Estimated Surrogacy Expenses

Many factors determine the overall cost of surrogacy. The information below is provided to assist in your planning and does not constitute a contract. Except for our agency fees, these are estimates and can change at any time without notice. Your surrogacy arrangement may cost more or less depending on your personal circumstances.

SURROGATE COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENTS & INCIDENTAL EXPENSES

Gestational Carrier fees are held in an escrow account and include:

 
Baseline compensation for a 1st-time surrogate: paid in equal monthly installments after ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy; increased cost if carrying a multiple pregnancy. Compensation will vary based on circumstances and region. $25,000-$30,000
Baseline compensation for an experienced surrogate: paid in equal monthly installments after ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy; increased cost if carrying a multiple pregnancy. Compensation will vary based on circumstances and region.  (variable; determined by surrogate) Min $35,000
Embryo transfer $500
Monthly stipend for miscellaneous expenses: $200/month, estimated 15 months. Anticipated costs of travel, childcare reimbursements, prenatal vitamins; some contracts provide for this as a fixed monthly stipend and some provide for itemized reimbursements of expenses $3,000
Maternity clothing allowance (singleton / multiples) $500/$750
Variable Surrogate Expenses
Maternity insurance coverage: surrogate may already have a medical insurance policy that is surrogacy friendly. If not, there are local insurance plans that offer comprehensive maternity care. $6,000-$25,000
Disability and/or Term Life insurance $450-$1,500
Newborn insurance: generally only considered by international intended parents. $25,000-$50,000
Gestational Carriers Lost Wages: for any time off from work related to the surrogate pregnancy, including doctor’s appointments, bed rest, delivery and recovery; the actual amount will depend on the surrogate’s wages Actual cost as determined
Surrogates partner’s lost wages; usually around the time of delivery; actual amount will depend on wages Actual cost as determined
Gestational Carriers travel expenses; per trip travel expenses to intended parents clinic for surrogate and a companion – flight, hotel, meals; actual amount will depend on gestational carriers location $2,000-$5,000
Invasive procedure compensation – per occurrence (D&C, CVS, cerclage, etc.) $500-$2000
Multiple pregnancies – per additional fetus $5,000
Mock Cycle if ordered by Physician $500
Cesarean Section per Physician Recommendation $1,500
Breast milk – $250 per week (if agreed upon in Surrogacy Contract) Varies
Ectopic pregnancy surgery $1,000
Labor induction due to no heartbeat or abnormalities $2,000
Loss of one or more fallopian tubes $1,000
Loss of uterus $2,500
Hysterectomy $5,000
The compensation and expenses noted are a guide. Actual compensation is negotiated between the Intended Parents, Gestational Surrogate, and their attorneys. Dakota Surrogacy requires a $20,000 surplus deposit into escrow for variable expenses, due upon execution of your Surrogacy Contract. This deposit is fully refundable approximately three to five months after the conclusion of your surrogacy journey, minus any required variable expenses paid out.
CLINIC FEES
 
We provide these estimated figures to help you budget. Your clinic financial coordinator will provide you with a detailed cost estimate of all required procedures before your cycle begins.

We will be happy to assist you in obtaining your clinic’s actual fees for your surrogate’s medical appointments and procedures.
Infectious Disease Screenings required by FDA $1,000-$2,500
Medical Screening of Surrogate (Vaginal Ultrasound, Physical, Pap Smear, Sonogram, Hysteroscopy, or any additional testing $1,000-$2,000
Cycle Medication Cost $1,000-$2,500
Cost of Embryo Transfer Procedure $6,000-$8,000
Clinic Fees (estimated): $8,500-$13,500
Additional costs if you have not created embryos yet and will need to do an IVF cycle. $9,000-$12,000
TRUST ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT FEES
 
All fees not payable directly to Dakota Surrogacy are held in escrow by a licensed and independent escrow agent. The escrow agent charges a flat fee of $700 plus $10 per check issued from the account. Escrow agent processes all payments and reimbursements to your Gestational Carrier and will provide you with a monthly account statement.
Escrow / Trust Account Management Fee: $1,500 estimated
LEGAL FEES
 
Our in house attorney generally drafts all surrogate contracts for our program. Intended Parents are responsible for their attorney fees, as well as those of the Gestational Carrier.
Intended Parents Legal Counsel (For contract review & negotiation contract, parentage proceedings, etc.) : $5,000 – $6,000
Gestational Carrier Legal Counsel (For contract review & negotiation contract, parentage proceedings, etc.) $1,500 – $3,500
Legal Fees Total (estimated): $6,500 – $9,500
 
DISCLAIMER: The information in this fee structure is meant to assist you in planning your surrogacy and is only an estimate. There are many factors that determine the overall cost of surrogacy. Yours may cost more or less depending on your circumstances. These amounts are subject to change without notice.

Your Surrogacy contract will detail the amount and nature of reimbursements.

This estimate does not include any travel for intended parents. If you are international and/or will be traveling to your surrogate for doctor’s appointments and delivery, those costs will be in addition to those outlined here.

Total anticipated costs for a successful surrogate pregnancy are approximately $75,000-$125,000. This number may be higher if you undergo repeated medical treatments to create embryos for transfer to your surrogate. International intended parents should expect additional legal and insurance expenses as well as increased travel expenses for themselves. Your actual costs may be lower if you already have frozen embryos available for transfer.