Surrogate Costs & Fees

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?

The total cost of surrogacy in the United States typically ranges from $125,000 to $175,000 or more, depending on factors such as the surrogate’s experience, insurance coverage, legal requirements, and the specific services involved in the journey. Because every surrogacy arrangement is unique, the exact cost can vary from one intended family to another.

Most surrogacy expenses fall into three primary categories. Agency fees cover the services provided by the surrogacy agency, including matching, coordination, and guidance throughout the process. Surrogate compensation includes the surrogate’s base compensation and pregnancy-related allowances, which are typically managed through a secure escrow account. Finally, additional expenses may include items such as insurance coverage, legal services, and other necessary medical or administrative costs.

Understanding how these costs are structured can help intended parents plan for their surrogacy journey with greater clarity and confidence.

Surrogate Screening Fees

• Background screening for surrogate and husband/boyfriend/partner. In some cases, we also include other adults living in the household. We aim to confirm that each adult in the household can help to support a healthy surrogacy journey.
• Mental health screening for surrogate and husband/boyfriend/partner

Surrogate screenings: $1,500.00

Screening for Intended Parent(s)

• Criminal screening for intended parents
  (for a single intended parent deduct $200.00 from the total)
• Mental health consultation for intended parents**

            Intended parent screenings: $1,100.00

Total screening fees due at matching: $2,600.00

** If an intended parent has a recent mental health screening, we can review it and inform them if it is acceptable. If this is the case, we will deduct $500.00 from the screening total above.

Agency Management Fees

This fee is due once the surrogate has passed criminal, mental health, and medical screening and is non-negotiable. We will not charge this fee until the surrogate is medically cleared, which typically takes 3-5 months.

Agency Retainer Fee $48,000

This fee allows intended parents to retain ISC as an agency for the surrogacy journey. This is for ONE SURROGATE match only. In the event your surrogate voluntarily or involuntarily discontinues her participation in the surrogacy process before completing the first embryo transfer, or if the surrogate is medically denied before completing the first embryo transfer, ISC will rematch the Intended Parents with a new surrogate without an additional agency management fee.

Optional Unlimited Rematching Coverage Program

This additional program allows intended parents the ability to change surrogates as many times as needed. The fee for this program, if elected, is due once the surrogate has passed the criminal, psychological, and medical screening. It is non-negotiable, non-refundable, and valid for 3 years.

Unlimited Rematching Fee – $10,000

Surrogate Compensation Fees

Surrogate compensation is one of the largest components of overall surrogacy costs. These funds cover the surrogate’s base compensation as well as approved reimbursements and allowances related to the pregnancy and surrogacy journey.

After legal contracts are finalized, surrogate compensation funds are deposited into a secure escrow account managed by a third party. This structure helps ensure that payments are made accurately and on time throughout the process while providing transparency and protection for both intended parents and the surrogate.

Estimated Surrogate Compensation

The following ranges represent the estimated funds needed for the surrogate portion of the surrogacy journey. The exact amount depends on the surrogate’s experience and other individual factors.

An initial estimate will be provided during the matching process, and you will see the expected deposit amount listed on each surrogate’s profile. Surrogate compensation funds are deposited into escrow after legal contracts are completed. A revised estimate may also be provided midway through the pregnancy to reflect any updated expenses.

First time surrogate deposit-  $65,000.00-$80,000.00

Proven surrogate deposit – $80,000.00- $100,000.00

Escrow Account Requirements

Surrogate compensation and related expenses are managed through a surrogacy escrow account, which is funded by the intended parents after contracts are finalized. This account is used to distribute payments and reimbursements throughout the pregnancy according to the agreed-upon terms.

A minimum balance of $10,000 must be maintained in the account at all times. This reserve helps ensure that any unexpected medical bills or surrogacy-related expenses can be covered promptly.

In some cases, a surrogate’s health insurance policy may require a lien related to the pregnancy. If a lien is required, the lien amount must be deposited into the escrow account once the pregnancy is confirmed by a heartbeat ultrasound. Insurance liens can vary widely, typically ranging from one-third to the full amount of the surrogate’s base compensation, depending on the specific policy.

Additional Surrogacy Expenses

In addition to agency fees and surrogate compensation, intended parents should also plan for several additional expenses associated with the surrogacy journey. These may include legal services, insurance-related costs, and other administrative requirements that help ensure the process is safe, compliant, and well-coordinated.

Insurance Fees

Insurance Enrollment for Your Surrogate

Paid to the insurance broker. This fee is payable if the Intended Parent needs to take out an insurance policy for the surrogate. Surrogates may have insufficient coverage for the surrogacy journey.

