How to Budget for Surrogacy and IVF: Preparation is Key
Welcoming a child through surrogacy and IVF is a profound journey—one that demands not only emotional readiness, but also financial clarity. With the right strategy, planning your budget for surrogacy and understanding your budget for IVF can help alleviate stress and bring your family-building goals into focus.
“Preparation allows intended parents to make confident decisions. When you understand the surrogacy and IVF costs upfront, you gain the power to plan with purpose,” says Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, founder and medical director at Fertility Institute of San Diego and EggDonorsSanDiego.com.
Understanding the Cost Breakdown
IVF Costs Include:
- Fertility evaluations and bloodwork
- Egg donor reimbursement, legal, etc. (if needed)
- Ovarian stimulation cycle ultrasounds & bloodwork
- Ovarian stimulation medications
- Egg retrieval procedure
- Laboratory fertilization (IVF/ICSI)
- Embryo culture and cryopreservation
- Genetic testing (optional)
- Embryo transfer cycle ultrasounds & bloodwork
- Embryo transfer medications
- Embryo transfer
Estimated Cost of IVF: $15,000 to $45,000 per cycle, depending on add-ons like PGT-A testing, egg donor, and medication pricing.
Surrogacy Costs Include:
- Surrogacy agency fees
- Psychological screening
- Legal fees for surrogacy contracts
- Surrogate medical screening and matching
- Surrogate compensation
- Insurances for the surrogate
- Prenatal care and delivery expenses
- Newborn baby insurance
Estimated Cost of Surrogacy: $100,000 to $150,000+, varying by location, surrogate experience, and agency structure.
Why Budgeting Matters
Many intended parents experience “sticker shock” when first exploring their options. A detailed budget for surrogacy and IVF helps you:
- Prioritize must-haves vs. add-ons
- Identify potential insurance coverages available
- Explore financing options
- Be transparent about your finances so the experts can give you personalized advice on ways to save money
“You deserve to build your family with confidence, not confusion,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
Who Should Budget: Intended Parents at Every Stage
- Couples facing infertility
- LGBTQ+ families using an egg donor and gestational carrier
- Single parents by choice
- Patients with prior IVF failure
- Patients who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss
Budgeting isn’t just for affluent families; it’s for every family.
When to Start Budgeting for Surrogacy and IVF
The earlier you begin, the better. Ideally, budgeting begins before your initial consultation. This allows you to:
- Compare industry costs
- Compare surrogate agencies fees
- Choose between agency vs. independent surrogacy models
- Plan for contingencies (e.g., second IVF cycles, failed transfers)
IVF Financing Options to Consider
- Medical financing lenders (e.g., CapexMD, Prosper Healthcare Lending)
- Shared risk programs offering refunds for unused or unsuccessful cycles
- Credit unions or fertility-specific loans
- Grants from nonprofit organizations (e.g., Baby Quest Foundation)
- Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Employer benefits from progressive companies
Additional Hidden Costs to Plan For
- Travel and lodging for appointments
- Legal consultations beyond contracts
- Embryo storage fees
- Extra embryo transfers or medication cycles
- Insurance gaps not covered by your carrier
Having a line item for “unexpected costs” in your budget for IVF and surrogacy will provide much-needed breathing room.
Tips for Creating a Realistic Fertility Budget
- Use a spreadsheet: Organize expected and variable costs.
- Separate medical vs. non-medical expenses like travel and legal.
- Ask your clinic for an itemized quote and clarify what’s included.
- Ask the surrogate agency and reproductive attorney for estimated costs.
- Consult a reproductive financial advisor to guide long-term decisions.
- Consider insurance audits to uncover overlooked benefits.
What Makes Surrogacy So Expensive?
Aside from IVF procedures, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and agency services account for the bulk of the cost of surrogacy. Add in risk mitigation (e.g., complications, twins, failed embryo transfers), and it becomes clear why detailed financial planning is vital.
“People often underestimate how many professionals are involved in a surrogacy arrangement. Each layer adds cost but also safety and reassurance,” explains Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
Managing Gestational Carrier Expenses
- Monthly allowance for travel, prenatal vitamins, etc.
- Base compensation (average $40,000–$50,000+)
- Medical co-pays
- Life insurance and lost wages coverage
- Maternity clothing stipend
It’s important to work with a reputable agency that outlines all costs transparently.
Legal Fees for Surrogacy
Legal contracts are non-negotiable. Intended parents must hire a reproductive law attorney to:
- Draft parentage orders
- Define financial and medical responsibilities
- Ensure surrogacy aligns with state laws
- Agree on expectations during and after the pregnancy
Legal fees for surrogacy: $6,000 to $15,000 depending on case complexity and location.
How to Prepare Emotionally and Financially
Budgeting isn’t just about spreadsheets. It’s also about emotional preparedness. Fertility journeys often involve uncertainty and repeated decisions that impact both heart and wallet.
“When finances are planned and realistic, patients have more space to focus on their emotional wellbeing and future family,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh adds.
Consider joining support groups or fertility forums, and ask your care team about mental health resources. The journey is deeply personal, but you’re never alone.
FAQs
What is the average budget for surrogacy and IVF combined?
Most intended parents should plan for $140,000 to $200,000 for the full process.
Is there financial assistance for IVF or surrogacy?
Yes. Financing options, grants, and employer fertility benefits are increasingly available.
Can I use insurance to cover any of the costs?
Some insurance covers IVF, medications, or monitoring. Surrogacy coverage is less common but worth reviewing.
How do I know if I’m ready to begin budgeting?
If you’re exploring fertility options seriously, now is the time. Starting early creates flexibility and clarity.
Are agency fees required for all surrogacy journeys?
No, but using an agency offers structure and risk management that can prevent complications down the road.
If you’re ready to start your egg donation or fertility journey, click here to book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
