Gestational Surrogacy Costs Breakdown: Complete Guide & Affordable Options for Intended Parents for Surrogacy Journey
Are you considering the beautiful journey of becoming a parent through surrogacy? One of the crucial aspects that often comes to mind is the cost associated with surrogacy. At IVF Conceptions, we understand the importance of transparency and being well-informed about the financial commitments involved in your path to parenthood. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of surrogacy costs, empowering you to make educated decisions with confidence.
Gestational surrogacy is an expensive and time-consuming process. So, most of the intended parents will think about the cost before they opt for the surrogacy journey.
It is very important to be clear about all the costs incurred in surrogacy to avoid any conflict in the later stages. The overall costs of surrogacy were determined by several factors. To properly consider the total costs of surrogacy, planned parents should be able to identify the surrogacy cost breakdown for the full process.
Surrogacy costs can be classified into two major categories: variable costs and fixed fees. Below are the different facilities used under each of these groups, and how they may affect the overall surrogacy cost expenses.
More resources:
All-inclusive guaranteed surrogacy baby in Georgia for hetero couples
All-inclusive guaranteed surrogacy baby in Colombia for gay couples
Countries where surrogacy is legal (2024)
Top 4 cheapest surrogacy countries in the world
Surrogacy Basics- Types of Surrogacy
Before delving into the costs, let’s briefly cover the basics of surrogacy. Surrogacy is a reproductive option where a gestational surrogate carries and gives birth to a child on behalf of the intended parents. There are two primary types of surrogacy:
- Traditional Surrogacy: In this method, the surrogate is also the biological mother of the child. This type is less common today.
- Gestational Surrogacy: Here, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. An embryo, typically created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), is implanted in the surrogate’s womb.
Most intended parents opt for gestational surrogacy due to the genetic connection with one or both parents.
Surrogacy cost in the USA with surrogacy cost breakdown
On average, gestational surgical costs range between $80,000 and $150,000 in the United States, depending on the intended couple’s specifications.
If a woman may use her own eggs or if has frozen embryos from previous fertility procedures, the surrogacy cost will be less. The same applies to the sperm too — if one of the parents is male and his sperm can be used, then the procedure would be marginally cheaper than if a sperm donor is needed.
Independent surrogacy cost or private surrogate cost is less as compared to gestational surrogacy cost as no agency fee is involved. So, if you have a tight budget, you might consider it.
What is the average cost of Surrogacy?
Now, let’s dive into the breakdown of surrogacy costs, which can vary depending on various factors, including location, the clinic you choose, and your individual circumstances. Here’s a comprehensive overview in brief:
| Expense Category | Surrogacy Cost Range |
| Agency Fees | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Legal Fees | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Medical Expenses | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| IVF Costs | $12,000 – $15,000 |
| Insurance | Varies, but can range from $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Counseling and Support | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Miscellaneous | Approximately $5,000 |
Agency Fees
Surrogacy Agency: When you decide to pursue surrogacy, you may choose to work with a surrogacy agency. They facilitate the matching process between intended parents and surrogates, handle legal matters, and provide support throughout the journey.
Legal Fees
Legal Consultation: This includes drafting and reviewing contracts, as well as handling any legal issues that may arise during the surrogacy process.
Surrogate Compensation
Base Compensation: Surrogates are compensated for their time, effort, and the physical demands of pregnancy.
Medical Expenses
Prenatal Care and Delivery: The medical expenses include the costs of prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for the surrogate.
IVF Costs
In Vitro Fertilization: If you’re using your own eggs or sperm, you’ll incur IVF costs for the creation of embryos.
Insurance
Health Insurance: It’s essential to ensure that the surrogate has appropriate health insurance that covers surrogacy-related expenses.
Counseling and Support
Emotional Support: Surrogacy can be emotionally challenging for both the surrogate and intended parents. Counseling and support services are crucial.
Miscellaneous
Travel and Incidental Costs: This category covers various expenses that may arise during the surrogacy process, such as travel, background checks, and more.
How much does surrogacy cost?
The costs involved in a typical surrogacy process in the USA are:
Agency fees, legal charges, fees for fertility services, surrogate insurance, and pregnancy-related expenses are counted in the overall costs of surrogacy treatment. Also, certain factors can affect the total expenses for intended parents, such as by-products or other unforeseen incidents, depending on the situation.
Here is the surrogacy costs breakdown for intended parents:
#1. Cost of surrogate
Surrogate mother payment is one of the greatest costs for intended parents. In addition to all her legal, medical, educational, and travel expenses, their intended parents shall provide their surrogate with minimal insurance and a monthly subsidy to cover and reimburse their time, resources, and sacrifices for any costs relating to pregnancy.
