How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? FMC Founder Stephanie Levich Breaks it Down With TODAY
What Intended Parents Should Budget for Surrogacy
In coverage for TODAY, Stephanie Levich explained that no two surrogacy journeys cost the same. Factors like insurance coverage, egg donation, travel, medical needs, and the specifics of a match can all affect the overall cost. Her advice remains the same: families should understand the full range of potential expenses and plan realistically before beginning the process.
There are so many factors that will ultimately dictate the total cost of the journey
Where the Money Typically Goes
The cost of surrogacy is made up of many separate expenses, including surrogate compensation, agency fees, legal services, fertility treatment, insurance, and other medical and journey-related costs.
Levich also highlighted another important consideration: finding the right surrogate can take time, particularly when working with a single agency and its available candidates. Family Match Consulting takes a broader approach, searching across a nationwide network of trusted surrogacy agencies to give intended parents more options and help reduce the time it takes to find the right match.
Is Surrogacy Covered by Insurance?
Insurance coverage for surrogacy varies significantly by policy. A surrogate’s existing health insurance may cover pregnancy-related care, but some policies specifically exclude surrogate pregnancies. Intended parents typically have the policy reviewed by a surrogacy insurance specialist to determine what is covered and whether additional or separate coverage is needed.
Fertility treatment and embryo transfer are generally handled separately, with coverage depending on the intended parents’ insurance benefits and the fertility clinic.
Many insurance policies have surrogacy exclusions so it’s imperative that prospective parents work with insurance professionals who specialize in surrogacy.
If you are considering surrogacy, start with education, not a contract. Understanding the process, potential costs, insurance considerations, and different approaches to finding a surrogate can help you make informed decisions from the beginning.
