SURROGACY COST BREAKDOWN: WHAT INTENDED PARENTS REALLY PAY

Your decision to pursue surrogacy is about so much more than finances. It’s about paving a path to parenthood. As part of the journey, it is only natural to ask: How much does surrogacy cost, and what should I expect along the way? Understanding the breakdown of surrogacy costs can help you feel prepared, confident, and focused on what matters the most: growing your family.

How Much Does Surrogacy Really Cost?

In the United States, the average cost of surrogacy ranges from $120,000 to $250,000, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The wide range reflects variables like surrogate compensation, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services, insurance coverage, and whether an egg or sperm donor is needed. However, it also represents the coordinated work of medical experts, legal professionals, surrogacy agencies, and more importantly, the incredible women who choose to become surrogates.

What Makes Up the Cost?

Surrogacy costs are not a single line item. They are a collection of essential services designed to protect your family and your surrogate while ensuring a safe, ethical, and supportive journey.

AGENCY FEES

Partnering with a reputable surrogacy agency like Growing Generations is one of the most important investments you will make. Agency fees cover surrogate matching, journey coordination, case management, and the overall support that helps intended parents feel secure every step of the way.

SURROGATE COMPENSATION

Compensation recognizes the time, effort, and commitment of surrogates. This typically includes a base fee that includes allowances for maternity clothing, travel, and related pregnancy expenses. For many intended parents, this is the single largest cost and a reflection of the surrogate’s dedication.

MEDICAL & IVF SERVICES

Medical expenses are a central part of surrogacy and include fertility treatments required to achieve pregnancy. IVF services cover fertility medications for the surrogate, embryo creation, transfer procedures, and the ongoing monitoring and lab work needed throughout the process. The costs can vary depending on the number of transfers or cycles required to achieve a successful pregnancy.

For some intended parents, the process also involves working with an egg donor or sperm donor. Egg donor costs usually include donor compensation, medical screenings, retrieval procedures, and any travel. Sperm donation is generally less expensive but may involve testing, collection, and storage fees. Whether you are using your own genetic material or working with a donor, these medical and IVF services form the foundation of your surrogacy journey.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS & ESCROW ACCOUNTS

Every surrogacy journey requires carefully drafted legal agreements to protect both intended parents and surrogates. Escrow accounts are often used to manage payments securely, ensuring transparency and trust throughout the process.

INSURANCE & PREGNANCY CARE COSTS

Health insurance is one of the most complex components of surrogacy costs. Some surrogates have existing insurance plans that may cover maternity care, but many do not, or their policies may specifically exclude surrogate pregnancies. In these cases, intended parents often purchase a surrogacy-friendly insurance policy to ensure all medical needs are covered. It’s also important to note that insurance must be in place for at least three months post-birth for the surrogate to ensure adequate postpartum coverage and support. Growing Generations will ensure that you have the support of insurance professionals to guide parents and answer any insurance-related questions.

Beyond insurance premiums, there are direct pregnancy care costs to consider. These include prenatal appointments, routine lab work, ultrasounds, labor and delivery fees, hospital stays, and any postpartum care required for the surrogate. If complications arise, costs can increase significantly, making adequate coverage essential.

For international intended parents, additional considerations such as neonatal care and citizenship-related paperwork may add to expenses. While these costs can feel daunting, the right insurance strategy ensures your surrogate receives the best possible care while protecting you from unexpected medical bills.

TRAVEL & INCIDENTALS

Depending on geography, intended parents or surrogates may need to travel for medical appointments, embryo transfers, or delivery. These expenses, flights, accommodations, childcare, and meals, are factored into the overall budget.

EXTRAS THAT ADD UP

In addition to the essentials, some families choose optional services such as genetic testing of embryos (PGT or PGD), additional ultrasounds or counseling sessions, and postpartum or doula support. While not required, these services can add reassurance, personalization, and peace of mind.

Cost Scenarios: Which Best Matches You?

Every surrogacy journey looks different, and costs will vary depending on your starting point and your family’s needs. Here are a few common scenarios that can help you estimate where you might fall within the overall cost range:

• Scenario 1: Intended Parents With Embryos Already Created
  For families who have previously undergone IVF and already have viable embryos ready for transfer, the medical costs are significantly lower. In this case, expenses are primarily focused on surrogate compensation, agency fees, legal contracts, and pregnancy care. Total costs may fall closer to the lower end of the national average range.

• Scenario 2: Intended Parents Needing Egg or Sperm Donation
  If you require an egg or sperm donor, costs increase to cover donor compensation, medical screenings, retrieval or collection procedures, and related travel or storage. This scenario often places families in the mid-range of surrogacy expenses. Many intended parents choose this path when one or both partners face infertility challenges or for single parents and same-sex couples.

• Scenario 3: Comprehensive Journey With Donor Services and Genetic Testing
  Some intended parents prefer a fully comprehensive approach, which may include donor services, genetic testing of embryos (PGT or PGD), and additional pregnancy support such as doula care. This provides the most tailored and safeguarded experience, but also places total costs at the higher end of the national range.

At Growing Generations, we understand that no two families are alike. That’s why we offer tailored surrogacy packages designed to meet your unique needs, whether you’re starting with embryos in storage or beginning your journey from the very first step.

Ways to Finance Your Surrogacy

While many intended parents pay for surrogacy out of pocket, there are opportunities to offset costs. Increasingly, employers offer fertility and family-building benefits that cover IVF expenses, surrogacy agency fees, or legal costs. Some insurance providers also extend partial coverage for fertility treatments. There are also fertility financing options available to help make the costs more manageable.

Tips From Parents Who’ve Been There

"We want to explain to our child that he or she is the result of a sum of very generous acts: most of all that of his surrogate mother and the egg donor who also made it possible for him to exist. This gesture of offering the potential of one’s own body to others is something beautiful.” - Jose and Miguel, Intended Parents

Quick tip: Share your child’s story with pride. Framing their journey as an act of altruism helps them grow up with confidence in their unique journey.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for making our lifelong dream of becoming parents a reality.  Thank you all for helping us through a process that at times was overwhelming.  Your professionalism, support, and love made us feel at ease.” - Eric and Jose, Parents to daughter Alexa

Quick tip: Choose an agency that not only manages the logistics but also makes you feel supported and cared for. Trust is just as important as expertise.

“Growing Generations was by our side throughout the process of becoming parents – on the good – as well as the bad days. Now, we’re blessed with the two most beautiful girls in the world. Thank you GG for helping make our dreams come true.” - Eric and Doug, Parents to twin daughters

Quick tip: Expect ups and downs along the way, but lean on your agency for guidance and reassurance. The right partner will walk you through every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is both a financial and emotional investment, but with the right planning, it’s an achievable path to parenthood. Understanding the full surrogacy cost breakdown allows you to prepare, set realistic expectations, and move forward with confidence.

At Growing Generations, we believe every family deserves a journey defined by care, clarity, and compassion. For those seeking a premium surrogacy experience, Growing Generations delivers a high-touch, personalized approach, matching you with exceptional surrogates and providing unmatched care from start to finish. When you’re ready, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: All figures are estimates. Actual costs vary. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice.