What tips should I keep in mind?

International surrogacy can cost significantly less but involves complex legal issues. Some surrogates have their own insurance that covers surrogacy, saving $10-20K. Experienced surrogates command higher compensation but may have smoother pregnancies.

Surrogacy Cost Calculator

Estimate total surrogacy costs including agency fees, surrogate compensation, legal, medical, and insurance expenses.

Agency Fee ($)(Surrogacy agency matching and management)

Surrogate Compensation ($)(Base payment to the surrogate)

Surrogate Expenses ($)(Maternity clothes, travel, lost wages)

Legal Fees ($)(Contracts, parentage orders, court fees)

IVF/Embryo Transfer Cost ($)(Creating and transferring embryos)

Surrogate Health Insurance ($)(Insurance policy for surrogate pregnancy)

Psychological Screening ($)(Mental health evaluations)

Escrow Management ($)(Third-party fund management)

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Gestational surrogacy involves a surrogate carrying a pregnancy created through IVF. Total costs typically range from $100,000-$200,000 in the US.

The Formula

Total = Agency + Compensation + Expenses + Legal + IVF + Insurance + Psych + Escrow

Variables

Gestational — Surrogate has no genetic link to the baby — embryo from intended parents or donors
Escrow — Third-party account managing payments to surrogate

Worked Example

Typical US surrogacy: $25K agency + $40K compensation + $8K expenses + $12K legal + $20K IVF + $15K insurance + $3K psych + $3K escrow = $126,000.

Practical Tips

International surrogacy can cost significantly less but involves complex legal issues.
Some surrogates have their own insurance that covers surrogacy, saving $10-20K.
Experienced surrogates command higher compensation but may have smoother pregnancies.
Budget 10-15% extra for unexpected medical or legal complications.
Same-sex couples may need egg or sperm donors, adding $5,000-$35,000.

Last updated: March 15, 2026 · Reviewed by the FertilityCalcs Editorial Team