If you're considering building your family through surrogacy in Delaware, one of your first questions might be: How much does surrogacy cost?
American Surrogacy is here to answer all the questions you have about surrogacy costs, while providing realistic and transparent expectations for the costs of our services.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Delaware?
Most intended parents can expect to invest between $100,000 and $200,000+ in a complete surrogacy journey. This cost depends on several important factors — including your choice of program, surrogate compensation, legal requirements, and fertility clinic fees.
The right surrogacy partner can help make this financial commitment more manageable. At American Surrogacy, we offer personalized guidance, built-in protections, and financing options to support your journey from start to finish.
When you're ready to move forward, we’ll help you become a parent faster with a program that fits your needs.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in Delaware
Surrogacy costs in Delaware can vary depending on the type of program you choose. At American Surrogacy, we offer three paths designed for different situations and budgets:
- Limited Risk Program ($169,900 - $179,000+): A full-service option that includes financial protections for events like failed embryo transfers, rematches, and early complications. Most intended parents are matched with a surrogate in 1 to 4 months.
- Foundation Program ($115,400 - $170,000+): A pay-as-you-go model that includes full coordination but fewer financial safeguards. This is ideal for families who want to manage payments over time.
- Independent Program ($17,000+): Tailored for families who already have a surrogate. It includes essential case management and coordination services, but does not include compensation, legal, or medical costs.
For more information, explore our Full-Service Programs or learn about our Independent Program if you already have a match.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
The cost of surrogacy in Delaware typically includes:
- Agency Fees: This covers support services such as case management, surrogate screening and matching, legal and medical coordination, and 24/7 guidance.
- Surrogate Compensation: Base pay along with reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses like maternity clothing, travel, lost wages, and childcare.
- Legal Fees: Drafting contracts, establishing parental rights, and navigating Delaware’s surrogacy laws.
- Medical Expenses: IVF cycles, embryo transfers, prenatal care, and delivery costs.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
When evaluating how much does a surrogate cost in Delaware, it’s important to look beyond the base compensation and consider the full package of benefits and protections.
The base compensation for a first-time surrogate generally starts around $50,000, but experienced surrogates may receive more. In addition to this base pay, intended parents cover a range of approved expenses such as:
- Travel and lodging
- Lost income and childcare
- Maternity needs
- Insurance copays
- Counseling and wellness support
Agency fees are what allow for this compensation to be managed securely and equitably, while also funding the professional services that make your journey smoother and safer.
Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs
Surrogacy is a major investment, and unexpected costs can create emotional and financial strain. That’s why it’s important to work with an agency that builds transparency into every stage of the process.
Working with the wrong professional could mean the difference between becoming parents or not.
At American Surrogacy, our Limited Risk Program is specifically designed to help you avoid surprise expenses. This includes coverage for failed embryo transfers, disrupted matches, and other unexpected hurdles — protections not always available through other providers or independent paths.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Delaware?
Surrogate compensation is one of the most important components of the overall surrogacy cost. In Delaware, the base pay for a first-time surrogate generally begins around $50,000, with experienced surrogates receiving higher compensation depending on their background and prior journeys.
In addition to base pay, intended parents are also responsible for a variety of reimbursable expenses and benefits, including:
- Maternity clothing
- Travel and lodging
- Lost wages from time off work
- Childcare and housekeeping
- Health insurance premiums and medical co-pays
- Counseling and support services
These payments ensure that the surrogate is fully supported throughout the pregnancy without incurring personal financial strain. The total amount of surrogate compensation — including base pay and additional benefits — typically ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 or more.
If you’re exploring a more cost-controlled option and already have a surrogate, our Independent Program may be a fit. Keep in mind that while this program starts at $17,000, you’ll still need to budget for full surrogate compensation, legal fees, and medical costs — which can push the total cost past $100,000.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Delaware?
How much does surrogacy cost with insurance in Delaware depends on the coverage included in your health plan. While most plans do not cover surrogate compensation or agency fees, they may assist with:
- IVF procedures
- Fertility medications
- Pregnancy-related care
Delaware’s largest insurance providers, like Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, may offer partial fertility coverage depending on your specific plan. Our specialists will help review your policy to identify benefits and potential exclusions.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
Wondering how much does IVF and surrogacy cost in Delaware? Your fertility clinic plays a significant role in your total cost. Here's a general estimate:
- IVF treatment: $12,000–$25,000 per cycle
- Medications: $3,000–$8,000
- Egg/sperm donors (if needed): $5,000–$15,000+
- Additional testing and procedures: $5,000–$10,000
Adding these costs to your surrogacy journey means you could spend an additional $20,000–$40,000 on fertility-related services.
Affording Surrogacy
The thought of affording surrogacy can be daunting — but there are ways to make it work. American Surrogacy offers flexible payment structures and partners with respected surrogacy financing providers.
In addition to our affordable programs, consider these resources:
- Grants: Several national organizations offer grants for fertility and surrogacy.
- Employer benefits: Some employers provide fertility and family-building assistance in their health plans.
- Savings and investments: Personal savings, retirement accounts, or brokerage assets can be used.
- Home equity loans (HELOCs): Many families leverage home value to fund their journey.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
To help ensure you work with a trusted service provider, we have a surrogacy financing partner who provides excellent services that help make surrogacy more affordable:
Sunfish: Sunfish offers low-interest fertility loans for IVF, surrogacy, and egg donors for American Surrogacy. They make parenthood attainable for all types of families through financial solutions, support, and guidance.
Learn more about financing your surrogacy through Sunfish here.
Why Choose American Surrogacy?
Choosing the right surrogacy partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At American Surrogacy, we provide:
- Faster Matches: Most families are matched with a surrogate in just 1–4 months.
- Financial Protection: Built-in safeguards reduce your risk and offer peace of mind.
- Personalized Support: From legal coordination to emotional guidance, we’re by your side every step of the way.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
Is Delaware a surrogacy-friendly state? Absolutely. With supportive laws and an established process, Delaware offers a welcoming environment for intended parents. When you're ready to take the next step, reach out to speak with one of our specialists. We're here to make your family-building dreams a reality.