Creating a realistic surrogacy budget starts with mapping every category of expense, not just clinic fees. List agency or independent matching costs, legal contracts for all parties, gestational carrier compensation, fertility medications, embryo creation and storage, insurance premiums, travel, and lost wages or childcare. Next, ask each provider for itemized estimates and timelines so you know when cash actually leaves your account.
Open a dedicated bank account or spreadsheet that tracks projected versus actual spending. Set aside a contingency fund of at least 15–20% for failed transfers, extra monitoring, or a NICU stay.
If you’re wondering “ how much does it cost to use a surrogate,” turn that question into a range—best case, most likely, and worst case—and model each scenario.
Financing tools can help, but deserve scrutiny. Compare medical loans, personal lines of credit, and employer fertility benefits by interest rate, fees, and tax implications. HSAs and FSAs may cover certain medical portions; confirm eligibility before swiping the card. Als,o budget time: missed work for appointments or birth can equal lost income.
Remember to communicate early about money boundaries with your surrogate and agency. Decide who approves unexpected charges, how reimbursements are submitted, and what documentation is required. Clear systems reduce stress and protect relationships, letting you focus on welcoming your child instead of reconciling receipts. Revisit the budget after each milestone, update your forecasts, and archive receipts digitally to simplify taxes, audits, or reimbursement disputes that can surface months after the birth process.
