When you’re beginning a surrogacy journey, there are a lot of moving pieces; medical, legal, emotional, and financial. One of the most common questions we hear from intended parents is: “Will our insurance cover surrogacy?”
The short answer? Sometimes, but not always in the way people expect. Understanding how insurance works in surrogacy can help you plan confidently and avoid surprises along the way.
As an agency, we believe informed families feel more empowered, so here’s a clear breakdown of how surrogacy and insurance typically intersect.
Does Intended Parents’ Insurance Cover Surrogacy?
In almost all cases, intended parents’ personal health insurance does not directly cover a surrogate’s pregnancy. Health insurance plans are designed to cover care for the policyholder and their dependents, not a gestational carrier.
However, intended parents’ insurance may still play a role in certain aspects of the journey, especially when it comes to fertility treatments like IVF, depending on the policy and state mandates.
For example, some plans may cover:
- Fertility testing
- IVF procedures
- Medications related to treatment
Coverage varies widely, and not all plans include fertility benefits. Regulations tied to laws like the Affordable Care Act don’t require insurers to cover IVF or surrogacy, which is why benefits differ so much between policies and employers.
Financial Planning & Budgeting for Medical Costs
Planning for medical expenses is an important part of preparing for a surrogacy journey. While insurance may cover certain aspects of care, intended parents should be prepared for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, premiums, and any services not covered by a policy. Building a clear budget early, with guidance from your agency and professionals, helps create realistic expectations and reduces financial stress as the journey progresses. Thoughtful planning allows you to focus more fully on the experience, knowing you’re prepared for both expected and unexpected expenses.
Questions Intended Parents Should Ask Their Insurer
Speaking directly with your insurance provider can help clarify what role your policy may play in the journey. Consider asking:
- Does our plan include any fertility benefits, such as testing or IVF?
- Are there any exclusions related to surrogacy or gestational carrier arrangements?
- What out-of-pocket costs should we anticipate for covered services?
- Do we need referrals or pre-authorizations for fertility treatment?
- How are medications related to fertility treatments covered?
Getting clear answers early helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises as you move forward.
When a Separate Surrogacy Policy Is Needed
If a surrogate doesn’t have a surrogacy-friendly health insurance plan, a standalone policy can be purchased to cover:
- Prenatal visits
- Routine lab work
- Delivery and hospital stay
- Pregnancy-related complications
These policies are designed specifically for gestational carrier arrangements and help protect both the surrogate and intended parents from unexpected medical bills.
While this is an added cost, it provides peace of mind and financial predictability, something we always recommend prioritizing.
What Insurance Does NOT Typically Cover
It’s important to understand that insurance generally does not cover non-medical surrogacy expenses, such as:
- Surrogate compensation
- Agency fees
- Legal contracts
- Escrow management
- Travel costs
These are considered part of the overall financial plan for surrogacy rather than medical expenses.
Why Insurance Review Matters Early
One of the biggest ways to reduce stress is to clarify insurance details before matching or starting medical steps. Early review helps:
- Prevent delays
- Avoid denied claims
- Provide accurate budgeting
- Ensure the surrogate has uninterrupted care
Professional guidance is especially important because policies can be complex, and even small wording differences can change coverage eligibility.
Organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine emphasize the importance of clear financial and medical planning to support ethical, well-managed surrogacy journeys.
Final Thoughts
While intended parents’ insurance rarely covers a surrogate’s pregnancy directly, it may cover fertility treatments depending on your plan.
Because every plan is different, early verification and expert guidance are essential steps. With thoughtful planning, insurance doesn’t have to be a barrier; it can simply be another box checked on the path to parenthood.