Three Significant Ways to Lower the Cost of Surrogacy
You have your heart set on surrogacy, but you’re not sure your wallet agrees. Surrogacy can be expensive, and the initial sticker shock can discourage some intended parents from pursuing this path to parenthood.
We passionately believe everyone who desires to become a parent should have the opportunity, regardless of their financial means. Trust us: there are ways to make surrogacy affordable. We’ve seen it time and again—where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Yes, you can trim some expenses here and there. You can fundraise and finance and apply for grants—all of these are excellent options to get financially prepared for surrogacy.
To make a truly significant difference in lowering the cost of surrogacy, you’ll want to consider ways to reduce the three largest expenses in a surrogacy journey: gestational surrogate base compensation, surrogacy agency fees, and medical expenses.
Find a Compassionate Surrogate
A compassionate, or altruistic, surrogate is a woman who agrees to receive little to no compensation for the surrogacy process. Often, your best bet for finding a compassionate surrogate is to ask someone you’re close with. Compassionate surrogates are usually family members or friends, but you can occasionally connect with compassionate surrogates via other means.
Altruistic surrogates are still reimbursed for medical expenses, attorney fees, and other related expenses, but they don’t receive a base compensation or monthly allowance.
In the case of compensated or commercial surrogacy, the gestational carrier is typically provided with a base compensation ranging from $30,000 to $70,000. It is important to note that surrogates should not enter into these agreements solely for financial gain; however, the base compensation is considered a reasonable reimbursement for the physical and emotional challenges that can arise during the surrogacy process. Due to the unique demands of compassionate surrogacy, prospective surrogates who are willing to undergo this experience purely out of altruism are often more difficult to find. As a result, many of these arrangements are established between individuals who already have a preexisting relationship or connection.
Alternatively, you could save money by choosing a first-time surrogate.
First-time surrogates, being those individuals who are embarking on their first surrogacy journey, often are offered a lower base compensation compared to experienced surrogates who have already successfully carried pregnancies for intended parents. This difference in compensation is reflective of the reduced level of experience and familiarity that first-time surrogates have with the surrogacy process, as well as the potential risks and uncertainties that may arise during their first surrogacy pregnancy.
When choosing to work with a first-time surrogate, intended parents have the opportunity to save a significant amount of money on surrogate compensation. In fact, the savings can range anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000 depending on the specific circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement. This cost savings can be attributed to the lower base compensation that first-time surrogates typically receive, as well as potentially reduced expenses associated with medical procedures, medications, and other aspects of the surrogacy process. By opting to work with a first-time surrogate, intended parents may be able to allocate these savings towards other important aspects of their surrogacy journey.
Pursue Independent Surrogacy Without an Agency
Another way to save on a large portion of the surrogacy cost is by choosing the DIY route, without a surrogacy agency. There are pros and cons to this, and to a large part, your decision boils down to your personal level of comfort and preference.
A surrogacy agency will walk with you through the whole process, from coordinating your professional team of doctors, lawyers, and counselors, to matching you with your perfect surrogate. Many first-time parents via surrogacy choose this simply because the surrogacy process feels so overwhelming and complicated.
Of course, these agency perks come at a cost. Surrogacy agency fees can range from $100,000-$130,000, and sometimes even more. Don’t expect independent surrogacy to fully cut that cost for you, since agencies typically build in things like legal, screening, or escrow fees to their all-inclusive price. Still, an independent surrogacy can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Independent surrogacy without an agency is possible, and in fact, we have a step-by-step course to demystify the entire process for you—for less than $1,000. Surrogacy Roadmap makes independent surrogacy without an agency attainable, saving you tens of thousands of dollars in agency fees.
Explore Healthcare Benefits for Surrogacy
We all know medical costs can add up quickly, and that is certainly true with surrogacy. IVF, medications and screenings, embryo transfer fees, maternity care for the surrogate…getting clear on exactly what your and your surrogate’s health benefits cover and what they do not will be key to keeping medical costs as low as possible.
First, find out what your coverage is for IVF or other fertility treatments. Some plans will cover the cost of in vitro fertilization during the embryo creation process, or they may pay for medications and testing.
If your gestational surrogate has her own health insurance, find out if her policy has a surrogacy exclusion. If not, her maternity care may be covered, saving you the cost of purchasing a separate policy for her. If your surrogate lives in Nevada, you’re in luck! The state recently became the first to require insurance carriers to cover maternity care for every woman, whether she is carrying for herself or for a surrogacy arrangement.
Lastly, your FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health savings account) may cover some related fees. IVF fees related to your own diagnosis of infertility are typically eligible, such as egg retrieval, sperm donation, embryo creation, and prescription medications for IVF. Compensation and medical fees for the surrogate are not eligible, but sometimes legal fees, like the drafting of a surrogacy agreement, can be.
When it comes to navigating the complexities of insurance and benefits, it is highly recommended that you seek the expertise of a tax and/or insurance professional. These professionals possess the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through the intricate details and potential cost-saving opportunities associated with health insurance. While it may seem daunting to dive into the paperwork and fine print, the savings you could potentially uncover make the effort well worth it in the long run. Therefore, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a professional to ensure you are making informed decisions regarding your insurance coverage and benefits.
