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The #1 way to ensure you don't overspend during your journey is by being informed. Do your research, ask questions. Don't assume there is only one way to do things or achieve the same goal. Learn from others that have been through it, if you think something sounds too good to be true...it usually is.  Surrogacy doesn't have to bankrupt you, it is possible to do it debt free. ​
If you're brand new to the surrogacy world I suggest you check out this "Surrogacy 101 Online Workshop"  I worked with All Things Surrogacy to develop. (you'll notice a lot of the images are from my own journey). The cost is for the course is $49.99 which is a great price for the wealth of knowledge you will gain. I do get a referral bonus (planning to donate anything I receive), but even if I didn't I would still suggest it because it's just that good. Janae the founder of ATS went into great details in all areas of surrogacy, and you can watch just whats important to you and skip others, or watch it all. 

 Affording IVF: ​  Click the + on the right of each suggestion to expand for more information!

Research what your health insurance covers ​
Research what your health insurance covers (possible savings = upwards of $20,000)
  • 15 states have infertility coverage mandates that require some form of insurance coverage, although there are many exceptions.
  • Call "Fertility Lifelines" sponsored by EMD Serono (leading fertility pharmaceutical company) at 1-866-538-7879 for guidance understanding your insurance benefits.
  • Consider changing jobs for better health insurance coverage, of course this isn't always possible, but many companies (even those not in a mandated state) offer excellent infertility coverage. Here is a list of the best companies for infertility coverage in 2016.
Try to run some things through insurance even if you don't think you have coverage
Try to run some things through insurance even if you don't think you have coverage (possible savings= varies)
  • Even if your insurance says they don't cover IVF or fertility treatments, they may cover tests, procedures or medications that are not only used for IVF.
  • ​For example blood work and ultrasounds may be considered diagnostic and therefore covered. Some medications have other uses (like antibiotics) and may be covered. Ask your clinic/doctor to run everything through insurance first, you might be surprised by how much is covered.
  • Same goes for your surrogate,  ask her to run items through her insurance and just pay the copays if they are approved. ​
Ask for selfpay discounts at your IVF clinic and pharmacy
Ask for selfpay discounts at your IVF clinic and pharmacy (possible savings= sometimes up to 30%)
  • Most clinics/pharmacies offer discounts when you don’t have insurance coverage and you’re paying cash. You won’t know unless you ask!
Use your FSA or HSA on medical/IVF and medication expenses ​
Use your FSA or HSA on medical/IVF and medication expenses (possible savings= depending on your tax bracket)
  • Does you employer offer an FSA? Look into it if they do and you haven’t done your retrieval yet, the (2016) maximum is $2,500 which you will easily spend on IVF. 
  • If you have a Qualified High Deductible Insurance Plan you are eligible for an HSA, those funds don’t “expire” and you can use them even after you don’t work there anymore.
Medical Expenses Tax Deductions
Medical Expenses Tax Deductions (possible savings= depending on your tax bracket)
  • Consult a tax professional, and the IRS website to see if this makes sense in your situation. (read that publication thoroughly you'd be surprised what's covered!)
  • Track all medical expenses (IVF and unrelated) for the calendar year to deduct them on your income tax return. 
Apply for discount IVF medication programs / find free meds
Apply for discount IVF medication programs (possible savings= up to and over 50%)
  • Compassionate Care is one example of a discounted program provided by pharmaceutical companies.
  • Ask your clinic if they have any medications donated back from previous patients, or if you have a friend/family member that recently completed IVF they may have some extras.
  • It is illegal to buy/sell prescriptions from non-pharmacies, but there are several facebook groups and other sites doing so, do this at your own risk. 
Research Pricing on IVF Medications / Pharmacies ​
Research Pricing on IVF Medications / Pharmacies (possible savings= up to and over 50%)
  • Prices vary greatly at different Pharmacies. If you don't have insurance coverage generally it is not the most cost effective to purchase medications from mainstream pharmacies (ie. Rite Aid, CVS or Walgreens).
