Understanding the Cost of Surrogacy

Starting a family through surrogacy is very exciting! While surrogacy is an incredible option for many people to have a child, several costs are unique to this form of family building. It’s important to understand just how much a surrogate costs, as well as all of the terminology associated with a surrogacy journey.

At Circle Surrogacy, we guarantee there are never any hidden surrogacy costs or fees. We make sure you know exactly what you are paying for at every step of the way. We work with you to simplify the process for your understanding, provide transparent price information, and answer questions about the cost of surrogacy as they

come up.

A Quick Overview

A typical surrogacy journey can cost anywhere from $100,000 to upwards of $200,000. Your total cost of surrogacy will depend on your personal circumstances, whether or not you choose to work with a surrogacy agency, and whether or not you need to create embryos.

Generally speaking, surrogacy costs fall under 5 categories:

• Agency fees

• Surrogate screening & support costs

• Surrogate cost

• Legal fees

• Insurance

Agency Fees

Surrogacy agency fees typically range from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the scope of services offered. We encourage intended parents to ask agencies for a detailed breakdown of what is included in their fees.

When you choose to grow your family with Circle, we offer decades of expertise and peace of mind. Partnering with us ensures that knowledgeable professionals are guiding your journey and handling any challenges that may arise along the way.

At Circle, your surrogacy agency fee covers:

• A thorough application process

• In-depth surrogate screening services

• Personal matching services

• Information coordination

• Emotional support

• Post-journey communication

• Post-birth travel prep

From the moment you fill out an application to the weeks and months after birth, you will never be without our support on this journey.

Surrogate Screening and Support Costs

All of our available-to-match surrogates have undergone our comprehensive 3-step screening process, designed to ensure intended parents are paired with healthy, dedicated surrogates capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.

At Circle, the cost of surrogate screening—often valued at up to $4,000 if paid separately—is included in our agency fee. When speaking with other agencies, be sure to ask whether this expense is covered or if it will be an additional out-of-pocket cost for you.

Surrogate Cost

The total cost of a surrogate ranges from $55,000 to $65,000. This includes her base compensation and additional benefits and expenses. The surrogate cost accounts for a significant amount of the intended parents’ total surrogacy expenses.

You will be expected to pay for all expenses related to your surrogate’s pregnancy. These include:

• Her base compensation

• Monthly payments for her spending

• Childcare, travel, and lost wages (as well as lost wages and travel expenses for her travel companion)

• Fourth trimester (post-birth) care (flex spending, lost wages or childcare, reimbursement for milk pumping)

Many people wonder if having a friend be their surrogate will reduce their overall costs. You can learn about surrogate costs with a friend in our related blog post.

Legal Fees

Surrogacy law is complex and constantly evolving, with significant variations not only between states but sometimes even between counties or judges. That’s why it’s essential to work with legal professionals who specialize in surrogacy. An experienced attorney will guide you through the applicable laws in both your and your surrogate’s location.

At Circle Surrogacy, legal services are included in the agency fee—a cost that can otherwise range from $3,000 to $15,000 if paid separately. Again, because not all agencies offer this, we recommend carefully reviewing what each agency includes in their fee structure.

Your legal fees will cover:

• The drafting of the carrier agreement

• Establishing parental rights

• Egg donor agreement

Insurance

Lastly, it will be your responsibility to make sure your surrogate has appropriate medical insurance throughout the surrogacy journey. After your baby is born, you’ll also need to secure medical coverage for your child. For U.S.-based parents, this typically involves adding your newborn to your existing health insurance plan. If you live outside the U.S., we can help guide you through the process of obtaining coverage for your baby.

The cost of a surrogate’s health insurance can vary depending on the specific policy. In addition, intended parents are expected to provide a life insurance policy for the surrogate, typically offering $250,000 in coverage. Learn more about the different types of surrogacy insurance needed for your journey.

Get All the Information!

Trying to understand the surrogate cost breakdown becomes much easier when you know exactly what you will be required to cover throughout the journey. Choosing the right agency that includes many of the fees in their total agency fee is one way to simplify the process for yourself. If you are interested in surrogacy for you and your family, fill out a form today!