How to Afford Surrogacy Financial Tips, Grants, Loans, and Employer Benefits

By Dr. Jane Tucker, MD, Board-Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Surrogacy can be a life-changing path to parenthood, but it often comes with a steep financial commitment. With total costs ranging from $120,000 to $180,000 or more, many intended parents wonder: “How can we afford this?”

The good news is that a growing number of financial tools, grants, loans, and employer benefits can help make surrogacy more accessible.

This guide explores real strategies to help you manage the cost of surrogacy — without sacrificing your dream of building a family.

The True Cost of Surrogacy

Here’s where your money typically goes in a U.S. surrogacy arrangement:

Expense Item	Typical Cost Range
Surrogate Compensation	$40,000 – $80,000
Agency Fees	$30,000 – $40,000
Legal Services	$7,000 – $15,000
IVF + Medical Costs	$25,000 – $50,000
Insurance + Escrow	$10,000 – $20,000
Travel, Maternity Clothes, Lost Wages	$5,000 – $10,000
TOTAL	$130,000 – $180,000+

Learn about full surrogacy costs at Surrogacy4All

Financial Strategies to Afford Surrogacy

1. Break the Process Into Phases

Surrogacy isn’t paid all at once. Most agencies, including Surrogacy4All, offer staged payment plans across 12–18 months. This can help make the cost more manageable.

2. Apply for Surrogacy Grants

Several nonprofits and foundations offer need-based fertility and surrogacy grants:

• Baby Quest Foundation
• Journey to Parenthood
• Men Having Babies Gay Parenting Assistance Program
• Tinina Q. Cade Foundation
• Hope for Fertility Foundation

Note: Grant cycles are competitive and may require financial documentation.

3. Consider Surrogacy Loans and Financing

Specialized financing options exist for surrogacy:

• Prosper Healthcare Lending
• CapexMD
• LightStream
• New Life Fertility Finance

These companies offer unsecured loans with flexible terms to cover IVF, legal, and agency fees.

4. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or FSA\

While surrogacy compensation is not HSA-eligible, certain medical costs (e.g., IVF, egg retrieval, medications) can be paid with tax-free HSA or FSA funds.

5. Explore Employer Benefits

More employers now offer family-building benefits, including:

• IVF coverage
• Surrogacy stipends or reimbursements
• Fertility medication coverage

Companies like Google, Facebook, Starbucks, and Salesforce are leaders in fertility benefits.

Check with your HR or benefits manager — and ask about third-party fertility benefit administrators like Carrot Fertility, Progyny, or Maven Clinic.

6. Insurance Check

Some employer plans offer IVF coverage, but surrogacy-specific insurance is rare.

You may need a surrogacy-friendly medical plan or purchase a supplemental maternity policy for your surrogate.

Surrogacy4All helps review insurance options

7. Tax Strategies

Although complicated, some medical expenses related to IVF and embryo creation may qualify for medical deductions.

Consult a fertility-experienced tax advisor to understand your eligibility and structure costs efficiently.

Watch and wait for the results of Trump’s Executive order. May result in substantial benefits to you.

See video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVvRznJFNCI

8. Family or Crowdfunding Support

Some families receive help from relatives or turn to platforms like:

• GoFundMe
• Gift of Parenthood
• Fundly

Keep messaging respectful and transparent about your journey — and provide updates!

FAQs: Surrogacy and Financial Planning

Q: Are payment plans available?

Ans. Yes — Surrogacy4All and most agencies allow installment payments during different journey phases.

Q: Can I use a personal loan for surrogacy?

Ans. Yes. Some people use personal or fertility loans to cover upfront costs.

Q: Are surrogacy costs tax-deductible?

Ans. Some IVF-related medical costs are; surrogate compensation and agency fees generally are not.

Q: Do all employers cover surrogacy?

Ans. No. But more companies are starting to offer this benefit, especially via fertility benefit providers.

Q: Can we use our own lawyer and still save money?

Ans. Possibly — but ensure your lawyer is experienced in reproductive law.

Q: Can I negotiate surrogate compensation?

Ans. Compensation is usually set by the agency based on experience and location but may vary.

Q: Is it cheaper to find a surrogate independently?

Ans. Potentially, but this can increase legal and medical risks significantly.

Q: Can IVF grants also be used for surrogacy?

Ans. Some do, especially if embryo creation is part of your journey.

Q: What happens if I run out of money mid-process?

Ans. Escrow accounts ensure payments are secured; emergencies are handled case-by- case.

Q: Is surrogacy cheaper in other countries?

Ans. It can be — but U.S.-based surrogacy offers stronger legal protection and higher success rates.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is an investment in your future — emotionally and financially. But it doesn’t have to be out of reach. With the right planning, resources, and support, you can make your family-building dreams a reality.

At Surrogacy4All, we walk with you every step of the way — including reviewing costs, recommending financing options, and exploring grants.

Ready to get started?

Schedule your free consultation or Apply to Become a Parent Now

Contact us at 1-212-661-7177 or Email  info@surrogacy4all.com