  • There are specialized (physical locations) fertility pharmacies that buy their medicine in bulk which translates to cheaper prices for you, but those can be difficult to come by, your RE can tell you if there are any nearby.
  • There are several online pharmacies in the US. (ie. Freedom Fertility )
  • There are also several online/overseas pharmacies which seem to have the best prices for those paying out of pocket. For those you need at least two weeks to get them to your door, so plan accordingly!  And its suggest you only purchase medicine that doesn't need to be kept coo. (ie. IVFPharmacy.com)
Apply for IVF grants & Scholarships! ​
Choosing your IVF clinic
Choosing your IVF clinic  (possible savings= $1,000-$8,000)
  • Prices vary dramatically between clinics, it might be worth a few hours’ drive to save a few thousand in treatment costs (factor in stress and car usage!).
  • Make sure to do your research on success rates (ASRM), and patient experiences (FertilityIQ)
  • Also if you're clinic is far from your surrogate, consider shipping embryos or driving them yourself to a clinic closer to her for an easier transfer (do your research! there are risks and fees associated with this!)
International IVF clinics ​
International IVF clinics (possible savings= varies)
  • Many countries including India, Mexico, India, Greece or Thailand offer very affordable IVF pricing.
  • But there are usually Hidden Costs, so beware.
  • DO YOUR RESEARCH, don't just be lured by the cheap price tag
Do a "natural cycle" (Frozen) Embyro Transfer
Do a "natural cycle" (Frozen) Embyro Transfer (possible savings= $800-$3,000)
  • If you are doing a Frozen embryo transfer, consider a "natural cycle" transfer.
  • not all clinics offer , but less medications = less money, alth.ough it usually requires more monitoring which may be costly
  • Success rates and experiences vary.
Infertility Financing Programs ​
Infertility Financing Programs (possible savings= varies)
  • Many clinics provide financing or partner with financial institutions. (ie Care Credit)
  • If you belong to a credit union you may look into a low interest loan as well
  • Visit RESOLVE's or AffordingIVF websites for more information and options
Shared Risk Programs
Shared Risk Programs (possible savings= varies)
  • Some IVF clinics offer patients a flat-fee that will cover a set amount of treatment cycles and, if the treatment is not successful, offer a partial or full refund of those fees.
  • Read more at AffordingIVF.com
Active Duty Military or Veteran Discounts  ​
Active Duty Military or Veteran Discounts  (possible savings= varies)
  • Visit RESOLVE's website for more information on various programs offering discounts or assistance for Military families.
Hold fundraisers or yardsales
Hold fundraisers
  • Every penny adds up! Have a bake sale, yard sales, sponsored 5ks, spaghetti dinner, sell your crafts, etc
Get a "side hustle" or second job
Get a "side hustle" or second job
  • Many of the MLM companies are great for part time work to earn extra money.(LLR, Scentsy, Stella & Dot, etc)
  • Or seasonal or part time retail jobs, or maybe babysitting/tutoring, anything to save up some extra cash!
Take out a 401K Loan
Take out a 401K Loan
  • Talk to your financial adviser first to make sure you're comfortable with the risks!
  • Read more about it here.
Refinance your house or take out equity loan
Refinance your house or take out equity loan
  • Talk to your financial adviser and lender, 
Get a religion/ethnicity "Free Loan"
Get a religion/ethnicity "Free Loan"
  • i.e. Hebrew Free Loan- interest free for 5 years, up to $10,000 not on credit report.
Ask family/friends for financial assistance ​
Ask family/friends for financial assistance 
  • Sometimes your parents, grandparents or maybe even a distant filthy rich relative can donate to your journey.
  • If you don’t feel comfortable asking directly, maybe post on social media with a link to a “Crowd Funding” page that tells your story and asks for donations gently.
