Surrogacy expenses can vary widely, typically ranging from $95,000 to $175,000, depending on the surrogacy location you choose (USA, Canada, Colombia, or Mexico). The final cost is influenced by various factors, including your specific circumstances, whether you opt to engage a surrogacy agency, and whether you need to create embryos. Surrogacy expenses can be categorized as follows:
 

2.1 Agency Fees

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Surrogacy agency fees typically range from $19,500 to $39,500, and the exact figure depends on the scope of care your family prefers and the criteria you set for your surrogate. Beyond standard case management and clinic coordination, some intended parents request requirements that go above a clinic’s minimums—such as additional medical history parameters, location preferences, or enhanced availability—which can extend recruiting efforts and impact the fee. When comparing agencies, ask for a clear breakdown of what’s included versus optional, so you’re only paying for what you truly need. Common inclusions or add-ons may cover bilingual interpretation and certified translation for appointments and documents; nurse-assisted medication injections and monitoring; weekly home visits to support the surrogate’s comfort and adherence to protocol; a dedicated birth companion at delivery; post-birth paperwork (hospital, vital records, and travel letters) and full travel arrangements; and even newborn-care support in the early weeks. Transparent, line-by-line pricing—whether milestone-based or offered as an all-inclusive package—helps your budget feel calm and predictable while ensuring your surrogate and baby receive attentive, heart-forward care from start to finish.

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Working with an established surrogacy agency, such as Smart Surrogacy, offers peace of mind. It ensures that experienced professionals oversee your journey, addressing any challenges that may arise along the way.

 

 

 

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2.2 Surrogate Screening Costs
 

Every surrogate undergoes a rigorous 3-step screening process to ensure that intended parents are matched with healthy and committed surrogates capable of carrying a baby to term. Surrogate screening costs can amount to up to $2,000 to $4,000.
 

2.3 The Cost of Surrogate
 

The total cost of compensating a surrogate typically ranges from $45,000 to $80,000, on average. This range encompasses the surrogate's base compensation along with additional benefits and expenses related to her pregnancy. However, it's important to note that in certain cases, which can be considered uncommon, the cost may deviate from this range, either being higher or lower.
 

2.4 Legal Fees
 

Navigating the legal aspects of surrogacy requires legal experts who can interpret evolving laws that vary from state to state. Legal fees for surrogacy can range from 9,000 to $15,000. Smart Surrogacy includes these legal fees in our agency fee, ensuring that you have expert guidance throughout the legal process.
 

2.5 Surrogacy Insurance Costs

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Health Insurance for Prenatal and Birth in the USA
 

In the United States, securing health insurance that covers prenatal care and childbirth is a crucial aspect of the surrogacy journey. If the timing aligns, enrolling the surrogate into Obamacare during the open enrollment period (typically running from November 1st to January 15th in most states) can be an option. In such cases, the cost for one year of coverage, assuming the baby is born within that year, typically ranges from $13,000 to $18,000.
 

However, if enrolling the surrogate in Obamacare is not feasible due to timing constraints, there are commercially available surrogacy-friendly insurance options. These plans come at an approximate cost of $30,000 for a singleton pregnancy and $45,000 for twins. The choice between these insurance options depends on the specific circumstances and preferences of both the surrogate and the intended parents.
 

In addition to health insurance, there are other insurance considerations to explore. These include:
 

1. Total Disability Insurance: This provides financial protection in the event of a surrogate's total disability during the surrogacy journey. The cost for this insurance typically falls within the range of $1,000 to $2,500.

2. Life Insurance: Life insurance offers an extra layer of security. The cost varies depending on the coverage amount and the mutual agreement between the surrogate and the intended parents.

3. Major Organ Loss Insurance: This coverage ensures financial support in the unfortunate event of a major organ loss by the surrogate. Costs for this insurance typically range from $1,000 to $2,500.

4. Bed Rest Loss of Wage Insurance: In cases where bed rest is required during the pregnancy, this insurance provides compensation for lost wages. Similar to other insurances, costs range from $1,000 to $2,500.
    

Each of these insurance options can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of both the surrogate and the intended parents, providing an additional layer of financial security and peace of mind throughout the surrogacy journey.

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2.6 Egg Donor Costs
 

When the need for an egg donor arises, Smart Surrogacy offers you the opportunity to select from a diverse pool of bright and young donors through our sister agency, Everie. The cost of egg donation depends on your choice between fresh or frozen eggs, with expenses typically ranging from $10,000 to $52,000, excluding IVF fees.
 

However, it's important to note that in certain cases, the cost of egg donation could deviate from this range, either being higher or lower. Various factors, such as donor characteristics and specific medical requirements, may influence the overall expenses.
 

If you decide to partner with Smart Surrogacy as your agency for your surrogacy journey, you'll have the convenience of paying for your egg donor program costs through us. Additionally, our dedicated journey coordination team will provide you with unwavering support at every step, ensuring a seamless experience as you move forward in your surrogacy journey.