Financing
Surrogacy Financing Plan
A common question we hear is, "How do people afford surrogacy?" We understand that planning for surrogacy costs can be challenging. Circle draws on more than 30 years of experience to provide you with the best chance of success at having a baby while maintaining cost security throughout your journey. Our fixed-cost Journey Protection™ Program keeps unexpected fees from getting in the way of your path to parenthood.
Exploring your options can help you find the best way forward. We can recommend surrogacy financing options that fit with your family-building plan and with your budget.
How Can I Afford Surrogacy?
Covering surrogacy costs often requires a few years of preparation. What's the best way to plan for those surrogacy expenses? With over 4,000 babies born and 99.2% of our parents going home with a baby, we have a long history of helping people build families. Here are five ways we’ve seen intended parents cover the costs of surrogacy.
1. Explore Employer Benefits
2. Research Discount and Grant Programs
3. Consider Secured Surrogacy Loans
4. Look Into Unsecured Lending (Personal Loans)
5. Compare Different Fertility Clinics
1
Explore Employer Benefits
There are generally three levels of benefits to ask your employer's HR department about.
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Your general health insurance may cover some costs, at least fertility testing and in some cases embryo creation.
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There may also be an IVF benefit available on top of your general health insurance.
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A third layer is a specific benefit for third-party services such as surrogacy. This often involves a reimbursement for services.
2
Research Discount and Grant Programs
Circle can help direct you to both internal and external options for discounts and grants. Outside organizations offer discounts and surrogacy grants to help offset the cost of building your family, including options for military families and cancer survivors. Amounts and availability vary by organization, so it's worth researching a few that may apply to your situation. We can also advise you about the discounts and grants available to you through Circle.
3
Consider Secured Surrogacy Loans
Secured loans use assets you already own to help cover surrogacy costs and make payments more predictable.
You might look into borrowing against their home's equity or taking out a second mortgage. If you have a 401(k), taking a loan from it is another option, and you may be able to borrow against the cash value of your life insurance policies as well.
4
Look Into Unsecured Lending (Personal Loans)
Personal loans are another way to help finance your surrogacy journey without using your home or retirement savings as collateral. You can explore options available from your local bank or credit union, or check into alternative financial assistance for surrogacy. Medical financing companies are also potential sources for paying off your IVF medical fees.
Some of these options can affect your tax liability and your longer-term finances. We recommend talking with your financial or tax advisor about what makes sense for your situation.
Sunfish
Our partner Sunfish specializes in helping intended parents explore the costs of third-party family-building. They offer guidance and resources, including a range of loan options. Learn more about Sunfish.
5
Compare Different Fertility Clinics
Pricing, packages, and discounts differ between IVF fertility clinics. Compare them to see which best suits your needs. Some clinics may also offer financing options. The goal is to find the option that offers the best combination of support, partnership, and value for your family.
Financing Options for Surrogacy
We understand that surrogacy is a significant financial commitment, and an even more personal one. We can talk through what is realistic for your situation.
If you are interested in learning more about financing for surrogacy, you can speak with our Parent Intake or Consultation teams. Or, if you have already spoken with us about your journey, you can let your Parent Intake Associate know that you’re interested in learning more about financing.
FAQs
Below, we’ve answered some common questions about surrogacy financing from intended parents. You can also read our full list of FAQs for more information.
Financing allows you to spread the costs of surrogacy across a longer time frame. Instead of a lump sum, you pay fixed amounts at a specified time. This approach gives you a flexible path to building your family that fits your budget.
Yes. Many intended parents use a mix of solutions, such as supplementing existing savings with a loan and employee benefit programs. We can help you think through which combination makes the most sense for your family.
Surrogacy costs depend on many factors, from the IVF clinic you choose to the financial protections you provide to your surrogate. Our fixed-cost Journey Protection™ Program costs $189,500 and covers agency fees, surrogate base pay, legal fees, and insurance costs, with no surprise additions. This program enables you to make informed savings and financing decisions with less economic uncertainty.
With Circle, you make two payments that cover your surrogacy program fees — the first when you start your journey with us and the second when you find your surrogate match. These amounts include our support at every step from our first conversation to the moment you bring your baby home, including surrogate matching, our in-house legal team, and our Journey Protection™ Program. IVF costs are billed separately by your fertility clinic and are not included in these payments.
Become a Parent With Circle
When you're ready to explore your options, our team is here. We understand that surrogacy represents both an emotional and financial commitment, and we'll walk through every option with you. Our team has helped over 3,400 families navigate the financial side of surrogacy.
Whether you’re exploring loans, grants, or other avenues, we'll work alongside you to find solutions that fit your family's unique needs. Take the next step toward building your family through surrogacy — connect with us today to start the conversation.