Surrogacy is a complex, emotionally charged process. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting, which makes it difficult to estimate how much surrogacy will cost. However, it’s important to consider all of the factors that affect your budget before beginning a surrogacy journey.
Surrogate fees vary significantly depending on where you live and your fertility clinic’s rates. The average surrogate fee in the U.S. is around $30,000 – $50,000, according to About the Baby. Surrogates typically receive payment from the intended parents in installments throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. Some surrogates have taken out loans or used other sources of funding in order to provide their services for free or at reduced rates for intended parents who are unable to afford full compensation for their time and effort.
What are the costs associated with surrogacy?
Image: Ibrahim Boran
- Surrogacy agency fees (from $5,000 to $25,000)
- Attorney fees ($2,500 to $10,000)
- Medications (from $1,500 to $3,000)
- Hospital stay ($2,500 to $5,000)
How can you make surrogacy more affordable?
It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re in over your head when considering using a surrogate to have a baby.
But it’s important to remember that there are many options available, and that surrogacy is an affordable option for many families.
How much should you budget for a surrogate pregnancy?
There is no standard amount of money you should budget for surrogacy — it depends on your individual situation and needs. The cost of surrogacy can vary widely depending on where you live, who is providing the service (doctor or agency), and what type of services you need. Some surrogates charge flat fees while others charge hourly rates; some agencies charge a fee while others don’t. Some people pay for their own medical expenses, while others have their insurance cover them; some people pay for travel expenses for their surrogate as well as themselves; some people choose to do all of their preparation work online while others prefer to work with an agency that helps with this aspect.
To get an idea of possible costs, here are some examples provided by Surrogate Mothers Online:
$25K – $30K + meds + travel/housing = $50K-$60K+ total cost
The cost of surrogacy varies depending on the type of surrogacy you choose, the surrogate’s location and if you have insurance that covers some of the expenses.
The average cost of a gestational carrier is $40,000 to $60,000. Surrogates in the U.S. charge around $30,000, while international surrogates can charge upwards of $100,000. The price may also vary depending on whether you choose an agency or an independent surrogate.
Surrogacy agencies typically charge between $15,000 and $20,000 for their services — including medical screening of both parties as well as legal paperwork. An agency will usually ask for a non-refundable fee upfront (sometimes as much as $7,500). If you go with an independent surrogate, expect to pay her directly for her services (although some agencies may offer more personalized support).
Surrogacy is a wonderful option for many couples who want to have children. But it can be a very expensive process.
What factors affect the cost of surrogacy?
The cost of surrogacy varies greatly depending on where you live and the agency you choose to work with. There are many factors that affect the price tag:
Where you live — The cost of surrogacy is often higher in large metropolitan areas, such as New York City or Los Angeles, than in other parts of the country. The cost may also be higher if you’re using an agency.
The type of surrogate — If you’re working with a traditional surrogate, expect to pay more than if you hire someone through an agency specializing in gestational carriers. Gestational carriers typically charge less because they already have children and don’t need to be compensated for lost wages during pregnancy or time off work after giving birth. Traditional surrogates are typically younger women without children who may be looking for extra income.