In the United States, on average, the minimum surrogate fee is $35,000 for the first time. This typically is charged in monthly installments, beginning after a fetal heartbeat, at about $2500-3,000 a month.
The surrogate compensation or pay varies according to whether it is your first surrogacy or you are an experienced surrogate. It also depends on the location of the surrogate. For example, when the gestational carrier is pregnant with twins, the surrogate mother’s cost for twins is an additional $5,000. This payment rises to $10,000 for triplet pregnancies.
#2. Medical costs
The cost of IVF surrogacy is typically higher than conventional IVF: while IVF can cost up to $20,000 in gestational surrogacy, the standard procedure costs about $12,500. This amounts to just $1,000 for the IVF embryo transfer bill.
Medical costs are often considered, but sometimes unexpected incidental costs might come, but not in all cases.
- Pregnancy ectopic: Max. $1000
- Pregnancy termination: Avg. $1500
- C-section: $2500
- Uterine loss (hysterectomy): $5000
- Loss of fallopian tube(s): $1000
- Selective reduction: $1000
#3. Screening costs
#3. Screening costsFirst and foremost, all surrogate screening costs are taken care of by the intended parents.
A blood testing panel is used to check the pregnancy suitability and the presence of STDs on the surrogate and her partner. She needs to undergo a uterus scan to rule out any issues in it. While it differs from one clinic to the next, for this portion of the test, you can expect to pay about $1,000-$4,000.
The cost of screening is-
- Psychological screening- $1000
- An investigation into the criminal background: $500
#4. Legal and attorney cost
The surrogacy process consists of legal documents specifying the obligations of each party, surrogate compensation, and intended parents. In addition to arranging and writing this document, each of the expected parents and surrogates would require a lawyer as well as other required resources. Legal expenditure varies according to state laws and in specific circumstances the amount of legal work required.
Based on the condition of each family, additional legal resources may be needed. For traditional surrogacy treatment, for example, legal action must be taken to terminate the parental rights of the surrogate. The non-biologically intended parent would have to complete the legal process if genetic material from a donor is used.
Indeed, the costs of obtaining an intended parent’s draft surrogacy agreement usually vary between $2,000 and $2,800, for obtaining legal parentage the cost can start from $7,000.
Furthermore, the gestational surrogacy agreement on behalf of the mother may have to be checked once drawn up, a move that may raise the above fees by $1000.
Finally, an established company that they can completely trust should be sought by intended parents to handle the financial aspects of the legal component or its surrogacy and/or egg contributors. To this end, the operation of a professional account manager or a professional escrow manager, which may cost up to $ 1,000, is highly recommended.
#5. Insurance cost
Some planned parents worry about surrogacy agreements being protected by insurance policy companies. The fact is, some do not, but even those who do cover only half of it. In total, insurance policy rates range between $10,700 and $15,800.
In the case of a surrogate, it is highly advised that planned parents and surrogates take health insurance which is valid for the surrogacy process as well.
#6. Surrogacy agency cost
The payments for the agency are paid to the surrogacy agency, covering all the services the agency offers including background checks, assessments, support, and training, hiring and matching a surrogate mother and then managing her for a full surrogacy journey and beyond that. Regardless of how long it is required to complete the surgery process, agency costs should be fixed. The standard surrogacy agency fee varies from $20,000 to $35,000.
The fees charged for the service will vary according to the position of the intended parents. Families planning to conduct an independent surrogacy will save agency fees.
Additional guide for surrogacy costs breakdown for intended parents:
How much does a surrogate make?
12 tips to reduce surrogacy costs
Top 4 cheapest countries for surrogacy
International surrogacy costs:
Here is a table of the cheapest countries for surrogacy:
| Country | Regulation & Organization | Who is allowed to participate | Surrogacy Cost | Legal Assurance |
| Colombia | Altruistic | Singles, gay couples, hetero couples | Affordable
$70,000 |
Reliable |
| Mexico | Altruistic | Singles, gay couples, hetero couples | Affordable
$70,000 to $80,000 |
Reliable |
| USA | Commercial | Singles, gay couples, hetero couples | Costly
$150,000+ |
Strong |
| Ukraine | Commercial | Hetero couples | Affordable
$60,000 |
Strong |
| Georgia | Commercial | Hetero couples | Affordable
$60,000 |
Strong
|
| Greece | Altruistic | Hetero couples and single women | Affordable
$80,000 |
Strong |
Conclusion
ConclusionBringing the joy of parenthood into your life through surrogacy is a dream for many. However, the process comes with various costs that can seem overwhelming at first.
Understanding the costs of surrogacy is a vital step for intended parents embarking on this extraordinary journey to parenthood.
By gaining insights into the breakdown of surrogacy costs, you can plan your finances accordingly and make informed decisions.
Each surrogacy process is unique and so does the surrogacy cost breakdown for each case.
