charge lower fees than traditional surrogacy agencies.

Why Surrogacy Can Be Expensive

Surrogacy involves a complex process with a myriad of expenses such as medical, legal, and agency fees. Intended parents often bear these costs, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, even more.

Factors That Determine Surrogacy Costs

• Legal Fees

Legal expenses can add up quickly, depending on the major factor that determines surrogacy costs. Medical expenses include fertility treatments, prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. These expenses can vary depending on the chosen location and the surrogate’s medical history.

• Agency Fees

Surrogacy agencies offer various services for intended parents, including finding and screening a surrogate and managing the surrogacy process. Agencies charge fees for these services, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over $30,000.

• Surrogate Compensation

One of the largest expenses of surrogacy is surrogate compensation. This fee is paid to the surrogate for carrying the baby to term. Surrogate compensation can vary widely, depending on location, agency fees, and other factors.

• Donor Fees

In some cases, intended parents may need to use donor material, such as sperm or eggs, to conceive a child. Donor fees can add to the overall cost of surrogacy.

• Insurance for Surrogate

Medical insurance for the surrogate is essential and must be included in the surrogacy budget. Some policies cover surrogate pregnancies; others do not, so it is crucial to review the policy carefully to determine if it is the right one for the surrogate and intended parents.

• Additional Expenses

Additional expenses such as travel costs, lost wages, and additional medical procedures can also add to the cost of surrogacy.

Average Surrogacy Costs for Different Countries

United States: Surrogacy in the United States ranges from $90,000 to $150,000.

Ukraine: Surrogacy in Ukraine ranges from $30,000 to $50,000.

Georgia: Surrogacy in Georgia ranges from $40,000 to $60,000.

Mexico: Surrogacy in Mexico ranges from $50,000 to $70,000.

Colombia: Surrogacy in Colombia ranges from $40,000 to $60,000.

International Surrogacy Costs: Cheapest countries for surrogacy:

Country	Regulation & Organization	Who are allowed to participate	Surrogacy Cost	Legal Assurance
Colombia	Altruistic	Singles, gay couples, hetero couples	Affordable $70,000	Reliable
Mexico	Altruistic	Singles, gay couples, hetero couples	Affordable $70,000 to $80,000	Reliable
USA	Commercial	Singles, gay couples, hetero couples	Costly $150,000+	Strong
Ukraine	Commercial	Hetero couples	Affordable $60,000	Strong
Georgia	Commercial	Hetero couples	Affordable $60,000	Strong
Greece	Altruistic	Hetero couples and single women	Affordable $80,000	Strong

Financing Options and Assistance

• Loans and Financing Options: Loans and financing options are available to help intended parents fund the surrogacy process. Intended parents can choose from a variety of options, including personal loans, home equity loans, or lines of credit.
• Grants: Various organizations offer grants to intended parents to help fund the cost of surrogacy. Grants can range from a few thousand dollars to over $25,000.
• Tax Benefits: Intended parents may be eligible for tax benefits to help offset the cost of surrogacy. Tax benefits may include claiming medical expenses and a child tax credit.
• Insurance Coverage: Some insurance policies may cover a portion of the cost of surrogacy, such as medical expenses or fertility treatments. However, it’s essential to review the policy carefully before assuming that the cost of surrogacy is covered.

Hidden Costs of Surrogacy

• Travel Costs: Intended parents may need to travel to the surrogate’s location for various medical appointments and procedures, which can add to the overall cost of surrogacy.
• Medical Complications: If medical complications occur during the surrogacy process, additional expenses may be required to cover the cost of medical procedures.
• Lost Wages: If the intended mother or father needs to take time off work to travel or to care for the baby after birth, lost wages can add to the surrogacy’s overall cost.
• Additional Legal Fees: Additional legal fees may be required if an issue arises during the surrogacy process that needs to be resolved through legal channels.

