As the years go by, surrogacy is becoming a much more widely recognized path to parenthood worldwide. As more countries begin establishing legal systems and reputable clinics for assisted reproduction, the interest in international surrogacy continues to grow.
However, with the type of growth we’re seeing, an important question pops into the picture for intended parents: How are surrogacy costs changing, and what factors actually influence that total price?
A Global Surrogacy Overview
The United States is one of the more expensive surrogacy destinations out there, which is why many intended parents have widened their search to include Europe, Latin America, and Asia for more affordable options. Here’s a brief and estimated breakdown of where the price range typically falls between the following countries:
- United States: $120,000 to $220,000
- Canada: $80,000 to $110,000
- Latin America (Colombia, Mexico): $60,000 to $90,000
- Eastern Europe (Georgia, Ukraine): $50,000 to $80,000
- Asia: $45,000+
You also have to keep in mind that these surrogacy cost breakdowns are just averages, and the availability and regulations surrounding surrogacy in some countries (like Ukraine) also evolve based on geopolitical conditions.
So, if you’re an intended parent planning ahead, a helpful first step would be exploring expected expenses using a surrogacy cost calculator. It estimates pricing based on the country, IVF needs, and donor services.
What’s Included in the Surrogacy Costs?
How much does a surrogate cost, and what’s actually included in the cost? Well, these are good questions, but they are only one small part of the bigger financial picture. Typical international surrogacy programs might consist of the following:
- Surrogate compensation
- Agency coordination fees
- Fertility clinic and IVF procedures
- Embryo creation and testing
- Legal contracts and parentage rights
- Medical care and paternity support
- Travel costs for visits or the birth
- Insurance arrangements
- Newborn documentation and exit support
Each of these smaller components should be compared to countries and agencies you’re considering. You want to avoid focusing just on the headline pricing. You want to make sure to break down the costs and see what is (and isn’t) included.
Why Are Surrogacy Prices Changing?
Even in the destinations well-known for surrogacy because of affordability, prices are starting to trend slightly upward. Some of the reasons for this could be in part due to the following factors:
An Increased Demand
There has been a rise in surrogacy among couples experiencing infertility, LGBTQ+ parents, and single parents by choice. All of this has created more of a demand for surrogacy. This ultimately means that at times, there is more of a demand for surrogates than there are actual surrogates to help fill the demand, causing the compensation and incentives to naturally increase.
Stricter Medical and Legal Standards
Another reason prices are trending up may be due to the fact that countries with clearer laws and more established medical infrastructures are attracting more international clients, but often require more comprehensive screenings, additional legal documentation, and higher prenatal care standards overall. While these all add security to the surrogacy process, they can also increase the costs involved.
Rising Healthcare and IVF Costs
More advanced reproductive technologies like PGT-A genetic testing, frozen embryo transfer cycles, and donor eggs or sperm are becoming more common today, which increases the clinic-related expenses.
Greater Surrogate Support and Benefits
Some of the top surrogacy programs include wellness care, lost wages reimbursement, transportation and childcare support, and life and maternity insurance. These may be considered necessary protections, but they do increase the total program fee.
Why Do the Prices Vary By Country?
Location is going to be one of the biggest cost factors you’ll find. It’s never going to be a one-size-fits-all option for every family. Regional laws, medical standards, and economic conditions all roll into the grand total.
What to Plan for as Intended Parents
Regardless of the country you choose to go to for your surrogacy journey, the following are a few things to keep in mind as you begin planning.
- Build up a 10 to 15% contingency budget that can cover unexpected medical or travel costs
- Review the pricing you’re given line by line and confirm what’s included or what’s optional
- Prioritize the agencies with stronger legal and medical backing
- Choose a surrogate-friendly country with clear and established parentage laws
Prepare for a More Successful Journey
Surrogacy is one of the more meaningful ways you can build your family. The process is becoming more protected, ethical, and accessible, so it’s only natural that the costs involved are going to continue to rise alongside the demand.
As an intended parent dreaming of holding your baby for the first time, you want as much transparency in the process as possible. Take the time to understand what shapes the prices you’re given, why they vary country to country, and how much the total cost breaks down to be. Knowing all of this allows you to move forward fully informed and more financially prepared.
With the right agency partners and a clear financial plan in place, international surrogacy can be a safe, hopeful, and more achievable journey you can take toward your dreams of parenthood.