But you can evaluate the estimated cost and hope for minimal extra expense. Or else, you can opt for an all-inclusive guaranteed baby plan which offers a promise to give a baby/baby in fixed fee, no matter how many attempts they need.
These kinds of programs are offered by most Georgia surrogacy and Ukraine surrogacy clinics. The all-inclusive surrogacy costs around $55,000 to $60,000 which is half of the cost in the USA and gives assurance of a live baby.
Therefore, all these costs must be kept in mind before opting for surrogacy, but always keep 10% extra money aside, for unseen costs. In case of any confusion, you can talk directly to the surrogacy agency for the same.
Low-cost surrogacy options:
Refer to our IVF Conceptions Surrogacy Prices & Plans ( in 2024)
International Surrogacy Cost in 2024: Cheap Surrogacy Countries
So, how much can surrogacy cost by country? The answers depend on which country and what specific services you choose. Please see below our international surrogacy services, which are affordable yet trusted and secure.
#1. USA (Los Angeles)- For All Parents
How much does surrogacy cost in the USA? The average cost of services in the USA ranges from $130,000 to $150,000.
IVF & surrogacy is done in one of the leading fertility and best clinics in LA. The full package includes your surrogate, clinic procedures, & legal fees. Available to all married couples, singles, and LGBT couples seeking surrogacy.
#2. Guarantee Surrogacy Baby in Colombia, Bogota- For all parents
How much does gay surrogacy cost in Colombia? – The cost of IVF, egg donor, and surrogacy with an all-inclusive guaranteed surrogacy baby is $65,000.
#3. Guaranteed Surrogacy Baby in Tbilisi, Georgia- For married couples
How much does surrogacy in Georgia cost? The secure or guaranteed baby cost in Georgia is 67,000 USD. This is a fixed-price program with unlimited clinic & admin services until you are home with your baby. We are proud to offer the most affordable, secure, and reliable surrogacy programs in Bogota with the team having more than 13 years of experience in global surrogacy services.
#4. IVF with Egg Donor & Surrogacy in Mexico- For all parents.
How much does surrogacy cost in Mexico? The guaranteed baby surrogacy in Mexico is available for 66,900 USD. Fixed-price programs with unlimited clinic & admin services until you are home with your baby. We are proud to offer the most affordable, secure, and reliable surrogacy programs in Mexico City with the team having more than 13 years of experience in global surrogacy services.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services and Affordable surrogacy agencies globally, check out the rest of our website: IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.
FAQs About Surrogacy Costs Breakdown for Intended Parents.
- What are the average surrogacy costs?
The average cost of surrogacy for U.S.-based intended parents is around $100,000, but it can range from $15,000 to $250,000.
- What factors contribute to surrogacy expenses?
Several factors contribute to surrogacy expenses, including location, insurance coverage, the type of surrogacy (gestational or traditional), medical procedures involved, legal fees, agency fees, and surrogate compensation.
- Are surrogacy agency fees included in the overall costs?
Yes, surrogacy agency fees are part of the overall costs. These fees can vary significantly depending on the services provided by the agency and typically range from $15,000 to $30,000.
- How does surrogate mother compensation work?
Surrogate mother compensation varies based on factors such as location and previous experience as a surrogate. The base compensation for a surrogate can range from $30,000 to $70,000, with additional contingent fees if complications arise during the pregnancy.
- Are there any legal expenses associated with surrogacy?
Yes, there are legal expenses associated with surrogacy. These costs can range from $7,000 to $15,000 and include creating legal documents, addressing compensation structure, and handling potential pregnancy complications.
- What are the medical costs involved in surrogacy?
Medical costs in surrogacy include fertility tests and treatments, embryo creation (ranging from $20,000 to $30,000), egg donation (around $20,000 to $30,000), in vitro fertilization (IVF) (approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per cycle), and potential additional medical expenses during pregnancy.
- Are there insurance options available for surrogacy?
Most standard health insurance plans do not cover surrogate pregnancy. However, there are some supplemental insurance options available for surrogacy, although they can be expensive, with costs ranging from $12,000 to $30,000.
- What are the costs of international surrogacy?
The costs of international surrogacy can vary widely depending on the destination country and the specific arrangements involved. The cheapest countries for surrogacy are- Colombia, Mexico, and Georgia and it costs around $60,000 to $70,000 for a guaranteed baby surrogacy program.
- How much does gestational surrogacy cost?
The cost of gestational surrogacy can vary depending on various factors, but the average range is approximately $125,000 to $175,000.
- Are there any financial assistance options for surrogacy?
There are some financial assistance options available for surrogacy, such as fertility grants, crowdfunding, loans, and certain workplace benefits. However, coverage and availability vary, so it’s important to explore these options on an individual basis.