How to Lower Surrogacy Costs

• Comparison Shopping: Intended parents can research different agencies and surrogates’ compensation to find the best price options.
• Reducing Medical Expenses: Intended parents can explore various medical options to identify the most cost-effective option while still ensuring the surrogate’s and baby’s health.
• Choosing a Surrogate with Insurance: Selecting a surrogate with existing insurance can significantly help lower the surrogacy’s cost.
• Opting for International Surrogacy: Intended parents can explore surrogacy options outside of their country of origin, such as in Ukraine or Georgia, where surrogacy is typically less expensive.

Understanding Surrogate Compensation

• Breakdown of Surrogate Compensation: Surrogate compensation typically includes a base fee, payment for medical expenses, and additional compensation for any complications that may arise.
• Why Surrogate Compensation Varies: Surrogate compensation varies depending on various factors such as location, agency fees, and other related expenses.
• Risks of Underpaying a Surrogate: Underpaying a surrogate can lead to lower-quality care, a higher risk of complications, and legal issues that could cancel the surrogacy agreement entirely.

Costs of Finding and Matching with a Surrogate

So, how much does a surrogate cost? Let’s cover the individual cost here:

• Agency Fees: Agencies charge a variety of fees for services provided, including finding and screening a surrogate, managing the surrogacy process, and handling legal matters.
• Surrogate Screening Fees: Surrogate screening fees cover the cost of background checks and medical evaluations and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Background and Psychological Checks: These fees cover the cost of background and psychological checks to ensure that the surrogate is mentally and physically healthy and stable enough to be a surrogate.
• Matching and Surrogacy Arrangement Fees: Fees are charged by an agency to handle the matching and surrogacy arrangement process.

Health Insurance During Surrogacy Cost

Types of Insurance for Surrogate and Baby

There are different types of insurance policies for surrogates and babies, including primary and supplemental policies.

• How to Obtain and Use Private and Public Insurance

Intended parents should carefully review their insurance options to determine if the policy covers surrogacy and baby care expenses.

• Insurance Requirements by Country

Insurance requirements for surrogacy vary by country. It is essential to understand these requirements before starting the surrogacy process.

Medical Cost of Surrogacy

• IVF Cycle Cost: IVF cycle cost is a variable in addition to the surrogate’s compensation. IVF cycles can range from $12,000 to $25,000.
• Pregnancy Care Cost: Pregnancy care costs include prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care and can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
• Birthing and Post-Birth Care: These costs cover the expenses incurred during the delivery and post-birth period and can range from $10,000 to $20,000.

Preparing for the Financial Aspects of Surrogacy

• Establishing a Budget: Establishing a budget for surrogacy is essential to ensure that intended parents understand the costs of surrogacy and what they can realistically afford.
• Creating a Timeline: A timeline can help intended parents plan for the various expenses associated with surrogacy so that there are no financial surprises.
• Managing Finances Throughout the Process: Proper financial management throughout the surrogacy process helps to remain on budget and minimize potential issues.

Warnings and Scams to Avoid

• Red Flags to Watch out for When Choosing an Agency, Surrogate, or Donor: Intended parents must be aware of red flags such as unrealistic costs or dealing with an unlicensed or unaccredited agency.
• Potential Risks for Intended Parents: Intended parents must be aware of the risks involved in surrogacy, including legal and medical risks, as well as scams and fraud.
• Ways to Protect Oneself from Scams and Fraud: Doing extensive research, reviewing all documents carefully, and understanding the associated costs and risks can help prevent scams and fraud.

Additional guide for intended parents:

Best surrogacy agency in India

Best surrogacy agency in Mexico

Best surrogacy agency in Colombia

Best surrogacy agency in Argentina

Best surrogacy agency in Georgia

Best surrogacy agency in the USA

Best surrogacy agency in Ukraine

Best surrogacy agency in Armenia

Conclusion

Surrogacy is an emotionally fulfilling and life-changing decision that comes with significant financial, legal, and medical charges. Understanding the various factors that determine surrogacy costs, financing and assistance options, hidden costs, ways to lower costs, risks of underpaying a surrogate, and more is key to making informed choices throughout the surrogacy process.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at  Complete Surrogacy Agency. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

For more resources on IVF and Surrogacy, browse our other web page- IVF Conceptions.

