Surrogacy Reimbursement in Canada: Real-Life Examples of Allowed Expenses

Surrogacy in Canada operates under a reimbursement-only model, meaning surrogates are not paid, but they can be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses related directly to the pregnancy.

Under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA), intended parents may reimburse the surrogate only after receiving receipts, ensuring the process remains ethical, transparent, and legally compliant.

This guide gives you real-life examples, expense categories, and clear explanations to help parents and surrogates understand exactly what is allowed, what is not allowed, and how reimbursement works in practice.

Why Does Canada Follow a Reimbursement Model?

Canada’s surrogacy rules are designed to:

• Protect surrogates from exploitation
  
• Ensure surrogacy remains altruistic
  
• Maintain fairness, transparency & accountability
  
• Prevent commercial surrogacy practices
  

This means surrogates must not profit—but they should never pay out of pocket for pregnancy-related costs.

Allowed Surrogacy Reimbursements in Canada (With Real Examples)

Below are the categories legally permitted by law, with real-life examples parents and surrogates encounter every day.

Medical & Health-Related Expenses

These are the most common and fully allowed.

Examples:

• Fertility clinic visits
  
• Ultrasounds, blood tests, prenatal care
  
• Midwife or obstetrician appointments
  
• Prescription medications (progesterone, estrogen, antibiotics)
  
• Prenatal vitamins and supplements
  
• Maternity clothing when medically recommended
  
• Hospital delivery costs not covered by insurance
  

Real Example:
A surrogate needed additional progesterone injections for 10 weeks. Each dose cost $42. She provided receipts and was reimbursed monthly.

Travel Expenses

Surrogates often travel to clinics, labs, and hospitals.

Examples:

• Gas mileage
  
• Car rentals
  
• Parking fees
  
• Public transportation
  
• Airfare when the clinic is in another province
  
• Hotel stays for multi-day appointments
  

Real Example:
A surrogate travelled 90 km each way, twice a week, for monitoring. Mileage reimbursement was provided according to CRA rates.

Lost Wages

If a surrogate misses work because of:

• Medical appointments
  
• Bed rest
  
• Complications
  
• Delivery
  
• Medical recovery
  

Lost wages may be reimbursed with employer documentation.

Real Example:
A surrogate took 5 days off for embryo transfer and recovery. She submitted her pay stubs and received full replacement of lost income.

Childcare Expenses

If a surrogate must attend appointments or is put on bed rest, childcare may be covered.

Examples:

• Babysitting during appointments
  
• Daycare fees
  
• Overnight childcare during labour & delivery
  

Real Example:
The surrogate had a 3-year-old. Her partner had night shifts, so childcare during morning monitoring visits was reimbursed.

Groceries & Nutritional Needs

Additional nutritional requirements due to pregnancy may be covered.

Examples:

• High-protein foods
  
• Iron-rich foods
  
• Prenatal nutrition supplements
  
• Special dietary needs recommended by a doctor
  

Real Example:
A surrogate in the second trimester needed a special iron-rich diet due to anemia. Weekly grocery adjustments were reimbursed.

Household Support

If pregnancy restrictions or complications prevent normal activity.

Examples:

• Cleaning services
  
• Meal-prep services
  
• Light yard work
  
• Laundry assistance
  

Real Example:
A surrogate was put on partial bed rest. A cleaning service was reimbursed bi-weekly to reduce physical strain.

Mental Wellness Support

Pregnancy can be emotionally demanding.

Examples:

• Counseling
  
• Therapy sessions
  
• Support groups
  
• Prenatal yoga or meditation classes (with doctor recommendation)
  

Real Example:
A surrogate experienced anxiety related to IVF medications. Virtual counseling sessions were reimbursed.

Legal Fees

Each party must have independent legal counsel.

Examples:

• Surrogacy agreement review
  
• Lawyer meetings
  
• Contract updates
  

Real Example:
Surrogate’s lawyer charged a $1,200 flat fee to review the contract. The intended parents reimbursed her directly.

Not Allowed (Illegal or Not Reimbursable)

Canada is strict about what cannot be paid.

Examples:

• Payments without receipts
  
• Compensation for “pain and suffering”
  
• Lump-sum payments
  
• “Gifts” as a form of payment
  
• Incentives for carrying twins or triplets
  
• Paying extra for lifestyle inconvenience
  

How Reimbursement Payments Are Made

The legally compliant method is:

1. Surrogate pays upfront
   
2. Surrogate saves receipts
   
3. Surrogate submits an itemized reimbursement request
   
4. Intended parents reimburse within a reasonable timeframe
   

Some families use a monthly reimbursement schedule to make it easier for everyone.

Real-Life Reimbursement Timeline Example

Month 1

• Medications: $312
  
• Parking: $36
  
• Diet supplements: $72
  

Month 2

• Mileage: $148
  
• Lost wages: $540
  
• Childcare: $120
  

Parents reimburse the total each month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Are surrogates paid in Canada?

Ans : No. Canadian law only allows reimbursement, not payment or compensation.

Q. How much do surrogates typically get reimbursed?

Ans : Most surrogates receive $18,000 – $28,000 CAD in total reimbursements over the entire journey, depending on medical needs, travel, and childcare.

Q. Can surrogates be reimbursed for lost wages?

Ans : Yes — if the time off is directly related to medical appointments or pregnancy care and employers provide documentation.

Q. Do intended parents need to save receipts?

Ans : Yes. Both surrogates and parents must maintain records, in case Health Canada requests proof.

Q. Can surrogates receive gifts?

Ans : Small non-monetary appreciation gifts (flowers, a thank-you card, a meal) are allowed.
Anything resembling compensation is prohibited.

Q. Can international intended parents reimburse surrogates?

Ans : Yes. The law applies equally to Canadian and international parents — reimbursements are fully legal.

Q. Are maternity clothes reimbursable?

Ans : Yes, when needed for pregnancy and with receipts.