Preparing for the Cost of Surrogacy

How much does surrogacy cost?

You’ve done your research, talked to your doctor, and finally decided that surrogacy is the right choice for you. The next question you might have is also one of the most common: “How much does surrogacy cost?”

The answer is not so straightforward as there are numerous costs involved in the process that can fluctuate and vary depending on each parent and surrogate’s circumstances. The real focus should be on the actual value of each component that makes surrogacy successful.

Breaking Down the Cost of Surrogacy

In this post, we’ve listed estimates for the price of surrogacy services, in eight areas. Keep in mind these figures are estimates, and can differ depending on your specific situation.

Surrogate Mother Compensation

Approximately $43,000 and up
Surrogate mother compensation are fees paid to the surrogate for her time, effort and inconvenience to carry a pregnancy for another person. Varying increases to surrogate mother pay can include maternity clothing, travel to and from physician’s offices, necessary medication, childcare, housekeeping and lost wages.

Professional Management Fees

Approximately $40,000 and up
A great, reputable agency is more than just a name; agencies are guides through the entire surrogacy journey. They recruit, screen and thoroughly educate qualified applicants. They provide access to financial and legal resources, and act as the project manager for all of the ancillary professionals and moving parts. Agencies ensure that all parties are on the right track and the same page so that the delivery is successful and intended parents have peace of mind.

Insurance

TBD
Some of the cost of surrogacy is paid towards maternity health insurance coverage. This can vary depending on whether the surrogate is already covered by a health insurance policy. With the volatile and shifting insurance landscape within the U.S., the lowest risk and safest bet is to purchase a stand-alone Lloyd’s of London policy which ranges from $25,000-$41,000.

IVF & Embryo Creation

Approximately $25,000 and up
These fees go toward the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process, whereby eggs are retrieved from the donor or intended mother and fertilized by sperm in a lab. The resulting embryos are used to transfer to the surrogate, who is not genetically related to the child she is carrying. Fees may cover medications, ultrasounds, blood tests, genetic screening and laboratory costs.

Egg Donor Program

Approximately $15,000 and up
Sometimes, the intended mother’s eggs may not be healthy enough to create embryos. In these cases, an egg donor will need to be contracted for the IVF procedure. These fees cover the cost of recruiting, educating, screening and managing the donor. In addition, compensation to the donor for her time and effort is factored into program fees.

Legal Fees

Approximately $7,000 and up
To ensure all procedures are in accordance with the corresponding state’s law, legal fees are an essential component of the cost breakdown. This includes drafting and executing contracts that ensure parentage for the intended parents.

Psychological Support

Approximately $6,500
Surrogates must undergo a psychological screening to ensure a high level of mental stability for pregnancy. This also includes a home visit, conducted either virtually or in person, to ensure a proper environment for the baby the surrogate is carrying. Finally, it includes ongoing individual and group support for the surrogate throughout her journey.

Travel

Approximately $1,500 and up
Some surrogates may live in remote areas where the clinic may not be conveniently accessed. In these cases, this fee covers the travel expenses for the surrogate or the egg donor.

Total Cost

Approximately $140,000- 240,000
Remember that the total cost of each journey will be different depending on a number of factors, such as the chosen surrogate, your location, medical insurance, wage status for the surrogate and whether or not she is carrying twins. Make sure to anticipate the full range of possible expenses when budgeting for a surrogacy journey.

Do you want to dig in more, and learn about some of the specific scenarios that can cause these costs to be higher or lower? Watch this video to learn even more about the "what if's" that might impact the cost of your surrogacy journey.

And, are you a woman who enjoyed a healthy and successful pregnancy? Do you have friends or family who have suffered from infertility or need assistance from someone else to build their family? Have you ever considered the role you could play in helping someone else build their family - as a surrogate? Talk to us to learn more about the surrogacy process to help someone else's dream come true.

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