When you decide to take your surrogacy journey to build or grow your family, one of the biggest questions that probably enters your mind is, “How much is it going to cost?” Agencies and clinics can typically provide you with a cost estimate, but many intended parents find that the actual price tag after everything is said and done ends up a lot higher than initially expected.
Understanding the potential costs you may face upfront can help you plan better, reduce the surprises that can pop up, and allow you to approach your surrogacy journey with more confidence. We will walk you through some of the hidden expenses you might come across during the surrogacy process that can potentially add to your total cost of surrogacy.
Medical Complications and Unexpected Treatments
Even when there are thorough screenings and quality medical care, pregnancies don’t always go as planned. If your surrogate experiences medical complications, is in need of additional procedures, has to go on bed rest, or needs an extended hospital stay, the cost of surrogate mother can really add up.
You might also find that only some of these additional expenses are covered by insurance. Other medical costs you might find that can add up include the following:
- Additional fertility treatments if the first cycle wasn’t successful
- Emergency procedures, like a C-section
- Specialist visits or unexpected prenatal testing
Some situations are simply unpredictable and can increase your overall expenses by thousands of dollars.
Legal Fees That Go Beyond the Basics
Surrogacy requires a strong legal framework to protect the intended parents as well as the surrogate mother. Many people find themselves budgeting for drafting contracts and finalizing parental rights, but the legal fees involved can surpass these basics.
Extra legal costs you might run into include:
- Negotiating contract revisions if unexpected issues arise
- Additional court filings, depending on the state or country where the birth takes place
- International legal fees if one or both of the parents live abroad
Every surrogacy arrangement is unique, so your legal expenses might be more extensive than what your initial estimate shows.
Travel and Accommodation Costs
Travel is often an overlooked expense, especially if your surrogate is in another country. Intended parents need to budget for:
- Flights or long drives for medical appointments and the birth
- Hotel stays near the surrogate or hospital
- Rental cars or transportation while traveling
If your baby is born internationally, you might also face extended stays to complete the legal and citizenship process after the child is born. This can add weeks to your overall cost for accommodations.
Insurance Gaps and Exclusions
Insurance is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to surrogacy and your expenses. Some surrogate health plans actually exclude maternity care if the pregnancy involves surrogacy. This leaves intended parents responsible for the additional premiums or even a new policy.
Potential insurance-related costs you might encounter include:
- Having to purchase a new plan that covers the surrogate’s medical care
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses if the surrogate’s coverage is limited
- Newborn insurance for complications that lead to extended NICU stays
Psychological Support and Counseling
Emotional well-being is just as important as medical care during any surrogacy journey. Many surrogacy agencies recommend, and some even require, counseling sessions for both the surrogate and the intended parents. You have to keep in mind that these sessions might not be fully covered in the initial fee structure you were given.
Additional costs might include:
- Extra therapy sessions are due to the more difficult phases of the process
- Support for siblings or partners adjusting to the surrogacy journey
- Counseling after the birth to help with the emotional transition
Multiple Embryo Transfers or Failed Cycles
As we mentioned earlier, sometimes the first embryo transfer doesn’t always lead to a successful pregnancy. Each additional cycle comes with its own medical and medication costs. Intended parents need to consider the possibility of:
- Paying for more than one IVF attempt
- Additional egg retrieval or sperm collection
- Storage fees for embryos until the transfer
Post-Birth Expenses
Surrogacy doesn’t just stop the moment your child is born. Depending on your situation, you might encounter a few more expenses such as:
- Extended hospital stays for your newborn if there are complications
- Legal costs for issuing birth certificates and passports, especially abroad
- Childcare or family support while you remain away from home
For international intended parents, post-birth expenses like these can be one of the largest hidden cost categories overall, and should not be overlooked.
Agency or Administrative Fees That Weren’t Fully Disclosed
Most reputable agencies are transparent, but some might not fully outline all the administrative costs involved. Consider that there might be extra costs for the following:
- Case management that extends beyond a certain timeframe
- Additional screenings or background checks
- Coordination of medical or legal professionals outside of the standard package
You always want to ask for a detailed and itemized breakdown of the costs involved early on in the surrogacy process. This can help keep the surprises to a minimum.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy can be rewarding and your path to parenthood when your options are limited. However, it comes with its own set of financial complexities. While most agencies provide cost estimates, there are still hidden expenses at times that can derail your budget.
Taking the time to understand where these costs might come in lets you plan for them in advance, giving you greater peace of mind and fewer financial surprises.
