Starting a family through surrogacy is a deeply meaningful journey. But before beginning, it's important to understand how much you can expect to invest — financially, emotionally, and legally. For many families, planning for the cost of surrogacy is the first step toward making their dreams a reality.
If you're considering this path in Michigan, you're probably wondering: How much does surrogacy cost in Michigan? In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about surrogacy costs in Michigan — including how the legal landscape shapes your options and how American Surrogacy can support you from start to finish.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Michigan?
Surrogacy in Michigan generally costs between $100,000 and $200,000+, depending on your program, legal and medical needs, and whether you are matched independently or through an agency. However, Michigan is not currently considered a surrogacy-friendly state — compensated surrogacy contracts are prohibited under state law and may be unenforceable.
That said, many families in Michigan still build their families through surrogacy by working with surrogates in other states or by carefully structuring journeys with strong legal oversight. With the right support and guidance, surrogacy is still possible for Michigan residents.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in Michigan
American Surrogacy offers three structured program options to help you balance your budget and risk tolerance:
- 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 (starting at $17,000): For families who already have a surrogate. This includes coordination and oversight but excludes compensation, IVF, and legal services. Most independent journeys still cost over $100,000.
To explore your options, visit our Full-Service Programs or learn more about the Independent Program.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
Surrogacy costs for Michigan-based families usually include:
- Agency fees: Covering surrogate screening and qualified matching, case management, legal coordination, and support throughout your journey
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay and reimbursements for pregnancy-related costs
- Legal services: Contract drafting, parentage orders, and legal protections (which may need to be managed in a surrogacy-friendly state)
- Medical expenses: IVF, embryo transfer, medications, prenatal care, and delivery
These components work together to ensure a safe, ethical, and fully supported experience.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
Agency fees allow you to rely on a team of professionals who handle every detail — from screening and matching to legal documentation and emotional guidance. Our case managers offer 24/7 support, helping you move through the process confidently.
So how much does a surrogate cost in Michigan? While you may not be able to complete a compensated surrogacy journey in-state, surrogates in other states generally receive base pay starting around $50,000. With reimbursements, the total surrogate compensation package usually ranges from $60,000 to $75,000+, covering:
- Lost wages
- Travel and lodging
- Maternity clothing
- Childcare
- Insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs
All payments are processed through a secure escrow account to ensure legal compliance and accountability.
Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs
One of the biggest concerns for intended parents is the risk of unexpected expenses — especially when navigating a more legally complex state like Michigan. Our Limited Risk Program was created to address this. It includes built-in protections for common disruptions and gives you the peace of mind to move forward with financial clarity.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Michigan?
While compensated surrogacy within Michigan is not permitted under current law, many Michigan residents successfully work with surrogates in surrogacy-friendly states. Surrogate compensation still applies and typically includes:
- Base pay starting around $50,000
- Reimbursements that raise the total to $60,000 to $75,000 or more
If you're working through the Independent Program, you’ll need to plan for full compensation separately from your agency fee. Total costs still often exceed $100,000, even when you have an existing match.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Michigan?
How much surrogacy costs with insurance in Michigan depends on the details of your plan. While most policies do not cover agency or surrogate compensation, many may provide support for:
- IVF treatment
- Fertility medications
- Maternity care (if your surrogate is covered under her own plan)
Major insurance providers in Michigan include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Priority Health, and Molina Healthcare. Our team will review your coverage — and your surrogate’s — to ensure that any gaps are addressed with supplemental plans when necessary.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If your surrogacy journey includes IVF, the total cost will be higher due to additional services. These may include:
- IVF treatment and procedures
- Embryo creation
- Fertility medications
- Donor sperm or eggs (if needed)
- Monitoring, testing, and lab work
Your costs will depend on your clinic and the number of cycles needed. We can help you select a trusted fertility clinic, either in Michigan or in a surrogacy-friendly state where your journey will be legally protected.
Affording Surrogacy
Although surrogacy is a large financial undertaking, there are many ways to make it more accessible. In addition to our affordable surrogacy programs, families often explore:
Grants and assistance from:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Men Having Babies GPAP Program
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood
Employer benefits through providers like:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Personal financing tools such as HSAs, home equity lines of credit, or 401(k) loans are other options to explore.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
Our specialists will help you review all your options and develop a financial plan tailored to your goals. 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 agency is especially important if you live in a state like Michigan, where surrogacy laws present more challenges than in surrogacy-friendly states. Here's why American Surrogacy is a trusted partner for Michigan families:
- Legal awareness and strategy: We work closely with attorneys who understand Michigan’s surrogacy restrictions and can help you complete your journey through alternate legal pathways.
- Proven nationwide network: Most intended parents are matched in 1 to 4 months, with surrogates from states where compensated surrogacy is fully legal.
- Comprehensive coordination: We handle every detail — from legal compliance to insurance evaluation and emotional support.
- Transparent, protected pricing: Our Limited Risk Program offers financial peace of mind, and all costs are clearly explained upfront.
- Dedicated case management: You’ll have a single point of contact throughout your journey who understands your unique circumstances and walks with you every step of the way.
At American Surrogacy, we believe every family deserves the opportunity to grow — and we’ll help you do it with compassion, clarity, and confidence.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
Michigan law does not currently permit enforceable compensated surrogacy contracts, but that doesn’t mean surrogacy is off the table. Many intended parents in Michigan work with surrogates in other states or structure their journey with legal support to remain compliant. With American Surrogacy, you’ll receive expert guidance to make this process legally secure and emotionally fulfilling.
If you're ready to explore your options, contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist about your next steps.