Surrogacy in Illinois is one of the most secure and legally supported options for intended parents in the United States. But before you begin this journey, it’s important to understand the financial investment involved. So, how much does surrogacy cost in Illinois?
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Illinois?
The average total cost of a surrogacy journey in Illinois typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 or more. This wide range reflects variables like the program you choose, surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal processes, and your insurance situation.
Thanks to strong legal protections for both intended parents and gestational carriers, Illinois is considered one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country. With expert support and a plan that fits your needs, this process can be both financially manageable and deeply fulfilling.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in Illinois
At American Surrogacy, we offer three surrogacy programs designed to serve different needs, risk preferences, and budget levels:
- 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): Created for families who already have a surrogate match, this program includes professional coordination, case management, and legal and administrative support. The average total cost still typically exceeds $100,000 after compensation, medical, and legal expenses.
You can learn more about our full-service programs or see if our Independent Program fits your current situation.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
A surrogacy journey in Illinois typically includes the following cost categories:
- Agency fees: Covering professional case management, legal and medical coordination, matching with a qualified surrogate, and 24/7 support
- Surrogate compensation: Including base pay and reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses
- Legal services: Drafting contracts and securing pre-birth parentage orders under Illinois law
- Medical expenses: IVF procedures, transfer cycles, prenatal monitoring, and delivery
Each of these elements ensures your experience is ethical, well-coordinated, and protected at every step.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
American Surrogacy’s agency fees reflect the comprehensive services provided throughout your journey — including surrogate screening, match support, trust account management, and emotional guidance.
How much does a surrogate cost in Illinois? Most surrogates in the state receive a base pay starting at $50,000. In addition, intended parents also provide compensation for:
- Lost wages from time off work
- Childcare and housekeeping support
- Maternity clothing
- Travel and lodging
- Health insurance premiums and medical co-pays
When all benefits and reimbursements are included, surrogate compensation in Illinois typically totals between $60,000 and $75,000 or more. These payments are handled through a secured escrow system to ensure accountability and clarity for both parties.
Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs
Unexpected costs are one of the biggest fears for intended parents. Medical complications, disrupted matches, or contract issues can create financial strain if not anticipated.
That’s why we recommend the Limited Risk Program, which is specifically structured to reduce financial uncertainty. With coverage for failed embryo transfers, rematching, and other disruptions, this program offers peace of mind from start to finish.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Illinois?
In Illinois, base compensation for a first-time surrogate generally begins at $50,000. For experienced surrogates or those with higher-cost living circumstances, that number may be higher.
When you factor in additional payments for lost wages, medical co-pays, and other support services, total compensation packages often fall between $60,000 and $75,000 or more.
For intended parents using the Independent Program, these costs still apply and must be paid separately from the program fee. The full independent journey typically exceeds $100,000 once all necessary expenses are accounted for.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Illinois?
How much does surrogacy cost with insurance in Illinois depends on your specific policy and what kind of coverage it includes. While surrogate compensation and agency fees are not typically covered, insurance may help with:
- IVF procedures and lab work
- Fertility medications
- Maternity care and delivery costs
Illinois law requires many insurance plans to include fertility coverage, which can reduce your out-of-pocket IVF costs. Major providers in the state include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. During your intake process, our team will evaluate your current plan and identify any potential gaps in coverage.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If you’re pursuing both IVF and surrogacy, your total expenses will be higher than surrogacy alone. So how much does IVF and surrogacy cost in Illinois?
Here’s a typical fertility cost breakdown:
- IVF cycle
- Embryo creation
- Medications
- Donor sperm or eggs
- Additional monitoring and lab work
Many intended parents in Illinois choose fertility clinics in Chicago or other metro areas, where success rates and clinic options are high. We can help you connect with trusted professionals if you are just beginning this step.
Affording Surrogacy
Affording surrogacy in Illinois may seem overwhelming, but there are several options that can make it more accessible.
American Surrogacy works with trusted financing partners and also encourages families to explore grant programs, including:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Men Having Babies GPAP Program
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood
Illinois employers are increasingly offering fertility-related benefits through programs such as:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Other financing methods include home equity loans, health savings accounts (HSAs), or borrowing from retirement accounts. Our team can walk you through available options that fit your goals and comfort level.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
Our team is happy to walk you through these options and help create a custom plan based on your unique 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 just as important as choosing the right surrogate. Families in Illinois choose American Surrogacy for our:
- Short wait times: Most families match with a surrogate within 1 to 4 months
- Transparent pricing: We provide clear expectations and no hidden fees
- Full support: Legal, emotional, and logistical guidance throughout the journey
- Legal knowledge: We work with local attorneys experienced in Illinois surrogacy law
We’re here to make your path to parenthood as smooth and supported as possible.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
Illinois is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country. Surrogacy contracts are recognized and enforceable, and intended parents — whether single, married, or LGBTQ+ — can obtain pre-birth parentage orders through a straightforward legal process.
If you're ready to grow your family through surrogacy, speak with a specialist to get started. We’re here to help every step of the way.