Surrogacy Financing: Loans & Payment Options

Financing Overview

With surrogacy costs ranging from $100,000 to $150,000+ in Texas, most intended parents use a combination of savings and financing to fund their journey. The good news: costs are spread over 12–18 months, and several financing options are available.

Fertility and Surrogacy Loans

Several lenders specialize in fertility and surrogacy financing:

• Fertility-specific lenders — Companies like CapexMD and New Life Fertility Finance offer loans designed for IVF and surrogacy. These often feature competitive rates and flexible terms.
• Medical financing — Companies like Prosper Healthcare Lending and LendingClub offer medical loans that can be used for fertility treatments.
• Personal loans — Traditional personal loans from banks and credit unions can be used for any surrogacy expense.

Interest rates typically range from 5% to 15% depending on your credit, with terms of 3–7 years.

Agency Payment Plans

Many surrogacy agencies offer structured payment plans that spread costs across your journey:

• Initial deposit at signing (typically $5,000–$10,000)
• Milestone-based payments tied to surrogate selection, legal clearance, and transfer
• Some agencies partner with financing companies for in-house loan options

Ask your agency about payment schedules during your initial consultation. The installment structure means you don't need the full amount upfront.

Employer Fertility Benefits

A growing number of employers now offer fertility and family-building benefits that may cover portions of your surrogacy costs:

• IVF coverage: Many large employers cover IVF cycles
• Family-building benefits: Companies like Progyny, Carrot, and Maven offer inclusive benefits that cover surrogacy expenses
• Adoption/surrogacy reimbursement: Some employers offer $5,000–$25,000+ in reimbursement

Check with your HR department. If your employer doesn't currently offer these benefits, it may be worth requesting them.

Home Equity and Personal Loans

If you own a home, home equity can be a cost-effective financing option:

• Home equity loan: Fixed rate, lump sum — good for known costs
• Home equity line of credit (HELOC): Draw funds as needed over time
• Cash-out refinance: May offer the lowest rates

Home equity financing often offers lower interest rates than personal loans, but your home is used as collateral.

Grants and Financial Assistance

Several organizations offer grants specifically for LGBT+ family building:

• Family Equality Council grants
• Gay Parents To Be financial assistance
• Men Having Babies grants and discounts
• Fertility clinic scholarships and discount programs

Grant amounts vary from $1,000 to $10,000+. See our LGBT+ grants guide for more details.

Tax Considerations

While surrogacy expenses are generally not tax-deductible as medical expenses, some components may qualify:

• IVF-related medical expenses may be deductible if they exceed the AGI threshold
• Employer fertility benefits are often pre-tax
• Some states offer additional tax benefits for family building

Consult with a tax professional familiar with reproductive expenses for guidance specific to your situation.

Financial Planning Tips

• Start saving and researching financing early — ideally 6–12 months before starting
• Get detailed cost estimates from your agency before committing to financing
• Build a contingency fund (10–15% of total budget) for unexpected costs
• Compare multiple financing options before choosing
• Ask your agency about any discount programs or partnerships
• Check whether your employer offers family-building benefits