Surrogacy Fees in the United States
Surrogacy in the United States is a path that provides a chance for intended parents to grow their families, but it also demands preparation in every sense: physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Surrogacy is not just a medical procedure; it’s a journey that involves multiple professionals, legal considerations, and lots and lots of large fees.
One of the most important ways to prepare is by understanding what the surrogacy fees in the United States actually look like. Knowing what to expect helps intended parents plan for the experience and approach the process with confidence. In this post, I’m breaking down the typical surrogacy fees in the United States — what they cover, how much they usually cost, and how they fit into the overall surrogacy process.
Surrogacy Fees in the United States
The average cost of surrogacy in the United States typically ranges from $150,000 to $200,000, depending on where you and/or the surrogate lives, the surrogacy agency you choose to work with, and your specific journey needs. The total amount reflects a combination of several costs: the surrogacy agency and other third parties such as concierge services, legal professionals, health insurance, surrogate compensation, medical expenses, benefits and more.
Every surrogacy journey looks a little different, but understanding the main components of the total cost can help you see where your money goes — and how each part supports your family building goals. Below, I’ll walk through the main cost categories most intended parents encounter when pursuing surrogacy in the U.S.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown For Intended Parents In United States
Agency Fees
Most intended parents start with surrogacy agencies that coordinate the entire process — from matching you with a surrogate to managing legal, medical, and emotional logistics. Agency fees typically range between $35,000 and $55,000. This amount covers case management, surrogate recruitment and screening, coordination of journey logistics, medical appointments and coordination of escrow payments. Choosing an experienced agency can make an enormous difference in how smoothly your surrogacy journey runs.
Surrogate Compensation
Compensation for your surrogate makes up a large portion of the total cost. This payment recognizes her time, commitment, and the physical and emotional investment of carrying your baby. On average, surrogate compensation in the U.S. ranges from $40,000 to $80,000, depending on her age, pregnancy history, geo location, and whether she has been a surrogate before. Additional payments, often referred to as the surrogate benefit package, are often made for maternity clothes, travel, and certain milestones during pregnancy.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs vary widely based on your fertility clinic. Because in-vitro fertilization (sometimes referred to as an IVF cycle) is often part of the process, intended parents should expect medical expenses of around $20,000 to $40,000 for the creation and transfer of embryos transferred to the surrogate. Other costs may include medications, lab work, procedures and ongoing prenatal care once pregnancy is confirmed. Each medical procedure plays a vital role in making sure the surrogate and baby are healthy throughout the journey.
Legal Fees
Legal protections are critical in surrogacy. Both intended parents and surrogates need separate attorneys to draft and review contracts that outline parental rights, compensation, and responsibilities. Legal fees usually range from $8,000 to $20,000. These agreements are what ensure clarity and protection for everyone involved before any medical steps begin.
Health Insurance and Medical Coverage
Health insurance is another significant part of the financial picture. Some surrogates have existing insurance plans that cover them during a surrogate pregnancy, but many do not — and intended parents may need to purchase a new policy specifically for the surrogacy. These insurance costs can add anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to your budget. It’s important to confirm coverage early, as some policies exclude surrogacy-related pregnancies.
Additional Costs
Beyond the core expenses, there are smaller but necessary items that add up over time: maternity clothes, travel expenses for medical appointments, and potential lost wages or childcare costs for the surrogate if she needs time off work during the pregnancy or recovery period, or requires any bedrest. These items are usually covered by the intended parents as part of the agreed-upon compensation package.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Surrogacy?
Whether or not medical insurance covers the cost of surrogacy depends entirely on the type of policy and the state the surrogate lives in. The medical insurance policy held by the intended parents will not cover their surrogate during her pregnancy while she carries their baby. The surrogate’s own insurance policy may or may not include maternity coverage for a surrogacy pregnancy but unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover the full cost of surrogacy in the United States. This is one of the first details your agency or attorney will review, since coverage (or lack of it) can significantly impact your overall cost. Some employers are beginning to offer family building benefits that include surrogacy or IVF, which can help offset the burden for intended parents.
The Bigger Picture
Surrogacy is an incredible opportunity — one that allows individuals and couples to experience parenthood when other paths haven’t worked. But it’s also a complex and expensive process that requires careful financial planning. From agency fees and IVF treatments to legal documentation and insurance costs, every step plays a role in making sure the process is safe, ethical, and successful.
Before beginning your own surrogacy journey, it helps to learn about every aspect — not only the financial investment but also the emotional and practical realities. If you haven’t yet, you can also read my post on what are the pros and cons of surrogacy, where I dive deeper into the benefits and challenges to consider before moving forward.
Surrogacy requires patience, transparency, and trust — but for many, it’s the most meaningful investment they’ll ever make. By understanding the costs and the process, intended parents can approach this extraordinary experience with both clarity and confidence.