If you’re a veteran exploring surrogacy, you may be wondering whether your VA or military benefits can help cover the cost—and how to even begin planning for such a significant financial commitment.
The truth is, the current system doesn’t make it easy.
At American Surrogacy, we specialize in guiding intended parents through every aspect of the surrogacy journey, including financing.
Contact us today to get a detailed cost breakdown and speak with a specialist about financing solutions tailored to veteran families.
Does the VA Cover Surrogacy?
No, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not cover surrogacy. While the VA offers limited fertility services such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) these benefits are highly restricted.
The VA does not cover third-party reproductive services, including the use of a surrogate, donor eggs or donor sperm.
All VA programs are limited to military veterans and their spouses, meaning the essential coverage needed for surrogacy insurance for the surrogate is not provided.
Does the VA Pay for IVF?
Most of the time, no, the VA does not cover IVF.
The notable exception is when a veteran encounters a serious, service-related illness or injury that impacts their ability to reproduce.
For a long time, the VA’s regulations made eligibility for this even more restrictive. The VA used to require those seeking fertility help to be married.
It also had gender-specific definitions of infertility that overlooked key components of the difficulties disabled veterans faced due to their service injuries. Thankfully, these restrictions were removed in 2024.
Now anyone with a qualifying injury is eligible. Since IVF is a huge part of the surrogacy process, this can be very positive news for veterans wanting to start a family.
Why the VA Doesn’t Currently Pay for Surrogacy
The VA’s refusal to cover surrogacy stems from a combination of policy frameworks, restrictive definitions of family-building and legal limitations tied to federal funding.
Since its inception, VA fertility coverage has been shaped by narrow eligibility rules, often excluding unmarried couples, LGBTQ+ veterans and those without a medically defined, service-connected infertility diagnosis.
Additionally, the VA is bound by congressional authorization and budget constraints, which complicate efforts to expand benefits. Federal law has historically prevented the use of appropriated funds for third-party reproductive services, which includes surrogacy.
While advocacy groups and lawmakers have pushed for reforms, progress has been slow and uneven.
TRICARE vs. VA Health Care: What Military Families Need to Know
The biggest difference between Tricare and VA Health Care is unlike VA health benefits, TRICARE is used by active-duty service members and some recently separated personnel offers slightly broader fertility care.
TRICARE covers diagnostic infertility services and certain treatments like IUI, but it does not cover IVF, egg or sperm donation or gestational surrogacy.
That said, the Department of Defense (DoD) has experimented with pilot programs to offer IVF at military treatment facilities for qualifying active-duty personnel. These services are typically offered at significantly reduced cost but still exclude surrogacy.
Veterans transitioning out of the military may lose access to TRICARE fertility benefits, depending on discharge status and timing.
While these programs may provide partial support during early fertility stages, they are not a reliable solution for those pursuing full surrogacy journeys.
Fertility Grants for Military Veterans: Affording Surrogacy after Service
Organizations such as the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the Military Family Building Coalition offer grants or guidance for service members facing fertility challenges.
Budgeting for surrogacy can be a real challenge, but your military service may make it slightly easier for you. Despite the lack of official military programs to support fertility, there are many private and non-profit benefits to help you you’re your family growth.
Here are some grants you can apply for as a veteran or active-duty service member:
- Operation Baby – $5,000 (requires infertility diagnosis)
- Bob Woodruff Foundation – $5,000
- Roaring Adventure – $10,000 (active duty only, requires infertility diagnosis)
- BabyQuest Foundation – $20,000 (view requirements)
- CADE Foundation – $10,000 ($50 application fee)
- Hope For Fertility – $10,000 ($50 application fee)
This isn’t an exhaustive list; you can find even more available once you start looking. Remember, you can be selected for multiple grants at once, so there’s no harm in applying for multiple.
Surrogacy Financing Options for Veterans
Some veterans can access employer-sponsored fertility benefits through workplace health plans or fertility-specific insurance add-ons.
Other funding options include:
- Nonprofit grants (e.g., Journey to Parenthood, Men Having Babies for LGBTQ+ veterans)
- Fertility-specific loans through financing companies like Sunfish and CapexMD
- Personal loans through your bank or other credit unions
- HSA accounts
- GoFundMe or community-based support campaigns
Veterans shouldn’t have to delay or forgo family-building due to financial strain. A knowledgeable agency can help assemble a patchwork of support to close the funding gap.
How American Surrogacy Protects You Financially
Finding a professional to help you complete your surrogacy journey is a big step, but don’t worry. You’re in good hands.
At American Surrogacy, we understand the unique challenges that veterans and military families face when pursuing parenthood. That’s why we offer veteran-specific support services that go far beyond basic coordination. Here’s how.
Our Limited Risk Program
This program offersfinancial protection for intended parents—if your journey faces setbacks (e.g., surrogate not approved, failed transfer, or miscarriage), related fees are either refunded or applied to the next attempt, so you don’t pay twice for the same outcome.
Covered Costs Include:
- Surrogate compensation and support
- Insurance
- Legal fees
We can also help you create a budget, explore financing options and help secure additional insurance for your surrogate if needed.
Read more about our surrogacy programs and see which one suits your financial situation.
Why Intended Parents Who Are Veterans Deserve More Reproductive Support
Veterans often face a complex intersection of emotional, physical and systemic barriers to parenthood. Many have experienced service-related trauma that impacts their fertility, while others have had to postpone family plans due to the demands of deployment or recovery.
For some, surrogacy is not just a preference—it’s their only path to building a biological family.
The restrictive nature of VA policies and the lack of inclusive, comprehensive benefits create emotional stress and financial hardship.
Intended parents who’ve served their country deserve access to compassionate, equitable reproductive options. Until the VA system evolves, private agencies and advocacy partners play a vital role in filling the gap.
Get the Support You Deserve
Building a family through surrogacy is a deeply personal journey—and you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone or without clear financial guidance.
Whether you’re unsure how to start or you’ve already explored your benefits and hit a wall, American Surrogacy is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Fill out our form for a customized cost estimate and expert advice on creating a financing plan that works for your life and service background.