If you are thinking about working with a gestational carrier, you need to prepare for the costs. The price can vary greatly due to factors such as agency fees, surrogate compensation package, escrow service fee, legal and medical expenses, and insurance.
Note:
- Some Surrogates may be subject to additional screening and all co-pays and insurance deductibles are the responsibility of the Prospective Parents.
- Medical costs relating to complete IVF treatment and all pharmaceutical costs are not included in the above and are determined by your reproductive endocrinologist and preferred pharmaceutical company.
- Legal contracts will reflect actual fees.
- All the above fees are subject to change as associated professionals may increase or lower their costs, and individual Surrogates may have fees that reflect their circumstances.
- Prospective Parents are responsible for all medical expenses incurred by their baby upon birth. Your surrogate’s medical insurance will not cover your baby’s medical costs.
Breakdown of Surrogacy Costs
Surrogacy involves several types of costs. Agency fees, Surrogate fees, Medical fees, Legal Fees and Insurance costs.
Agency Fees
Cover the services that help find and match you with a qualified surrogate, provide industry expert referrals and support you throughout the process.
Surrogate Compensation
Surrogate compensation varies and is a significant part of surrogacy costs. It rewards the surrogate for her time, effort, and the risks she takes during pregnancy and childbirth.
Surrogate compensation varies and is a significant part of surrogacy costs. It rewards the surrogate for her time, effort, and the risks she takes during pregnancy and childbirth.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses cover all the medical procedures for the surrogate, such as (but not limited to) medical screenings, medications and the embryo transfer.
Legal Fees in Surrogacy
Legal fees in surrogacy cover several important areas. You need contracts that clearly outline the responsibilities and rights of all parties involved. These contracts help protect everyone's interests.
Legal fees also go towards establishing parental rights. This can include court proceedings to ensure that the intended parents are legally recognized as the child's parents after birth. Handling these legal aspects correctly is crucial for a smooth surrogacy journey.
Intended parents must consult with and retain a qualified ART/reproductive attorney in order to understand the legal aspects of surrogacy or egg donation. An assisted reproductive attorney, also known as a fertility law attorney or reproductive attorney, helps clients navigate the legal aspects of assisted reproductive technology (ART): This includes drafting contracts that outline the responsibilities and rights of all parties, covering parental rights, financial obligations, and contingency plans. Proper legal guidance helps navigate the complexities of the process.
Insurance Coverage in Surrogacy
Insurance plays a key role in managing the costs of surrogacy. It may cover some of the medical expenses for the surrogate, such as prenatal care and the birth. Some insurance policies do not cover surrogacy pregnancies, so intended parents may need to purchase a separate surrogacy insurance policy. This helps cover additional medical expenses and protects against unforeseen costs during the surrogate pregnancy.
It is vital for all of our Intended Parents to speak directly to an insurance expert to properly understand the intricacies of insurance for a surrogacy pregnancy and delivery.
International Surrogacy
International surrogacy brings unique challenges, including legal complexities, newborn insurance expenses and differences in overall costs. When choosing surrogacy abroad, it’s crucial to work with reputable surrogacy agencies experienced in international agreements. PSED can help navigate the varied legal requirements and ensure that all surrogacy agreements are compliant with local and international laws by referrals to the appropriate attorneys for an International Intended Parent.
It is important for international parents to speak with the insurance expert regarding newborn insurance for babies born to International parents in the U.S.
Additionally, expect significant travel expenses and consider the impact of cultural differences on the process. Planning carefully with the right support can manage these complexities effectively.
PSED will provide excellent industry professional referrals for the support needed.
Is Using a Friend or Family Member as My Surrogate a Cost-Effective Option?
Choosing a friend or family member as your surrogate can impact the costs of surrogacy. This plan could save money by reducing agency fees and potentially reducing the surrogate compensation package. A friend or family member might be willing to accept a more flexible payment agreement.
It's important to have formal agreements and legal contracts when working with a friend or family member as a surrogate. This helps to protect your relationship by clarifying expectations and responsibilities. It ensures that the surrogacy process is clear and legally sound for everyone involved.
Financing for Surrogacy
At Pacific Surrogacy and Egg Donation, we understand that financing surrogacy can be a significant concern for many intended parents.
That is why we offer a complementary consultation and are transparent about the potential costs associated with this journey. It is important to be financially prepared. In the consultation our coordinators will go over the estimated costs in detail. It is important for the Intended Parents to determine if they will need to explore potential financial resources before beginning their journey. These resources can include: Personal loans, surrogacy specific loans, grants, fundraising, medical financing for IVF clinical costs, etc.