For more resources on IVF and Surrogacy, browse our other web page- Georgia Surrogacy Agency.

Our team has over 13 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Our founder and chief surrogacy consultant, Neelam Chhagani, passionately helps couples struggling with fertility challenges. Since starting our surrogacy consulting agency in 2013, we’ve helped welcome over 500 babies for intended parents nationwide.

Our team includes experts from diverse backgrounds with leading reproductive attorneys, professionally trained top fertility doctors, former surrogacy case managers, experienced and kind surrogate mother and egg donor coordinators, mental health professionals specializing in infertility counseling, and a logistic support team to assist you in your chosen surrogacy country.

References used: 

• https://resolve.org
• https://www.asrm.org/

FAQ for How Much Does Surrogate Cost?

1. How much does a surrogate cost?

The cost of surrogacy can vary depending on various factors such as the location, agency fees, medical costs, and surrogate compensation. On average, the total cost of surrogacy can range from $90,000 to $150,000.

2. What is the cost of a surrogacy journey?

The cost of surrogacy includes agency fees, fertility clinic expenses, legal fees, medical procedures, and surrogate compensation. The average cost of surrogacy can be between $90,000 and $150,000.

3. How much does a surrogate mother cost?

The cost of a surrogate mother can vary, but on average, the compensation for a surrogate can be around $30,000 to $40,000.

4. What are the average costs involved in surrogacy?

The average costs of surrogacy include agency fees, legal fees, medical expenses, fertility clinic costs, surrogate compensation, and health insurance. These costs can vary, but on average, they can range from $90,000 to $150,000.

5. How much does a surrogacy process cost?

A surrogacy program can cost between $90,000 and $150,000. This includes various expenses such as agency fees, medical costs, legal fees, and surrogate compensation.

6. What is the overall cost of surrogacy with a surrogacy agency?

The overall cost of surrogacy can be between $90,000 and $150,000, including agency fees, legal fees, medical expenses, fertility clinic costs, surrogate compensation, and other related expenses.

7. How does insurance for the surrogate impact the cost of surrogacy?

Insurance for the surrogate can impact the cost of surrogacy. If the surrogate already has comprehensive medical insurance that covers the surrogacy journey, it can reduce the overall medical costs. However, if additional insurance is required, it can increase the overall cost.

8. Does surrogacy in the United States have a higher cost?

Surrogacy in the United States can have a higher cost compared to other countries. The higher cost can be attributed to factors such as legal requirements, medical expenses, and higher compensation for surrogates.

9. Are medical costs included in the overall cost of surrogacy?

Yes, medical costs are included in the overall cost of surrogacy. However, you need to confirm with your surrogacy agency about the breakdown of surrogacy costs and any incidental surrogacy costs to avoid surprises later on. 

10. What is the average cost of a surrogate mother?

The average cost of surrogacy varies widely depending on location, agency fees, and other related expenses.

11. Can insurance cover surrogacy?

Some insurance policies may cover surrogacy-related expenses, but it’s important to carefully review the policy to determine coverage.

12. What are the common causes of cost fluctuations in surrogacy?

Location, agency fees, surrogate compensation, medical expenses, and various other expenses can cause fluctuations in surrogacy costs.

13. Is it possible to work with a surrogate outside of a surrogacy agency?

It is possible to work with a surrogate outside of an agency, but it may come with added risks and responsibilities for the intended parents.

References:

1.     American Pregnancy Association – Surrogacy Financing

2.     National Conference of State Legislatures – Surrogacy Laws and Regulation