Opting for surrogacy is not easy for any couple. It’s known beforehand that embarking on this life project can be an exhausting and demanding process for those who dream of becoming parents.
Therefore, in addition to cultivating inner strength, love, and patience to navigate the potential challenges that may arise, it is essential to have adequate financial readiness for the entire surrogacy journey.
While the high costs associated with surrogacy are comprehensible regardless of the chosen destination, many intended parents often wonder where they can find opportunities to save money during the process.
Within this article, you will find a curated collection of the finest surrogacy destinations, focusing on those that provide greater affordability. The selection takes into consideration the advantages and disadvantages associated with each country.
1. Colombia
Colombia has become a popular destination for surrogacy, thanks to its inclusiveness, accessibility, and affordability. Family Aims is one of the most prestigious international surrogacy agencies and takes care of managing the stay and the legal and clinical procedures of the intended parents in the country. Not only that, but it also makes the necessary arrangements to keep the costs within the initial budget agreed upon when undertaking surrogacy.
Its great experience is also endorsed by an allied clinic with extensive experience in assisted gestation, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem.
Waiting lists for surrogacy in Colombia are offering 2 to 3 months longer, that’s short compared to other clinics around the world. This is an advantage for parents who want to start the process as soon as possible.
And also helps to reduce the overall cost, which starts at $65,000 USD, making Colombia an attractive option for those looking for low-cost surrogacy with greater accessibility.
2. United States
Although the United States is one of the countries with the largest surrogacy offer in the world and has expert agencies and specialized clinics, surrogacy treatments in this country are often expensive for foreigners, who must obtain a specific visa, (which can be costly or, sometimes, depending on the nationality of the intended parents, completely inaccessible).
Surrogacy within the United States can be an expensive option, even for residents who have to navigate interstate moves. The absence of standardized regulations for surrogacy across the country leads to additional costs associated with these relocations, ultimately contributing to an increase in the overall surrogacy budget.
It is crucial to consider that, apart from visa costs and complying with state legislation requirements, the number of attempts included in each surrogacy plan and the need for additional tests can significantly contribute to a substantial increase in expenses.
It is essential to consider that the expenses associated with surrogacy can surpass 200,000 USD, a figure that can vary depending on the chosen surrogacy method and the number of attempts included in the process.
3. Georgia
Georgia offers affordable surrogacy options; however, it’s important to note that this treatment is exclusively available to heterosexual couples who have been in a relationship for at least one year. The base costs for surrogacy in Georgia is 55,000 USD. Nevertheless, the recently enacted legislation in 2024 prohibits surrogacy for foreigners, thus restricting access to this treatment to same-sex couples and foreigners who opt for surrogacy within the country.
Considering the current restrictive legislation in Georgia, which imposes various complications even for the country’s residents, this destination may be a viable option in terms of legality but proves to be challenging for those interested in accessing surrogacy services.
4. Cyprus
Affordable surrogacy options are available in certain European countries for their residents. For instance, Cyprus is known for its specialized clinics that offer surrogacy procedures at prices around 65,000 USD, making it an appealing destination for individuals seeking more budget-friendly surrogacy options in Europe.
However, given the significant demand for surrogacy procedures and the limited local population, the availability of suitable candidates is often restricted. This frequently necessitates a broader search outside the country to find surrogates willing to undergo the procedure.
This limitation results in foreigners who apply for being gestational carriers, but they must travel to another country to give birth to the newborn, which increases the costs and the risks of surrogacy, as well as the legal fees.
In addition, the amount of paperwork for those intended parents who do not have European nationality is huge, and requires additional expenses to access certain services and to move freely during the procedures.
Hence, opting for surrogacy in this country demands thorough financial planning to be undertaken.
5. Mexico
In Latin America, Mexico stands out as one of the limited number of countries where surrogacy is permitted; however, clear regulations are only established in a few states.
As a result, those interested in surrogacy are required to travel to these particular regions to pursue the procedure, or explore the option of attempting it in another state, which introduces uncertainty regarding the legal process.
Moreover, the growing demand for this service, combined with legal constraints in other regions of the country, results in increased expenses for the process, averaging around 55,000 USD. Furthermore, unlike other surrogacy destinations, the staff may not consistently possess specialized training or expertise.
Moreover, obtaining the necessary documentation for the baby can be compromised due to legal limitations in certain states where surrogacy is not fully legalized. This situation leads to increased expenses due to the need for additional documentation and potential transportation complications.
While residents residing near states where surrogacy is allowed may have easier access, the absence of adequate training in some healthcare facilities can complicate matters for foreign parents traveling to these states for the first time. These concerns arise due to the lack of assurance regarding social security benefits, which may not be on par with those provided in other countries.
Despite the legality of surrogacy in the specified states, there is typically limited demand for this procedure due to their lack of popularity as tourist destinations and limited economic investment. As a result, foreigners may be dissuaded from selecting these states as the preferred choice for their surrogacy journey.
Affordable prices for everyone
When couples aspire to start a family, they often hesitate to cut corners on expenses as it is considered the most precious and fulfilling endeavor they can undertake together.
However, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan in place and be prepared for any potential challenges that could arise. This is crucial to minimize complications that may affect the emotional and financial stability of the individuals involved.
Therefore, even though there are several surrogacy choices, it is essential to exercise caution and consider the entire panorama beyond solely focusing on selecting a destination with the most attractive prices. It is crucial to assess which option presents the optimal opportunities for fulfilling the cherished aspiration of starting a family.
