Surrogacy costs can be complex — here’s everything you need to know to plan with confidence.
At Joy of Life, our estimated program costs are $150,000–$160,000, covering surrogate compensation, pregnancy-related medical expenses, legal services and agency support. IVF and embryo transfer fees are paid separately to the fertility clinic selected by the intended parents.
Estimated Program Costs
| Surrogate compensation Base pay, plus bonuses tied to milestones |
$60,000–$85,000 |
| Agency support Match facilitation and journey management |
$42,000–$44,000 |
| Medical expenses Insurance premiums, deductibles, copays and approved out-of-pocket costs |
$15,000–$26,000 |
| Legal & administrative Contracts, parental rights and escrow management |
$6,000–$7,000 |
| Total estimated cost per journey with Joy of Life |
$150,000–$160,000 |
Paid separately: IVF and embryo transfer fees go directly to the fertility clinic selected by the intended parents.
On this page:
Surrogacy allows individuals and couples who cannot carry a pregnancy, including those facing infertility, same-sex couples and single parents, to grow their families with the help of a gestational carrier.
Every surrogacy journey is unique, and costs can vary based on several key factors, including:
This guide explains what surrogacy costs with Joy of Life and how those fees are structured so that you can plan with confidence from the start.
There are two types of surrogacy — gestational and traditional — that differ in genetic connection, medical complexity and legal considerations. Because gestational surrogacy offers a clearer legal framework and strong success rates, it’s the preferred approach in most modern surrogacy journeys (and the one reflected in the costs on this page).
Here’s how they compare:
(Most Common)
(Least Common)
No, the surrogate is not genetically related to the baby
Yes, the surrogate uses her own egg
IVF is used to transfer an embryo created from the intended parents’ (or donors’) genetic material
Artificial insemination, or IVF, is used, making the surrogate the biological mother
More straightforward, as the surrogate has no parental rights
More legally complicated since the surrogate is biologically related to the child
Higher due to IVF, legal processes and medical screenings
May be lower, but legal costs can increase due to parental rights concerns
Surrogacy is a significant financial commitment, but understanding exactly where your money goes can help you plan with confidence.
The breakdown below is based on Joy of Life’s surrogacy program. Costs can vary based on state laws, medical needs, insurance coverage and the specifics of your journey, but this table shows what most intended parents can expect when working with us.
*Important: The $150,000–$160,000 estimate does not include IVF, embryo creation, fertility medications, embryo transfer or other fertility-clinic fees. Intended parents pay those costs separately to the fertility clinic they choose.
$20,000 – $22,000
Screening, background checks and psychological evaluations for the surrogate. Coordination between intended parents and the gestational carrier (GC).
$20,000 – $22,000
Support throughout the process, including medication reminders, insurance applications and legal guidance.
$60,000 – $85,000
Base pay for the surrogate, paid in installments during pregnancy.
$9,000 – $17,000
Additional payments before and after pregnancy confirmation, based on medical milestones.
$15,000 – $26,000
Health insurance for the gestational carrier during pregnancy, including 12 months of premiums, copays and deductibles.
$6,000 – $7,000
Legal contracts, parental rights paperwork and escrow account management.
$5,000 – 20,000+
Life insurance, psychological evaluations, newborn nursing and translation services (if needed).
$150,000 – $160,000
Total estimated costs for a complete surrogacy journey with Joy of Life.
While the categories above cover the core costs of your surrogacy journey, some families will have additional expenses based on medical needs and personal preferences. These may include:
At Joy of Life, we support intended parents across most of the United States and around the world. Whether you live in a surrogate-friendly state or are traveling from abroad, we’ll help you understand the legal, medical and financial details before you begin.
We work with families across the U.S., except in a small number of states where surrogacy is restricted by law. If you live in a prohibited state, our team can still help you explore options in surrogate-friendly states and understand how that may affect your budget and legal process.
To learn more about costs and laws in specific areas, explore some of our location guides:
• California
• New York
• Texas
• Washington
• Oregon
• Utah
Don’t see your location listed? Contact us, and we’ll walk you through what surrogacy could look like where you live.
Many of our intended parents live outside the United States and come to Joy of Life for the legal protections and medical standards of U.S. surrogacy. Our international program includes guidance on:
If you’re considering surrogacy from outside the U.S., explore our program for international intended parents.
Most intended parents do not pay the full cost of surrogacy upfront. Instead, payments are made in structured deposits tied to clear milestones in your journey.
At Joy of Life, funds are held in a secure escrow account and released as services are provided, so you can track every transaction and see exactly where your money is going. Any unused funds are refunded within six months of your case being completed.
Wondering how payments are handled? Below, we break down when and how each payment is made:
Deposit: $50,000
Before the matching process begins
Deposit: $50,000
When legal contracts are signed
Deposit: $50,000
Once the surrogate is medically cleared and graduates from IVF care
Deposit: Adjusted Amount
At 24 weeks of pregnancy, based on projected remaining costs
• Payments are managed through an escrow account, ensuring transparency.
• Unused funds are refunded within six months after case completion.
• Parents can check their escrow balance and transactions at any time.
Surrogacy costs can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to make the process more manageable:
✔ Payment Plans & Financing Options
✔ Surrogacy Grants & Financial Assistance
✔ Insurance Coverage for Medical Costs
Still have questions about surrogacy costs? Contact our team, and we’ll walk you through the financial side step by step.
