Gay Surrogacy Cost: How To Finance Your Journey

For many LGBTQ+ couples, one of the biggest questions about starting a family is: how much does gay surrogacy cost? 

The financial commitment can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding the numbers and what influences them makes the process far more approachable.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of gay surrogacy in 2025, explain the factors that affect pricing, and share financing options available to same-sex intended parents.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or comparing agencies, this overview will help you plan with clarity and confidence.

How Much Does Gay Surrogacy Cost in 2025?

In the United States, the total cost of gay surrogacy typically falls between $90,000 and $200,000, with most families spending $120,000–$160,000 by the time their baby is born. 

This includes surrogate compensation, agency fees, medical expenses, legal work, and insurance.

For gay dads, surrogacy costs are usually on the higher end of the spectrum because the process also requires an egg donor in addition to the surrogate and IVF treatment.

Depending on the donor chosen and the number of IVF cycles needed, these expenses can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total.

In rare cases, costs may be lower. For example, when a surrogate is a close friend or family member who doesn’t accept full compensation, the total cost can drop significantly, sometimes to $50,000–$60,000. 

However, most intended parents choose to work with an agency for the added legal protections, medical oversight, and structured support.

Breaking Down the Cost of Gay Surrogacy

Here’s a breakdown of the major surrogacy expenses:

Surrogate Compensation

• Base pay: $40,000–$50,000
• Additional pay for experienced surrogates: +$5,000–$10,000
• Twin pregnancy bonus: +$7,500–$12,500
• C-section delivery: +$2,500–$3,500

Agency Fees

• $30,000–$50,000 for matching, coordination, and ongoing support.

Allowances and Benefits

• Monthly expense allowances and gifts: $7,500–$15,000
• Cycling allowance (per embryo transfer): $1,000–$2,000
• Escrow account fees: $1,500–$2,500

Medical and Insurance Costs

• Surrogate health and life insurance: $6,000–$30,000
• IVF and embryo creation: varies by clinic, but often adds $20,000–$40,000 (not included in base surrogate expenses).

Legal Fees

• $8,000–$16,000 for contracts, parentage orders, and any required rematch agreements.

Travel and Monitoring

• Surrogate travel: $1,000–$5,000
• Outside monitoring (if surrogate is not local to the IVF clinic): $0–$2,000

Lost Wages

• Surrogate: $0–$6,000
• Partner: $1,000–$3,000

Total Expected Costs

For an uncomplicated surrogacy journey, the total cost typically falls between $96,000 and $181,500—before adding egg donor expenses and IVF. With donor eggs and medical treatments included, most gay couples spend between $120,000 and $160,000 in total.

What Factors Affect Gay Surrogacy Cost?

While average costs give you a starting point, the total amount you’ll spend depends on several variables. 

For gay dads especially, these factors can significantly shift the final budget.

Location and Legal Environment

Surrogacy costs vary by state and country. 

In surrogacy-friendly states like California, fees may be higher due to demand but come with strong legal protections. 

In states with limited or unclear surrogacy laws, legal expenses can rise if additional steps such as adoption are required.

Choice of Surrogate

Working with an experienced surrogate typically adds $5,000–$10,000 to base compensation. Surrogates carrying twins or undergoing C-sections also receive additional compensation.

Insurance Coverage

Some insurance plans exclude surrogacy-related maternity care, leaving intended parents to purchase a new policy for their surrogate—an additional $6,000–$30,000. For international parents, newborn insurance in the U.S. may also add another $10,000–$20,000.

Egg Donor and IVF Cycles

Gay couples must also factor in egg donor compensation and IVF expenses, which typically add $20,000–$40,000 per cycle. If more than one cycle is needed, costs can rise quickly.

Unexpected Events

Even with careful planning, some situations increase costs:

• Additional embryo transfers
• Miscarriage and needing to rematch with a surrogate (adds $11,000–$21,000)
• Bed rest, lost wages, or medical complications

Financing Options for Gay Surrogacy

Surrogacy can be expensive, but there are several financing paths that help make gay surrogacy more attainable and financially predictable.

Employer Family-Building Benefits

Many employers now offer benefits that partially cover fertility treatments, surrogacy-related care, or egg donation. 

If your company offers family-building support, it could significantly reduce your overall cost.

Health Insurance Coverage

Surrogacy-related healthcare is often excluded from standard insurance plans. 

However, some policies do offer partial coverage for maternity or fertility treatments. Review your insurance and explore state-specific mandates that might include fertility benefits.

Sunfish Financing

Hatch now partners with Sunfish, a streamlined financing solution that simplifies funding fertility and surrogacy journeys. 

With Sunfish you can:

• Get a free, no-obligation quote online for your entire path to parenthood.
• Receive personalized support from a financial advocate to help select and apply for loans.
• Consolidate all expenses—surrogacy, IVF, egg donation—into one transparent monthly payment.
  

All-Inclusive Payment Models

Hatch offers the Peace of Mind Program, a fixed-fee package that covers most medical and non-medical expenses in one upfront cost, preventing surprise fees and simplifying budgeting.

Community Grants and Fundraising

LGBTQ+ family-building grants, aid organizations, and crowdfunding can contribute toward lowering out-of-pocket expenses.