  • (i.e. YouCaring.com (is free!!) indiegogo or gofundme -those charge fees)
  • Read more at AffordingIVF
ASK FOR Monetary contributions In place of wedding or birthday gifts
Monetary contributions In place of wedding or birthday gifts
  • Another idea that is gaining popularity is asking people to contribute to your journey in place of wedding or birthday gifts.
  • A cute poem or quick story on invites is a great way to get the idea across in a sweet way .
  • There are "money registries" online for easy ways for guests to contribute
IVF Clinical Trials
IVF Clinical Trials
  • There are often IVF Clinical Trials where you can get free IVF or reduced cost, if you fit their criteria.
  • Google "IVF Clinical Trials Near Me" for info depending on where you live

 Affording Surrogacy: Click the + on the right of each suggestion to expand for more information!

Have a friend/relative carry for "free" or reduceD compensation
Have a friend/relative carry for "free" or reduce compensation (possible savings= $10,000-$40,000)
  • The “going rate” for a base compensation for an inexperienced hired surrogate is $20,000-$35,000, not including any expenses, bed rest, etc. (for experienced surrogates add another $5,000-$15,000)
  • Even if they are not a friend, don't feel like you have to "pay full price" if you are really unable to do so. Many surrogates are willing to reduce their fees if you show you are not able to afford as much, it just might take longer to find someone to match with.
  • Even with a "free" surrogate you would be expected to cover any lost wages, travel expenses, medical costs, etc.
  • There are Facebook Groups dedicated to matching with low comp/altruistic surrogates.
Go Independent aka "Indy" (not with an agency) ​
Go Independent aka "Indy" (not with an agency) (possible savings= $12,000-$30,000)
  • Agencies can help find a surrogate, and coordinate the process and can be very helpful in a lot of situations, however they may not always make sense.
  • Agency fees range $12,000-$30,000 on top of all the other IVF/surrogacy expenses.
  •  If you are highly organized, a natural researcher and patient, most people can do this process on their own. Others like the comfort of having an agency to go through. I compare this to a wedding planner or a realtor, its nice and helpful to some, but not required by all.
Choosing the Right Agency ​
Choosing the Right Agency 
  • If you don't feel comfortable going "Indy" make sure to shop around for the right agency for you. There are some agencies that do just matching, all the way up to full service agencies that walk you through every step.
  • You don't have to be in the same state as the agency, and the surrogate may or may not be in the same state either. 
  • Agency fees can vary from $12,000 to over $30,000
PRo BOno or reduced free agencies/lawyers/Re's
There are some foundations and organizations that provide Pro Bono or reduced services for those that display a need:

Surrogacy Together (possible savings= $30,000-$80,000)
  • Unlike a grant, this amazing "...organization coordinates with the in vitro fertilization clinic, as well as with lawyers and psychologists who are also providing all professional services for no cost to a couple."
  • Details: unlike a grant or scholarship they don't actually award you money, instead they have professionals (IVF clinic, agency, psychologist, lawyer) that they partner up with to do their work probono (free).
  • The professionals are in California, so if you don’t live in CA you would have to pay for travel and accommodations for a screening visit, retrieval and transfer.
  • The agency would find you a surrogate (if you don’t have one lined up) and coordinate the services throughout the journey.
  • You would be responsible for any compensation or reimbursement to the surrogate (they try to find you a "free" one).
  • Lawyers in CA would draft up your gestational carrier Agreement. If you don’t live in CA you would have to hire a lawyer in the state the child would be born for the PBO (depending on your state).
  • For the retrieval and transfer the doctors work for free but there are materials costs, testing, medications etc that are done outside of the clinic that you would be responsible for.
  • So while this is not a completely free surrogacy journey, most couples expect to spend around $20,000 (if your surrogate is not being compensated) which is DRASTICALLY less than the average $100,000.
