For those dreaming of expanding their family, surrogacy can be a beacon of hope. However, navigating the world of surrogacy involves understanding not only the process itself but also the significant financial investment it requires. So, How Much Does A Surrogate Cost? The answer is complex, with expenses varying widely.
Destiny Blackmon, who pursued surrogacy, shared her experience with TODAY.com, stating, “I would say about $100,000 in total… To date, we’ve spent $80,000. The eggs themselves were $20,000, and the lawyer, travel, clinic, insurance all were separate costs each time. Once the baby is born, I’d say we will have spent about $100,000 in total for both of our surrogacy journeys.” Despite the financial burden, she emphasizes that the journey was ultimately worth it.
According to experts, the cost of surrogacy varies for each family. Stephanie Levich, founder and president of Family Match Consulting, estimates that a comprehensive surrogacy journey, encompassing surrogate compensation, agency fees, legal costs, and insurance, averages between $125,000 and $175,000.
Here’s a breakdown of the various costs associated with surrogacy in the United States:
Understanding the Costs of Surrogacy
Agency Fees: $15,000 to $30,000
Many intended parents choose to work with surrogacy agencies to connect with potential surrogates. These agencies offer a range of services, including medical screenings for surrogates and egg/sperm donors, counseling for all parties involved, assistance with understanding insurance policies, and negotiation of surrogacy terms and legal agreements. The cost of agency fees varies based on the services offered and the agency’s location.
Levich highlights a common challenge: “An obstacle that many intended parents face is that an agency may not have an available surrogate that meets a client’s criteria at any given time, so it’s common to encounter long wait lists before a match is found.”
Surrogate Fees: $30,000 – $60,000
A significant portion of the gestational surrogacy costs goes toward compensating the surrogate. This compensation covers medical testing and screenings, the physical and emotional demands of carrying and delivering the child, and the overall commitment to the surrogacy process. The surrogate’s fee depends on factors such as her location and whether she has previously served as a surrogate. It may also increase if she is carrying multiples (twins or triplets) or requires a cesarean delivery.
Legal Fees: $5,000 – $15,000
Legal fees are another essential aspect of surrogacy, covering the costs of contracts, legal representation for both intended parents and the surrogate, and the establishment of parental rights. The total price of all legal aspects of the surrogacy will vary based on location and the lawyers used.
Embryo Creation: $20,000 – $30,000
For intended parents using a gestational surrogate, embryo creation is a necessary step. This typically involves In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), where an embryo is created in a laboratory and then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.
Egg Donation: $20,000 – $30,000
In some cases, intended parents may require donor eggs. The cost of egg donation can vary depending on factors such as the donor’s background, ethnicity, and availability.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): $10,000 – $15,000
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often a core component of surrogacy, and the average cost for one IVF cycle is more than $12,000 but varies based on location.
Insurance Costs: $10,000 – $30,000
Most health insurance plans do not cover surrogate pregnancies. Intended parents are generally responsible for covering the surrogate’s insurance premiums and deductibles or purchasing a separate medical insurance policy for the surrogate.
Additional Costs: Varies
It’s crucial to factor in potential additional costs when budgeting for surrogacy. These may include maternity clothes for the surrogate, unexpected medical expenses, travel and lodging expenses if the surrogate lives in another location, and the general expenses of preparing for a new baby.
Financing Your Surrogacy Journey
Intended parents explore various options to finance surrogacy, including tapping into savings, seeking assistance from family and friends, and exploring surrogacy grants and loans.
Levich emphasizes the importance of finding a reputable agency that can provide financial planning assistance. “As a fertility consultant that has worked in this field for over 20 years, I tell prospective surrogacy clients that my hope isn’t to sell them on any singular path, but instead, to educate them on the various options that are available so they can make the most informed decision in regards to the right path for them,” she said.
Surrogacy vs. IVF: A Cost Comparison
Surrogacy is generally more expensive than IVF alone, as IVF is often a necessary part of the surrogacy process. Levich advises intended parents to also budget for IVF medications, which can add $3,000 to $5,000 to the overall cost.
Insurance Coverage for Surrogacy
In most cases, insurance coverage for surrogacy is limited. “When surrogates are under the care of a reproductive endocrinologist, the screening, embryo transfer and monitoring fees are most often not covered by insurance,” Levich explains. “After the surrogate is released to the care of an OB at approximately 12 weeks of a pregnancy, her personal insurance will be utilized.”
Intended parents may need to cover the surrogate’s health insurance costs, either through her existing policy or by purchasing a separate policy.
Levich emphasizes the importance of working with insurance professionals specializing in surrogacy to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective insurance plan, as “many insurance policies have surrogacy exclusions.”
The Final Word
While the cost of surrogacy in the United States can be substantial, often exceeding six figures, the opportunity to build a family is priceless for many intended parents. As Blackmon shares, “My husband and I are so thankful that there are people out there willing to help families who just want to have a baby to raise in love. It’s absolutely possible. Be encouraged.”
