Surrogacy Costs and Financing in the United States

Building a family through surrogacy is a beautiful but costly undertaking. Intended parents must budget for agency fees, surrogate compensation, legal representation, medical treatments, insurance and unforeseen expenses. Costs vary widely by state, by surrogate experience and by the number of IVF cycles required. For same‑sex couples or single parents, additional expenses such as egg donation or sperm testing may apply. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of surrogacy costs, offers strategies for financing your journey and highlights resources to help you build your family without unnecessary financial stress.

Average Surrogacy Costs in the U.S.

The overall cost of a surrogacy journey in the United States ranges from $100,000 to $140,000, including professional fees, surrogate compensation and medical and insurance costs. In some cases, expenses can climb to $250,000 or more due to multiple IVF cycles or complications. Here’s how those costs break down:

Agency Fees

Surrogacy agencies coordinate matching, screening, case management, counseling and other services. Agency fees typically range from $35,000 to $55,000.

Surrogate Compensation and Expenses

Gestational carriers make a significant physical and emotional commitment. Base compensation usually falls between $35,000 and $60,000, but can rise to $65,000–$95,000 depending on experience and location. Intended parents also cover maternity clothes, lost wages and childcare. Compensation is paid in installments after pregnancy confirmation and throughout the gestation period.

Legal Fees

Attorneys draft and review contracts, establish parental rights and ensure compliance with state laws. Legal fees generally range from $10,000 to $25,000.

Medical Expenses

IVF is the most common fertility treatment used in surrogacy. A single IVF cycle costs $25,000 to $35,000, including medications, monitoring, egg retrieval and embryo transfer . Additional costs for prenatal care and delivery add another $10,000 or more, depending on the surrogate’s insurance coverage.

Insurance and Employer Benefits

Many health insurance plans still do not cover surrogacy. However, some employers offer fertility benefits that may offset IVF or surrogacy costs. For example, Starbucks offers $20,000 toward IVF, Walmart provides $20,000 toward fertility treatments and surrogacy and companies like Intel and Bank of America provide tens of thousands of dollars in fertility benefits. Always review the surrogate’s insurance policy and consult an insurance specialist to ensure adequate coverage for pregnancy and newborn care.

Additional Considerations for Same‑Sex Couples

Male couples must factor in the cost of an egg donor, typically $30,000–$40,000, including donor compensation, screening and agency fees. Sperm testing and preparation add another $1,000–$5,000. These costs are separate from the surrogate’s compensation and the IVF process.

Factors That Influence Surrogacy Costs

Costs vary based on several factors:

• Location: States with high demand for surrogates, such as California, often have higher compensation and agency fees.
• Agency Services: Comprehensive agencies that include matching, legal support and counseling may charge more, but they simplify the process and reduce risk.
• Experience Levels: Experienced surrogates and egg donors command higher compensation.
• Number of IVF Cycles: Not all IVF cycles succeed on the first attempt. Additional cycles increase costs.
• Medical Complications: Unexpected complications can add medical expenses for the surrogate and newborn.

Financing Your Surrogacy Journey

Understanding how to finance surrogacy is just as important as knowing the cost. Many intended parents combine several strategies:

• Personal Savings: Planning well in advance allows you to save gradually for surrogacy expenses.
• Home Equity Loans: Some families tap home equity to finance surrogacy at a lower interest rate.
• Fertility Financing Programs: Banks and speciality lenders offer loans specifically for fertility treatments and surrogacy.
• Grants and Scholarships: Nonprofit organizations provide grants to offset fertility expenses. Look for programs that support LGBTQ+ families or cancer survivors.
• Employer Benefits: Check whether your employer offers fertility benefits or reimbursements.

You should also set up an escrow account managed by a third party to handle all surrogate payments. This ensures transparency, protects the surrogate’s financial interests and builds trust between parties.

Expert Quote

“Budgeting for surrogacy can be daunting, but understanding the individual cost components and exploring financing options empowers intended parents to make informed decisions. We encourage our patients to review their insurance policies, investigate employer benefits and speak with financial advisors before beginning the process.” — Dr. Kulsoom, MBBS

Patient Case Study

Case Study: Financing Surrogacy Through Creative Means

Adam and Ben, a same‑sex couple from Illinois, dreamed of a child genetically related to both of them. The estimated cost of their surrogacy journey, including egg donation, was approximately $175,000. They consulted with Patients Medical NYC to map out a financial plan. Adam used his employer’s $25,000 fertility benefit, while Ben accessed a low‑interest home equity loan. They also received a $5,000 grant through a national family‑building nonprofit. By diversifying their financing sources, they reduced their out‑of‑pocket costs and managed payments comfortably. Their son was born via gestational surrogacy in Nevada, where surrogacy laws are favorable and pre‑birth orders are recognized.

Testimonials

Intended Parent: “We were overwhelmed when we first saw the cost of surrogacy, but our agency helped us break everything down. With the combination of savings, employer benefits and a small loan, we were able to finance the journey and bring our daughter home.” — Rachel L.

Surrogate: “Understanding how compensation works and how my expenses were covered made me feel secure. The intended parents ensured that all payments were handled through an escrow account, which made the process transparent and stress‑free.” — Samantha C.

Financial Advisor: “I recommend my clients treat surrogacy like any other major investment: research costs, build a savings plan and seek financing only for what you can’t cover. It’s also important to factor in medical contingencies and legal expenses.” — Jonathan P., CPA.

Step Forward With These Guides

• Understanding the Surrogacy Process in the United States
• Legal Considerations for Surrogacy Across U.S. States
• Insurance and Risk Management in Surrogacy Agreements
• Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Surrogacy

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Does health insurance cover surrogacy?

Ans: Most health insurance plans do not cover surrogacy. Some plans may cover certain medical procedures, like prenatal care or delivery, but intended parents are usually responsible for additional premiums, deductibles and out‑of‑pocket costs.

Q: How are surrogate payments structured?

Ans: Surrogate compensation is typically disbursed in installments. An initial payment may occur upon confirmation of pregnancy, followed by monthly payments and a final payment after the birth. All reimbursement for expenses should be documented and paid through an escrow account.

Q: Can surrogacy be more affordable outside the United States?

Ans: Surrogacy costs are often lower in other countries. However, pursuing surrogacy abroad introduces additional legal risks and logistical challenges. The United States offers a well‑regulated environment with high medical standards, which many intended parents find worth the added investment.

Next Steps with Patients Medical NYC

Financing your surrogacy journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Patients Medical NYC and Surrogacy4All, we provide financial counseling, connect you with reputable surrogacy agencies and donors, and help you access wellness support throughout your journey. Explore resources from IndianEggDonors.com and EggDonors4All.com to find diverse donors, and contact us today to discuss financing options tailored to your needs.