Updated on 08/20/2021

Becoming a gestational surrogate is one of the most giving and selfless things that a woman can do for others. While it is a selfless act, it’s important that surrogates (also known as gestational carriers) should also be compensated fairly for the emotional, physical, and literal labor that come with a surrogate pregnancy. Because of this, one of the most-asked questions from women who are interested in becoming surrogate mothers is, “How much are surrogates paid?”

At RP, we understand the importance for surrogates – or gestational carriers – to be compensated fairly for the emotional, medical and physical sacrifices that come with a surrogate pregnancy. 

Typically, a first time surrogate will be paid a base fee, usually between $25,000 to $35,000. At Reproductive Possibilities, our base fee starts at $35,000. Compensation is discussed when reviewing the entire surrogacy process when you are onboarded. If you are interested in learning more about the surrogacy process or our pay and benefits in addition to what is listed here, you can visit the surrogate page on our website!

When do I get paid?

Potential surrogates often have additional questions about how the payment disbursement schedule works.

In most cases, your base fee would be divided between the 9 months of pregnancy. At Reproductive Possibilities, the first payment you receive is usually a “transfer fee” of $500 that would be sent upon completion of an embryo transfer. Your next payment is usually not sent until there is a confirmed pregnancy. (This is hopefully about two weeks after your embryo transfer.) Your third payment would be paid once our agency receives the confirmation of heartbeat(s) via ultrasound. 

From this point forward, you will receive your payments monthly.

Are there additional payments?

Your contract can and may have additional surrogacy costs, expenses and/or reimbursements listed that you may be entitled to, , including additional medical expenses, life insurance, and supplemental reimbursements.

What medical expenses are covered for surrogates?

Aside from the base fee, IVF costs, and fertility medication costs, all medical expenses incurred during the surrogacy process will be paid for. This includes $500 for a mock cycle fee, which is basically a practice cycle for fertility medications to see how the surrogate’s body responds. When it’s time to do the actual embryo transfer, the surrogate is paid $500. If the transfer is cancelled after the surrogate has already started using injectable medications, she will be paid $350.

Surrogates are also paid for any medical procedures associated with pregnancy and birth. This includes payment for invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test, selective reduction, pregnancy termination, or dilation and curettage. For these procedures, surrogates are paid $500. If the surrogate requires a c-section, she will be paid an additional $1,500.

If there are any additional medical expenses, such as doctor visits or lab work, that are not covered by the surrogate’s health insurance (if she has any), the surrogate will be reimbursed for those expenses as well.

How does life insurance for surrogates work?

Because all pregnancies come with risks, intended parents are required to pay for life insurance for their surrogates in case there is an accidental death. Surrogates and their families receive a term life insurance for $500,000 face amount.

Can I add costs to my contract?

Your contract can and may have additional fees noted, such as reimbursement for childcare (for when you travel or even for doctor visits), housekeeping expenses if you are on bedrest, etc. You may also receive an allowance for maternity clothes. Typically, this allowance is $500 for a single fetus and $750 for multiples. 
As for travel expenses, your IPs or your agency should be paying for your expenses for travel (flight, transportation, hotel, car service, mileage driving to and from appointments, etc.). There are some cases where you may need to pay for incidentals like meals or an Uber to the clinic, but these expenses should be submitted on your expense form as they will be considered for reimbursement. (Tip: Always remember to hold on to your receipts!).

You may also be able to be reimbursed for lost wages if you need to take time off from work for the surrogacy process (such as for a screening visit, embryo transfer, doctors appointments, recuperation time after delivery, etc). A list of ALL possible payments you can receive as a Reproductive Possibilities surrogate can be found on our website!

Our surrogates will tell you- money is definitely NOT what surrogacy is all about! However, it is good to know that you are compensated for your time and emotional and physical dedication, and protected by contracts (when working with an agency).

Should I apply now?

Now that you have all of this information, you may be wondering if you should apply. If you think now is the best time to become a surrogate for you, we encourage you to fill out our application! If you still feel like you want to learn more about the process or would like to speak with someone on our team, you can call us at (201) 505-0078 or fill out our Contact Us form. You can also visit our website or follow our social channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!