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Surrogacy Costs Explained: What to Expect (and How to Make It More Affordable)
Moneymagpie Team
26th Apr 2026
Surrogacy allows more people to build the family they have been hoping for, but it’s also a significant financial commitment. The journey involves various steps, and costs can vary widely depending on your specific circumstances. To help you better prepare, here’s a closer look at the cost and ways to afford it.
- What Does Surrogacy Typically Cost?
- How Can You Make Surrogacy More Affordable?
- What Are the Best Surrogacy Agencies?
- Criteria for the Best Surrogacy Agencies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Built With Heart, Planned With Care
What Does Surrogacy Typically Cost?
Gestational surrogacy is where the surrogate carries a baby with no biological connection to them. This commonly costs between $100,000 and $200,000 or more in the U.S. This wide range depends on your medical needs, insurance coverage and how much agency support you choose. Below is a breakdown of the costs.
Agency Fees
Although independent surrogacy is possible, many intended parents work with an agency because the process can be complex and time-consuming to manage alone. The fees usually range from $15,000 to $40,000. This may include matching you with a qualified surrogate, conducting background checks and screenings, coordinating appointments, managing the timeline, and providing support throughout the pregnancy.
Some agencies also help with legal referrals, insurance reviews, escrow management and communication between everyone involved. You may find ones that offer all these services as a full package, but many also let you choose individual services.
Surrogate Compensation
Surrogate compensation is typically one of the biggest expenses in the entire process. On average, it ranges from $30,000 to $70,000. This is the base payment for carrying the pregnancy and may also include extra allowances for maternity clothes, travel, lost wages and postpartum recovery.
The amount can be higher depending on the surrogate’s location and whether they have been a surrogate before. It may also increase if the pregnancy involves twins or triplets, or if a cesarean delivery is necessary.
IVF and Medical Expenses
Medical costs make up another major part of surrogacy expenses. You’ll likely need to prepare around $10,000 to $25,000 for one IVF cycle, depending on your location and clinic. Moreover, embryo creation must happen first for gestational surrogacy, which can cost $20,000 to $30,000. Additional medical expenses may include fertility medications, blood tests, screenings, pregnancy monitoring and delivery costs.
Legal Fees
Legal protection is a very important part of surrogacy in the U.S. Contracts must explain responsibilities, compensation, parental rights and expectations before the pregnancy begins. You may also need legal support to establish parentage, depending on the laws in your state. Legal fees usually range from $3,000 to $15,000.
Insurance Costs
Most health insurance plans don’t cover surrogate pregnancies, so you typically need to pay for the surrogate’s insurance premiums, deductibles or a separate medical policy. This can range between $10,000 and $30,000.
Counseling Services
Most fertility clinics require both the intended parents and the surrogate to complete counseling. These sessions help everyone prepare emotionally and mentally for the journey ahead. The costs are usually around $7,000 and may include evaluations, support during pregnancy and follow-up sessions after birth.
Additional Costs
Depending on your situation, you may have extra expenses to consider. For example, same-sex male couples may need egg donation, which typically costs between $20,000 and $30,000. Moreover, you might need to include sperm testing and preparation in your budget. If you’re using donor sperm, those costs should be in your budget, as well.
How Can You Make Surrogacy More Affordable?
Although it’s expensive, surrogacy is growing in popularity in the U.S. Its market is expected to grow from $27.9 billion in 2025 to $201.8 billion in 2034. If you want to pursue the process, the following ideas may help you reduce some costs.
Choose Transparency Over the Lowest Advertised Price
Low advertised fees can be misleading if important services are excluded. Some agencies charge extra for screenings, legal coordination or case management later in the process. Therefore, you need to look for transparent pricing, itemized fees and honest conversations about possible additional costs to prevent stressful financial surprises.
Consider Insurance Planning Early
Insurance can be one of the biggest expenses in your surrogacy journey, so be sure to review it early. Some agencies can review insurance policies before matching you with a surrogate, potentially saving you thousands. You should also consider how your plan covers the baby’s care after birth.
Check Your Employer Benefits
A lot of couples overlook the fertility benefits offered through their jobs. Forty-two percent of U.S. employers now provide some form of fertility benefit, including IVF, fertility medications and genetic testing. While they may not cover the surrogacy process, they can help reduce major medical costs, so review your HR benefit package before you start the process.
Explore Financing Options
There are various financing options you can explore. You can find fertility clinics that work with private lenders to help intended parents finance surrogacy costs, borrow from your retirement plan or use home equity. If you choose to go with either of these routes, speak with a financial adviser to help you create a realistic repayment plan.
What Are the Best Surrogacy Agencies?
As surrogacy becomes a more common path to parenthood, you now have a wide range of agency options. Here are some of the best ones.
1. Circle Surrogacy
Circle Surrogacy is one of the longest-running surrogacy agencies in the U.S., with more than 30 years of experience supporting intended parents. The agency has helped welcome over 3,800 babies and work with families across 73 countries. It offers full-service support, including surrogate matching, legal coordination, insurance guidance and mental health support throughout the process.
Known for its transparent pricing and structured matching process, Circle Surrogacy helps you understand what to expect before you start your journey. Its fixed-price, all-inclusive Journey Protection Program starts at $189,500.
2. The Fertility Agency
Based in Los Angeles, The Fertility Agency has been operating since 2004 and has helped bring more than 1,100 children to the world. It works with intended parents from over 32 countries, and around 70% of its clients are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The agency provides full-service support, legal guidance and ongoing case management. It’s also widely recognized for its communication and personalized process, which allows you to enjoy close guidance from the early planning stages through to birth.
3. Same Love Surrogacy
Same Love Surrogacy was founded in 2014 and focuses on helping LGBTQ+ individuals and couples build families. Its team includes former intended parents, surrogates and egg donors, so you can expect practical guidance from people who have gone through the process personally.
The agency is known for its personalized support. You work with a single experienced counselor instead of being passed between departments. Moreover, its up-front pricing and sliding scale packages make financial planning easier.
Criteria for the Best Surrogacy Agencies
Surrogacy is not something to take lightly, so choosing the right agency should involve more than comparing quotes. The options on this list were evaluated by pricing transparency, years of experience, legal and medical coordination, surrogate screening standards, and emotional support for both intended parents and surrogates.
Inclusivity and ethical standards are important factors. This list only includes agencies that work with LGBTQIA+ families and international intended parents, as well as those with good communication, organized case management and respectful surrogate relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still curious about surrogacy and its costs, here are some commonly asked questions.
Can you have a family member or friend as your surrogate to reduce costs?
Yes. You can choose a known surrogate, such as a close friend or sibling. This may reduce compensation costs, but only if the person agrees to do an altruistic surrogacy.
How long does the surrogacy process usually take from start to birth?
Most surrogacy journeys take between 12 and 24 months, depending on surrogate matching, legal preparation, IVF success and pregnancy timelines. Delays are common if multiple embryo transfers are necessary or if legal approvals take longer than expected.
Are There Tax Deductions or Financial Assistance Programs for Surrogacy?
Tax treatment varies depending on your location and circumstances, and surrogacy costs aren’t always tax-deductible. Some families may qualify for grants, fertility foundations or employer reimbursement programs. It’s best to speak with a financial advisor familiar with fertility planning.
Built With Heart, Planned With Care
There are many costs involved with surrogacy, which makes it an expensive path to parenthood. Still, many say the investment is worth it because it gives them the chance to build the family they’ve been hoping for.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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