What’s the Cost of Surrogacy in California? A 2026 Breakdown

The cost of surrogacy is one of the most important factors for intended parents to consider when planning their family-building journey.

In California, surrogacy is appealing because of its friendly laws, skilled professionals, and top clinics. Though costs may be higher here than in other states, they often match the high quality of services and legal security provided.

With many factors to consider, it’s important to understand the financial aspects—like medical expenses, legal fees, surrogate compensation, and insurance implications—for effective planning.

Key Takeaways: 

• The total cost of surrogacy in California typically ranges from $150,000 to $200,000+.
• Physicians Surrogacy charges no agency fees until you are successfully matched.
• California surrogates earn a higher base pay ($68,000 – $75,000) than the national average.
• California grants Pre-Birth Orders, establishing your legal parental rights before delivery.
• Using a surrogate with a verified surrogacy-friendly insurance policy can save you roughly $15,000–$30,000.

Detailed Cost Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go?

While the average cost of surrogacy in the USA ranges from $140,000 to $180,000, California usually sits at the higher end of that range and exceeds it ($150k – $200k+ ). However, this premium often covers higher legal security and success rates.

Below is a transparent estimate of how that budget is allocated:

California Surrogacy Cost Estimates (2026)

Cost Category	Estimated Range (CA)	What It Covers
Agency & Professional Fees	$30,000 – $50,000	Surrogate screening (medical/psychological), case management, and coordination. (Note: Physicians Surrogacy charges $0 upfront agency fees until a match is confirmed.)
Surrogate Compensation	$60,000 – $90,000	Base pay, monthly allowances for wellness/travel, and milestone payments (e.g., heartbeat confirmation).
IVF & Medical Expenses	$30,000 – $50,000	Embryo creation, IVF cycles, genetic testing (PGT-A), and prenatal monitoring. (Note: Starting Jan 1, 2026, SB 729 mandates IVF coverage for many large-group plans issued or renewed after this date.)
Legal Expenses	$10,000 – $15,000	Drafting the carrier agreement and filing the Pre-Birth Order to secure your parental rights before delivery.
Insurance & Contingency	$5,000 – $25,000	Variable costs for surrogacy-friendly insurance premiums or potential liability policies if the surrogate’s plan has exclusions.

Note: These ranges are estimates. Your final budget will depend on specific medical needs and insurance variables.

How Insurance Affects Surrogacy Costs in California

One of the most common questions we receive is: “How much does surrogacy cost with insurance in California?” The answer depends heavily on the type of policy the surrogate holds.

1. The “Lien” Factor

California is a “lien state.” This means that if a surrogate uses her personal health insurance for the pregnancy, the insurance company may legally place a lien on her compensation to recover costs.

2. ACA vs. Specialized Insurance: What It Could Cost You

• ACA Plans: If your surrogate has an ACA plan that doesn’t exclude surrogacy and has no lien, you might only need to cover her deductible and out-of-pocket costs. That’s usually around $6,000 to $9,000 total.
• Gap Coverage: If her insurance won’t cover a surrogate pregnancy, you’ll need a separate maternity policy. These can cost $15,000 or more, depending on the plan.

Factors That Influence Surrogacy Expenses

The cost of a gestational carrier depends on several factors, each contributing to the unique nature of your journey:

• Surrogate Compensation: Compensation varies based on the surrogate’s experience and location. Experienced surrogates typically receive higher payments, and compensation may also be higher in regions where surrogates are in demand, such as San Diego or Los Angeles.
• Medical Procedures: IVF costs can rise due to the number of IVF cycles, multiple embryo transfers, and medications required. Advanced procedures such as genetic testing may increase total expenses.
• Travel for Medical Appointments: Surrogates may need to travel for medical tests or treatments. These travel costs, including lodging and transportation, are typically covered by the intended parents.
• Health Insurance: As detailed above, the type of health insurance for the surrogate is a key cost driver.
• Agency Fees: Working with Physician’s Surrogacy—the nation’s only surrogacy agency managed by obstetricians— significantly reduces clinical risks. While fees apply, this specialized medical oversight ensures thorough screening, matching, and ongoing support, making the overall experience smoother and better protecting your investment.

How Surrogacy Costs Vary Across Regions

Surrogacy costs vary significantly by region due to differences in cost of living, legal frameworks, medical services, and surrogate availability and compensation. 

While the best states for surrogacy—most notably California—often have higher base costs, they offer critical legal security and established medical protocols that protect your investment.

In contrast, states (or international countries) with fewer surrogacy options may have lower costs but often carry higher legal risks or lower success rates. Understanding these regional differences is essential when planning your surrogacy journey.

Why California Is a Unique Surrogacy Destination

California has earned its reputation as a great destination for surrogacy. Its legal framework, top clinics, and experts make it ideal for intended parents. 

The state’s inclusive approach and success in surrogacy help lead to easier journeys and successful outcomes, despite higher costs than in other regions.

Legal Framework

California stands out for its clear and supportive legal framework for gestational surrogacy. Under California Family Code Sections 7960-7962, the state provides a clear legal framework that establishes enforceable rights and responsibilities for intended parents, surrogates, and the child. Beyond the financial requirements, it is vital to understand the legal and medical steps of California surrogacy.

Pre-Birth Orders

One of California’s unique advantages is the ability for intended parents to obtain pre-birth orders. This legal process establishes parental rights before the baby is born. This aligns with ASRM ethics committee opinions on securing the rights of intended parents early in the process.

