When intended parent(s) explore the option of surrogacy, they learn all of the components of the journey, including cost. Surrogates are financially compensated for their extraordinary role in creating a baby for the intended parent(s). Throughout the pregnancy, all medical costs and other pregnancy-related expenses are covered by the intended parent(s).
So how much does surrogacy cost?
Surrogates come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their costs. While there is no exact amount of money that equals the surrogate’s efforts, there are several factors used to determine how much the surrogate is paid, including:
- Insurance
- Location
- Experience
- Others
Average Surrogacy Costs
Each surrogate’s pregnancy is unique, so there isn’t one standard price for surrogacy. Work with your agency to determine specific pricing. Below are rough estimates for the cost of surrogacy with The Fertility Agency:
- Base Fee: $35,000 – $65,000. The Base Fee is paid in installments over the course of the surrogate’s pregnancy. This is the average amount that a surrogate receives depending upon her experience, insurance situation, location, etc.
- Monthly Allowance: $200/month. This covers the general needs the surrogate will have over the course of the pregnancy. It could include non-prescription pregnancy vitamins, dog walking, gas to get to appointments, parking, phone calls, faxes, pregnancy test kits, and other small needs.This is the average amount that is paid to a surrogate after contracts are signed.
- Legal Fees: $1000 – $2000. The Intended Parent(s) are responsible for paying for the surrogate’s attorney. Fees vary by lawyer and state. Additional fees may be needed for the pre- or post-birth order.
- Maternity Clothing: $750 for a singleton, $1000 for multiples.
- Housekeeping: Up to $100/week. Housekeeping starts at 33 weeks for a singleton and 30 weeks for twins. This payment continues until 2 weeks post-birth.
- Embryo Transfer Fee: $1000 – $1500 depending on the surrogate’s circumstances. This covers the surrogate’s expenses when they travel for the embryo transfer including lost wages, childcare.
- Life Insurance: $500,000 policy. This usually costs $800 for a policy that will be in place for 18 months.
- Travel Costs: All expenses are paid for the medical evaluation and embryo transfer for the gestational surrogate and a travel companion.
- Per Diem: $50/day for out-of-town travel to cover food and other small items as needed.
- Lost Wages: For working surrogates to cover wages lost due to pregnancy. Up to 8 weeks post-birth for a C-Section and up to 6 weeks for a vaginal delivery. Additional days may be required for the medical screening as well.
- Lost Wages for Spouse or Partner: Five to seven days during the entire journey.
- Insurance: Insurance and all medical expenses are covered (if the surrogate doesn’t have their own insurance in place). If they do have their own insurance in place, any medical bills that are not covered by the surrogate’s insurance are paid in full by the intended parent(s). If needed, The Fertility Agency will put insurance in place, and premiums, co-pays, and all pregnancy-related expenses will be paid for by the IPs.
Beyond the Basic Costs of Surrogacy
Surrogates are giving their bodies to provide the precious gift of life to another family. There’s a lot involved in the process of growing a healthy baby. Because of that, intended parent(s) may have to pay for:
- Bedrest: $100/week for housekeeping plus lost wages if placed on doctor-ordered bed rest.
- Multiple Pregnancy: $5,000 for twins.
- Mock Cycle: $500. Sometimes the fertility doctors will recommend a surrogate do a mock (pretend) cycle to see how her body reacts to the medications, but no actual transfer takes place.
- Canceled Cycle: $400 if the IVF cycle is canceled (through no fault of the surrogate) after medication starts.
- Invasive Procedure: $750 for each procedure.
- C-Section: $3,000.
- Loss of Reproductive Capabilities: If not covered by life insurance up to $10,000.
- Termination of Pregnancy: $2,000 for loss of pregnancy in the event of induced labor due to loss of fetal heartbeat or indication of fetal abnormalities.
- Psychological Counseling: Up to $1,800, if needed.
- Breast Milk Pumping: $250/week, plus pump rental and all supplies and shipping costs.
The gift of a baby to an intended parent(s) is invaluable, but it does come with a cost. The Fertility Agency strives to provide all surrogates with fair compensation as well as additional benefits. We also work closely with the intended parent(s) to ensure all parties are treated fairly. The end goal for all people involved is a happy, healthy baby.
Get More Help with Surrogacy Costs
Since 2004, The Fertility Agency has helped bring over 1100+ babies into the world. We work with all intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors no matter their sexual preference, relationship status, ethnicity, location, etc. Our personal experiences and years of expertise provide us with the perfect balance of business and passion. Contact us for more information on surrogacy costs.