Costs can vary widely depending on what is included in a provider’s estimate. Joy of Life’s estimated program costs are $150,000–$160,000 and include surrogate compensation, pregnancy-related medical expenses, legal services and agency support.
IVF, embryo creation, fertility medications, embryo transfer and other fertility-clinic fees are paid separately to the clinic selected by the intended parents.
Additional costs may apply for donor services, additional embryo-transfer attempts, travel, complications, multiples, hospitalization, NICU care or a rematch. Request an itemized estimate so you can clearly see which fees are included, which are paid separately and which costs may change during the journey.
A U.S. surrogacy budget typically includes:
The following costs are often excluded or paid separately:
Because inclusions vary by provider, intended parents should request a written, itemized estimate.
Surrogate compensation varies based on experience, location and agency policies. At Joy of Life, surrogates typically receive $60,000 – $85,000, plus additional bonuses for milestones like embryo transfer and pregnancy confirmation.
Surrogacy involves multiple professionals and services, including medical care, legal contracts, agency support and surrogate compensation. Costs also cover insurance, psychological screenings and medical procedures like IVF to ensure a safe and ethical journey.
Surrogacy costs fluctuate based on state laws, insurance policies and medical expenses. States with surrogate-friendly laws (like California) may have higher costs due to demand, while other states may have lower costs but stricter legal requirements.
At Joy of Life, we prioritize transparency. While we provide a clear cost breakdown, additional costs may arise, such as extra medical procedures, surrogate travel expenses or newborn care costs. We encourage all intended parents to discuss potential unexpected expenses upfront.
No! Payments are made in structured deposits throughout the process to reduce financial strain. Funds are securely held in an escrow account and released at specific milestones, such as matching, legal contract signing and pregnancy confirmation.
Yes! There are several financing options, including payment plans, fertility loans and grants for intended parents. Some insurance policies may also cover parts of the surrogacy process.
It depends on your insurance provider and policy. Some plans may cover fertility treatments, medical screenings or pregnancy care for the surrogate. However, most intended parents need a separate insurance plan for their surrogate to ensure proper coverage.
In some situations, intended parents may be able to treat parts of their surrogacy expenses as medical costs for tax purposes, but rules vary by country and state. We recommend speaking with a tax professional experienced in fertility and surrogacy to understand what may apply to your situation. Our team can provide detailed documentation of your expenses to support those conversations.
If a first embryo transfer is not successful, next steps depend on your clinic’s protocol and the terms of your agreement. In many cases, additional transfers can be planned using remaining embryos, with clearly defined costs for medical care and surrogate compensation. Before you begin, our team reviews what is and isn’t included in your contract so there are no surprises if another transfer is needed.
Intended parents are responsible for covering all pregnancy-related medical costs, including any unexpected complications. This is why comprehensive insurance is a crucial part of surrogacy planning.
Payments are tied to specific milestones, and funds are held in a secure escrow account and released as services are provided. If a journey is canceled or delayed, our legal and financial team will review your contracts with you so you understand which costs have already been incurred, what remains in escrow and what options you have for refunds or next steps.
While independent surrogacy may reduce agency fees, it requires intended parents to handle legal contracts, medical coordination and surrogate screening on their own, which can lead to higher risks and unexpected costs. Agencies like Joy of Life simplify the process and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Surrogacy is a big commitment, but with the right information and support, you can navigate the journey with confidence. Here’s a quick recap of the key things to keep in mind
✔ The average cost of surrogacy ranges from $150,000 – $160,000 with Joy of Life.
✔ Costs vary based on location, agency, medical needs and surrogate compensation.
✔ Payments are structured over time rather than paid all at once.
✔ Surrogate compensation ($60,000 – $85,000) + bonuses.
✔ Medical expenses (IVF, embryo transfer, prenatal care).
✔ Legal & administrative fees for contracts and parental rights.
✔ Agency support & journey management for a seamless process.
✔ Payments happen in structured deposits throughout the process.
✔ Funds are held in a secure escrow account for transparency.
✔ Unused funds are refunded after case completion.
✔ Some unexpected costs may arise, such as medical emergencies or travel expenses.
✔ Financing options exist, including payment plans, grants and insurance coverage.
✔ Choosing a reputable agency like Joy of Life ensures clarity and peace of mind.
“With Joy of Life, you don’t just have an agency; you have an entire team behind you. Our journey is now coming to an end, and we cannot wait to meet our bundle of joy, but we know this would not have been possible without all these wonderful people.”
Thea
“It is thanks to Joy of Life Surrogacy that my wife and I are able to enjoy life with our baby girl now. From the Intended Parents' perspective, it is a nerve-wracking experience to find a match with a surrogate. Joy of Life was able to match us with our perfect surrogate who we truly loved and still keep in touch with.”
Clement
“My friend recommended Joy of Life to me after their successful journey with them. I must say, all their staff are incredibly friendly. Ada, my coordinator, is simply amazing — super fast in responding to our questions and extremely professional. I wholeheartedly recommend Joy of Life to anyone looking to become parents.”
Jill
Now that you have a clearer understanding of surrogacy costs, you can take the next step at your own pace. When you’re ready, we’re here to provide guidance, support and a seamless experience on your path to parenthood.
