Starting a family through surrogacy is an incredible journey, but understanding the costs involved is an important first step. Surrogacy can be an exciting, but often complex, path to parenthood — and knowing what to expect financially can help make the process smoother.
If you’re considering surrogacy in Kentucky, one of the first things you’ll likely wonder is: How much does surrogacy cost in Kentucky? In this article, we’ll break down the costs involved in surrogacy and help you understand what’s included in your investment.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Kentucky?
The total cost of surrogacy in Kentucky typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000+, depending on various factors such as the surrogacy program selected, surrogate compensation, medical procedures, legal services, and insurance coverage. Surrogacy in Kentucky is a safe and feasible option for intended parents.
With the right professional guidance, surrogacy in Kentucky can be a secure, affordable, and rewarding path to parenthood.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in Kentucky
At American Surrogacy, we offer three program options to help families in Kentucky choose the right level of support and manage their financial expectations:
- 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): Designed for families who already have a surrogate match, this program provides professional coordination and legal support but does not cover compensation, medical expenses, or IVF costs. Independent journeys typically total over $100,000 once all other expenses are added.
To explore which program best fits your needs, check out our Full-Service Programs or learn more about our Independent Program.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
The cost of surrogacy in Kentucky generally includes the following components:
- Agency fees: These cover the professional services required to manage the journey, including matching with a qualified surrogate, case management, medical and legal coordination, and 24/7 support.
- Surrogate compensation: Base pay, plus reimbursements for pregnancy-related costs such as travel, maternity clothing, lost wages, and more.
- Legal services: Drafting and enforcing surrogacy contracts, securing pre-birth or post-birth parentage orders, and ensuring compliance with Kentucky’s family laws.
- Medical costs: IVF procedures, fertility medications, embryo transfers, prenatal care, and delivery expenses.
These elements are essential in ensuring that the surrogacy process is ethical, legally sound, and well-managed.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
Agency fees are used to cover all of the services provided by our experienced team. This includes everything from screening and matching potential surrogates to navigating complex legal and medical systems.
So, how much does a surrogate cost in Kentucky? Surrogate base compensation typically starts at $50,000 for first-time surrogates. The total compensation package, including reimbursements and additional benefits, usually falls between $60,000 and $75,000 or more, depending on the surrogate’s experience and specific needs. Reimbursable expenses often include:
- Travel and lodging for medical appointments
- Lost wages
- Maternity clothing and related items
- Childcare and housekeeping
- Health insurance premiums and medical co-pays
All compensation is managed through a licensed third-party escrow account to ensure transparency, protection, and timely disbursement.
Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs
Unexpected costs are one of the biggest concerns for intended parents. Medical complications, disruptions, or other unplanned issues can increase your overall budget if not managed carefully.
That’s why American Surrogacy offers the Limited Risk Program, which includes built-in safeguards for common disruptions like failed transfers or rematches. This program allows you to move forward with confidence, knowing that potential setbacks won’t break your budget.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the cost of surrogate compensation typically starts at $50,000 and increases with experience or additional needs. Once you add other covered expenses like travel, insurance, and lost wages, the total cost of surrogacy in Kentucky often ranges between $60,000 and $75,000 or more.
For families using the Independent Program, these costs are not included in the initial program fee. However, they remain essential to a complete and ethical surrogacy experience, and should be fully planned into your overall budget. Even with a known surrogate, most independent surrogacy journeys will total over $100,000.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in Kentucky?
How much does surrogacy cost with insurance in Kentucky depends on what your health plan covers. While most insurance policies do not cover agency fees or surrogate compensation, many may help with:
- IVF procedures and medications
- Fertility treatments
- Maternity care and delivery costs (if your surrogate has insurance coverage)
Kentucky’s largest providers include Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Medicaid. Our team will review your insurance policy and your surrogate’s coverage to ensure all gaps are filled.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
If you’re also undergoing IVF, the total cost of surrogacy will be higher. So how much does IVF and surrogacy cost in Kentucky?
Here’s a list of services typically involved in IVF and surrogacy:
- IVF treatment and procedures
- Embryo creation
- Fertility medications
- Donor sperm or eggs (if needed)
- Monitoring, testing, and lab work
These services will add to the total cost of your surrogacy journey and vary depending on the clinic, number of cycles, and whether donor gametes are used.
Affording Surrogacy
Surrogacy in Kentucky is an investment, but there are several ways to make the process more affordable. In addition to our affordable surrogacy programs, many families explore financial resources through:
Grants and Financial Aid from organizations like:
- Baby Quest Foundation
- Men Having Babies GPAP Program
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation
- Journey to Parenthood
Employer Benefits offered by more companies in Kentucky through providers like:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Financing options such as using health savings accounts (HSAs), home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), or retirement plan loans. Our team will guide you through the best financial options for your situation.
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?
Families in Kentucky choose American Surrogacy for our:
- Short wait times: Most families are matched with a surrogate within 1 to 4 months
- Full-service care: Legal, emotional, and logistical support throughout the process
- Expertise: We work with local attorneys and professionals familiar with Kentucky law
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or surprise costs
We’re here to help you every step of the way, providing a supportive and professional surrogacy journey.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
While Kentucky does not have specific surrogacy laws, the state’s courts have a history of recognizing surrogacy agreements and ensuring that parental rights are established. With experienced legal guidance and a trusted agency like American Surrogacy, you can confidently pursue surrogacy in Kentucky.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, speak with a specialist today.