Surrogacy can be one of the most rewarding journeys an individual or couple ever takes—but it’s also one of the most financially complex. From agency fees to medical expenses and legal costs, how much surrogacy costs for intended parents is based on both expected and unforeseen expenses. Without a financial plan, the path to parenthood can quickly become overwhelming.
The good news? With thoughtful planning, expert support, and a solid understanding of the costs involved, surrogacy is financially achievable. This guide breaks down the essential elements of surrogacy financial planning so you can feel informed, empowered, and ready to take your next steps.
Understanding the Costs of Surrogacy
A breakdown of costs to anticipate:
Common Surrogacy Expenses
The cost of gestational surrogacy is not a single figure—it’s a combination of many moving parts. Understanding where your money will go is the first step in building a realistic financial plan.
- Agency Fees: If you work with a surrogacy agency, their fees typically cover matching services, coordination, case management, and support for both parties throughout the journey.
- Legal Fees: Legal contracts are essential to protect the rights of all parties. Fees include drafting agreements, court filings, and pre- or post-birth legal processes.
- Surrogate Compensation: Gestational carriers are compensated for their time, effort, and the physical and emotional impact of pregnancy. This can vary based on experience, location, and individual agreements.
- Medical Costs: These include IVF treatments, embryo transfers, screenings, pregnancy-related care, and delivery.
- Insurance: Health insurance for the surrogate (and sometimes supplemental policies) can be a major expense, especially if a new policy is required.
- Travel and Lodging: Depending on where your surrogate lives and the location of fertility clinics or delivery hospitals, you may need to budget for travel.
- Post-Birth Expenses: These may include legal finalizations, newborn care, and passport/travel arrangements for international parents.
Cost Ranges for Different Surrogacy Types
Costs can vary dramatically depending on the type of surrogacy and the structure of your journey.
- Domestic vs. International: Some intended parents explore international surrogacy to reduce costs, but legal complexity, travel, and ethical considerations must be weighed carefully.
- Independent surrogacy vs. Agency-Assisted: Working independently (without an agency) may reduce upfront fees, but it often means taking on more risk, legwork, and liability.
Creating a Financial Plan
What you need to do to work towards financing your dream:
Assessing Your Budget and Resources
Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand your current financial position. Ask yourself:
- What funds do I have available now?
- What can I reasonably save each month?
- Do I have access to investments or credit I can use responsibly?
- How might this impact other long-term financial goals?
If this feels overwhelming, a financial planner—especially one with fertility experience—can help clarify your options.
Building a Surrogacy Budget
Once you know what you can spend, you can begin mapping out a detailed surrogacy budget. Start with estimates for each major cost area listed earlier, then add a 10–15% buffer for unexpected expenses like NICU care, extended travel, or multiple embryo transfers.
You can also use spreadsheets, budgeting software, or templates provided by agencies. Some intended parents prefer working with financial advisors or accountants who can project multi-year impacts and integrate surrogacy costs into an overall family financial plan.
Funding Your Surrogacy Journey
The multiple ways to bring your dream family to life:
Loans and Financing Options
If you’re planning surrogacy in the future, building savings slowly over time can reduce your need for loans or credit.
- Consider opening a high-yield savings account or fertility-specific fund.
- Reevaluate investment portfolios; in some cases, it may make sense to liquidate lower-yield accounts.
- If absolutely necessary, some families consider surrogacy loans from retirement plans (like 401(k)s), though this should be a last resort due to long-term implications.
Grants, Fundraising, and Employer Benefits
Not all funding has to come from your pocket. Many families creatively combine resources to make surrogacy more affordable.
- Grants: Organizations like Baby Quest Foundation, Footprints of Angels, and others offer grants to help with infertility-related expenses.
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe can help rally support from friends and family. Be mindful of privacy and messaging.
- Employer Benefits: Some companies now offer fertility and surrogacy assistance as part of health or family planning benefits. Check with your HR department—this could offset thousands in costs.
Explore Creative Ways to Afford Surrogacy
If you’re looking for additional strategies, we’ve outlined even more approaches in our companion guide:How Can I Afford Surrogacy?It includes lesser-known options like medical tourism, payment plans, shared-risk programs, sliding scale agencies, and more.
Financial Red Flags to Avoid
What to look out for as you take the next step:
Underestimating the Total Cost
One of the biggest mistakes intended parents make is assuming the process will be linear and within a fixed budget. IVF cycles may need to be repeated. A surrogate might need to switch care providers. Legal delays can happen.
Always plan for contingencies—and work only with professionals who are transparent and upfront about potential extras.
Rushing Without Financial Readiness
The desire to start or grow a family is incredibly powerful, but surrogacy should only be pursued when you are financially stable. Rushing into a commitment you’re not ready to sustain can lead to debt, stress, and hardship that affect not only you, but your child’s future as well.
Take the time you need to prepare. Your peace of mind is worth it.
Working with Professionals
The trained help that’s on your side:
Surrogacy Agencies and Financial Transparency
A reputable agency such as Surrogacy By Faith will provide a detailed breakdown of costs and contractually commit to timelines, refund policies, and additional fees. Look for:
- Transparent pricing
- Clear milestones for payments
- Contracts reviewed by legal counsel
- Willingness to answer all your questions
Avoid agencies that promise “discounted” surrogacy without explaining how or why. Ethical surrogacy isn’t cheap—nor should it be.
Financial Advisors with Fertility Experience
Not every financial planner understands the nuances of surrogacy. An advisor familiar with fertility-related expenses can help you:
- Integrate costs into your long-term plan
- Maximize tax advantages (where applicable)
- Choose the best funding strategies for your financial goals
Ask for referrals from agencies, fertility clinics, or other intended parents to find someone who truly understands the journey.
Plan Ahead With Surrogacy By Faith
Surrogacy is a significant investment—emotionally, physically, and financially. But with proactive financial planning, the dream of parenthood can become a reality. Start by understanding the full scope of costs, create a realistic and flexible budget, and explore diverse funding options. Avoid shortcuts that compromise quality or ethics, and lean on experienced professionals to guide your steps.
And if you’re wondering how to make the numbers work, contact Surrogacy By Faith! We’re here to make this dream for your future family come true. Fill out our surrogacy form and intended parent form to begin, or visit us to learn more about financial planning and support resources for your journey.