$450.00 (estimation)

Existing Insurance Review

If the surrogate has her own insurance, it is required by the attorneys to have it reviewed by an insurance specialist to make sure it covers a surrogacy pregnancy. This review will need to be done early in the match to check the policy and also during each of the Surrogate’s open enrollment periods. The insurance policy might need to be reviewed more than one time in a journey if the surrogate’s insurance is renewed/updated.

$300.00/per review (estimation)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does surrogacy cost from state to state?

The cost of surrogacy in the U.S. depends on several aspects, including location, the surrogate’s experience, and other factors. Intended parents can expect to pay $125,000 to $175,000 or more. Choosing a surrogate who has completed a successful surrogacy journey may cost more, particularly in states with well-established surrogacy laws. For example, demand for surrogates in California typically rises higher than in other states, which means that intended parents may pay more for a surrogate living there. The price for legal fees and insurance may differ among states, as well. As a rule, surrogacy costs vary minimally across major metropolitan areas.

How much does surrogacy cost for international intended parents?

Many intended parents who live outside the United States look for U.S. surrogates. In these instances, surrogate cost tends to be higher for a variety of reasons. The agency may charge the same rate to domestic and international intended parents, but it could charge more depending on legal requirements or other factors. Intended parents should confirm these details when they schedule an initial consult with ISC.

Generally, the gestational carrier cost does not include the expenses of travel to the surrogate’s location. Intended parents usually need to travel for the IVF process, especially if they are planning to provide genetic material. They will also need to travel to the surrogate’s location for the birth. Additionally, intended parents typically need to stay in or near the surrogate’s location for a variable amount of time to apply for and receive the baby’s passport. If intended parents want to visit the surrogate more than these times, they should budget for these plans as well.

How can I manage the costs of surrogacy?

Given the price of surrogacy, intended parents may need to take time and pursue opportunities to help support the surrogate costs. Many intended parents work on increasing their savings as much as they can to minimize the expenses they will have to finance and pay for after the surrogacy journey is complete. In addition to savings, intended parents may consider applying for loans, using credit cards, crowdfunding, and other financing options. At ISC, we are happy to discuss financing with intended parents to help find ways to manage the surrogate price.

Why should I choose International Surrogacy Center?

At ISC, we have years of experience helping intended parents complete their families with qualified surrogates who want to provide a priceless gift to others. With experience working with surrogates and intended parents across the U.S. and beyond, we understand the legal, financial, and other ramifications of the surrogacy process. Our expertise as an agency (and as surrogates, in many cases) allows us to provide intended parents with the best advice and support throughout the process. We can help intended parents understand what to expect for surrogate costs and help them plan for an ideal result from the surrogacy journey.

At International Surrogacy Center, we aim to provide transparent cost estimates that help you make the right choice for your surrogacy plans. Apply now to learn more about our processes, schedule a consultation, or ask questions about our services.

What’s included in the surrogate cost?

The surrogate cost refers to the full compensation and reimbursable expenses associated with your surrogate’s journey. This typically includes her base compensation, maternity clothing allowance, travel expenses, lost wages, and more. At ISC, these funds are deposited into a surrogacy escrow account after legal contracts are signed. The price of working with a surrogate can vary depending on whether the surrogate is a first-time carrier or has previous experience. While this cost covers the surrogate’s compensation, it does not include agency fees, legal fees, or insurance costs. At ISC, we provide clear, itemized estimates to help intended parents plan confidently and avoid unexpected expenses.

What is a surrogacy escrow account, and why is it required?

A surrogacy escrow account is a secure, professionally managed account where intended parents deposit funds related to their surrogacy journey. This includes the surrogate’s compensation, allowances, and other approved expenses. Using a third-party escrow service ensures that payments are made accurately and on time, while also protecting both intended parents and surrogates from misunderstandings or disputes. At ISC, we work with trusted escrow providers to help maintain transparency and peace of mind throughout the process. Keeping a minimum balance in this account also helps cover any unplanned costs that may arise during the pregnancy.

Is the agency fee refundable if the surrogate doesn’t move forward?

ISC’s agency management fee is only due after your surrogate passes all required screenings and receives medical clearance, which typically occurs 3–5 months after matching. If your surrogate is unable to continue before the first embryo transfer, whether due to medical reasons or personal circumstances, we will re-match you with a new surrogate without an additional agency fee. For those who want added flexibility, ISC also offers an optional Unlimited Rematching Program. This $10,000 surrogate price add-on gives you the ability to rematch as many times as needed within three years.