Inclusivity

California’s surrogacy laws are celebrated for their inclusivity. The state allows single parents, LGBTQ+ families, and heterosexual couples to pursue surrogacy without discrimination.

Top Fertility Clinics

California is home to some of the best fertility clinics in the world. According to CDC ART success rates, many top-tier California clinics consistently report outcomes that meet or exceed national averages, often due to advanced laboratory technologies and elective single embryo transfer (eSET) protocols. High success rates can significantly reduce your total cost by minimizing the need for multiple IVF cycles.

Tips for Managing Surrogacy Expenses

Managing a surrogacy budget requires more than just looking at the total price tag. Here are actionable ways to optimize your financial plan:

• Leverage Corporate Benefits: Many modern employers now offer fertility benefits through providers like Progyny or Carrot. Check with your HR department to see if surrogacy reimbursement is part of your package.
• Apply for Grants: Non-profit organizations like the Baby Quest Foundation provide financial assistance to those who cannot afford the high costs of procedures. These grants are competitive but can significantly offset expenses.
• Consult a Tax Professional: In some cases, certain medical expenses related to surrogacy may be tax-deductible. It is worth speaking to a CPA to see if you qualify for medical expense deductions.
• Explore Financing Options: If you need to bridge the gap between your savings and costs, exploring different financing options can provide flexibility. We partner with specialized lenders like CapexMD, Prosper Healthcare Lending, and SoFi, who understand the unique structure of surrogacy payments.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy in California represents a significant financial commitment, typically ranging from $150,000 to north of $200,000. However, this cost reflects the state’s unparalleled value: rigorous legal protections that establish your parental rights before birth and access to some of the world’s most successful IVF clinics.

Ultimately, you are investing in predictability. To further protect that investment, Physicians Surrogacy offers a risk-free start: unlike most agencies, you pay no agency fees until you have successfully matched with a surrogate.

Ready to build your budget? Every journey is unique. Contact us to receive a transparent, itemized quotation tailored to your specific insurance needs and family goals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cost of Surrogacy in California

How much does surrogacy cost in California?

Most intended parents budget $150,000–$200,000+ for a complete surrogacy journey in California. That total covers agency and program fees, surrogate compensation, IVF and medical expenses, legal work, and insurance. Your final number depends most on two variables: how many embryo transfer attempts are needed, and whether the surrogate’s health plan can be used safely.

How much does a surrogate cost in California — and what do people mean by this?

Most people asking this question mean the total cost of the surrogacy journey, not just what the surrogate is paid — so the same $150,000–$200,000+ range applies. Surrogate compensation is only one part of the overall budget, and mixing those two numbers is one of the most common sources of confusion for first-time intended parents.

How much do surrogates get paid in California?

Compensation varies by experience, program, and region within the state. For a detailed California-specific breakdown of base pay, allowances, and what is reimbursed separately, see our surrogate compensation guide.

How much does surrogacy cost in California with insurance?

It depends on the surrogate’s plan. If she has a qualifying health plan that covers the pregnancy without surrogacy exclusions or lien risk, your out-of-pocket costs may be limited to her deductible and out-of-pocket maximum — often $6,000–$9,000. If her plan cannot be safely used, a separate maternity policy typically adds $15,000–$25,000 to the budget. Getting this right early is one of the most important budgeting steps in a California journey.

What is an insurance lien and why does it matter in California surrogacy?

An insurance lien is a legal claim some health plans can make to recover pregnancy costs after delivery — creating an unexpected bill if you relied on a plan that turned out to carry this risk. California is a lien state, and a 2025 bill that would have banned this practice (SB 257) was vetoed. This is why a professional policy review before matching is a non-negotiable step in any California surrogacy budget.

What are the biggest cost categories in a California surrogacy journey?

Most California surrogacy budgets break into five areas: agency and program fees ($30,000–$50,000), surrogate compensation and allowances ($60,000–$90,000), IVF and medical expenses ($30,000–$50,000), legal fees ($10,000–$15,000), and insurance and contingency ($5,000–$25,000). The biggest swing factor across all of these is typically insurance coverage.

Why is surrogacy more expensive in California than in other states?

California tends to run higher due to strong surrogate demand, higher cost of living in key markets, and the specialized legal work required — including Pre-Birth Orders that establish parental rights before delivery. Many intended parents choose California precisely because of its mature legal framework and access to top-ranked fertility clinics, both of which meaningfully reduce risk even as they add to cost.

When do you actually pay during a California surrogacy journey?

Costs are staged across the journey, not paid in a single lump sum. Early expenses cover program enrollment, legal fees, and IVF planning. Once matched, surrogate compensation and pregnancy-related expenses are funded into an escrow account and disbursed on a milestone-based schedule over the course of the pregnancy. Most families spread total payments across 12–18 months, depending on match timing and the number of transfer cycles needed.

Does location within California affect surrogacy costs?

Modestly, yes. The $150,000–$200,000+ range applies statewide, but higher cost-of-living markets like Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area can influence surrogate compensation expectations and travel or logistics costs. Southern California markets, including San Diego and Orange County, are generally comparable in overall cost.

Where can I find average surrogacy costs across the U.S. and by state?

This page focuses specifically on California. For national cost ranges, state-by-state comparisons, and a breakdown of how California compares to states like Texas, Nevada, and Florida, see our complete U.S. surrogacy cost guide.