Surrogacy is one of the most hopeful and life-changing paths to parenthood you can take. But you also have to remember that it does come with its own financial realities that can become overwhelming at first glance.
Understanding the average cost of surrogacy, what those costs include, and how your expenses can vary during the process can help you, as intended parents, better plan out your surrogacy journey.
What Is the Average Cost of Surrogacy?
The average cost of surrogacy in the U.S. ranges between $100,000 and $150,000. This estimate typically includes professional services, medical care, legal work, and surrogate compensation. The final price depends on factors like what state you reside in, the type of surrogacy arrangement it is (gestational vs traditional), and if the IVF cycle was successful on the first attempt or not.
If you’re exploring surrogacy abroad, you will find lower costs in countries like Georgia, Mexico, or Colombia, where the total expenses involved can fall between $50,000 and $80,000. However, the laws and protections in place for intended parents in these countries may vary, so you want to work with an experienced surrogacy agency that can help you minimize any risks involved.
The Biggest Cost Categories
Here are some of the biggest costs you will need to consider before setting out on your surrogacy journey.
Surrogacy Agency Fees
Surrogacy agencies usually provide you with end-to-end support and handle everything from matching you with a surrogate to overseeing the legal, medical, and emotional aspects of the journey. Agency fees can range, with some being between $20,000 and $40,000.
What do these fees cover?
- Surrogate screening and background checks
- Case management and coordination
- Emotional support and counseling services for the surrogate and intended parents
- Guidance through the legal and medical processes involved
Some parents might choose independent surrogacy and don’t go with an agency at all. This can lower the upfront costs but also requires significant time, legal knowledge, and risk management on your part. For most families, the reassurance a trusted agency provides is worth the investment.
Surrogate Compensation
One of the biggest expenses in the process will be the surrogate compensation. This can generally fall between $35,000 and $55,000 in the U.S. There may also be additional payments on top of this that cover maternity clothing, travel, and compensation if the surrogate is carrying multiples.
You should expect compensation packages to increase if the surrogate you have chosen to work with is highly experienced or lives where there may be higher living costs.
Medical Care and Fertility Treatments
Medical costs also account for a big share of the average price of surrogacy. These expenses can range from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on how many IVF cycles are actually needed.
Here is what may be bundled into the medical expenses:
- IVF treatments
- Embryo transfer procedures
- Prenatal care
- Labor and delivery costs
- Health insurance for the surrogate, if it’s not already provided
Insurance is going to be one of the more unpredictable parts of the surrogacy expenses. Not every health plan covers surrogate pregnancies, and some intended parents might end up having to purchase supplemental insurance policies.
Legal Fees
Another big part of surrogacy is the legal protection you need as intended parents. You want to make sure you’re recognized as the child’s legal guardian. Attorneys specializing in this can cost thousands for their services, including drafting contracts and establishing parentage.
However, because surrogacy laws differ from state to state and country to country, you might find higher costs when more legal steps are required, like in many international surrogacy situations.
Hidden Expenses to Consider
In addition to all of the categories we have already mentioned, there may also be hidden or unexpected costs that pop up, like when you have to go through multiple IVF cycles, lost wages for the surrogate, and travel costs.
There may also be unexpected complications that arise, like medical issues or hospital stays that can quickly raise your total price. Then there are post-birth expenses like neonatal care if the baby requires extra medical attention after the birth.
Getting Your Financials in Order
The average cost of surrogacy at first glance might feel overwhelming, but when you break it down into categories, it’s easier to understand where the funds actually go.
Working with a trusted surrogacy agency can help ensure that you have the guidance and support you need to wade through what can be an overly complex process for many. While there’s no denying it’s a huge financial commitment, you have to admit that the outcome (a healthy child and the gift of parenthood) is priceless.