  • Visit their website for more information and to apply
Find a surrogate that has health insurance without a surrogacy exclusion
Find a surrogate that has health insurance without a surrogacy exclusion (possible savings= ($150-$500/month)
  • Most people just starting to research surrogacy may notknow this, but many health insurance companies will not cover prenatal care or delivery for a “surrogate pregnancy” meaning the surrogate’s own health insurance would not cover her being pregnant or the delivery.
  •  Make sure to read the fine print of her insurance policy (or have a lawyer review it!) and get it in writing if possible that the procedures/appointments will be covered.
  • Once the baby is born they are on your insurance as a dependent.
Find a surrogate that doesn’t work full time
Find a surrogate that doesn’t work full time
(possible savings= varies depending on her salary)
  • You won’t have to pay lost wages for appointments, bed rest and/or delivery... but you it may be a trade off if you have to pay for child care they don't regularly have if they have younger children.
Find a surrogate that has family/friends that live close by
Find a surrogate that has family/friends that live close by (possible savings= varies depending on her salary)
  • If she ends up on bedrest or for her appointments, for delivery, etc. Its helpful if the surrogate has a network of friends/family that can help out with watching her children, etc without the need to pay anyone.
  • Some may still ask for reimbursement, especially if family had to take off work to support her at home, but it may be at a lower rate than a professional day care provider.
Find a surrogate local to you
Find a surrogate local to you (possible savings= varies)
  • You won’t have to travel for appointments (mileage, lodging, time off work), the birth is much easier to plan, plus getting to “see” your baby more often is always nice.
Find a surrogate in a more rural (non metropolitan) area ​
Find a surrogate in a more rural (non metropolitan) area (possible savings= varies)
  • Surrogates in more metropolitan areas (NY, DC, CA, etc) may expect more compensation, have higher lost wages, higher child care costs etc than someone in the Midwest or a more rural location 
  • I stress the "may" as this is not always the case!
  • Keep in mind access to a clinic or hospital is important
use of an escrow company
Use of an escrow company (possible savings= $1,000-$3,000)
  • Most agencies (and some states) require the use of an escrow company to manage compensation and expenses/reimbursements, but if its not required, instead of paying someone to manage your money, use a separate savings account to hold enough money to cover all the agreed upon amount (plus some cushion), and show the statements to your GS to prove you have sufficient funds.
  • Then link her checking account to it, and transfer what’s needed when it’s time to her checking account, or depending on your level of trust give her access to transfer to her own account on her own.
  • We suggest a Capital One 360 savings account t has the best APY rate I've found in a savings account and its easy to transfer money without fees to various accounts.
Draft your own contracts  (not advised in most states!)
Draft your own contracts (possible savings= $2,500-$5,000)- NOT ADVISED IN MOST STATES!
  • Sample Contracts are easily available online, and if you ask, many IPs willingly email you copies of their's to start with.
  • Some states, like Michigan, the contract is not legally binding anyway, so its just to make sure all parties are on the same page. 
  • Do your research, don't just jump into doing this!
  • Judges will look at the validity of the contracts when it comes time to issue the birth certificate so you need to make sure everything is accurate and appropriate.
  • If intricate details aren't you thing and you have no legal background, then stick with engaging a lawyer.
  • Some clinics/states requires a lawyer's clearance letter, and some lawyers will review a contract you've written for a lower cost for extra comfort or for that clearance letter.
Negotiate the contract early with potential surrogates
Negotiate the contract early (possible savings= $2,500-$5,000)
  • If you feel comfortable with your surrogate, negotiating all aspects of the contract with your GS on your own, even before you engage a lawyer is HIGHLY recommend not just to save money but to make sure you're on the same page before getting too invested in the process.
  • If you're going through an agency this is not normally advised, however they will generally do pre-screening and match you with a surrogate that has already agreed on the main points.
  • Find a sample of a contract online, and go over every detail with your surrogate.
  • Make sure you agree on everything before you get to the “contracts” phase. This way there won’t be as much back and forth with the lawyers which would cost more time and money
Delay for a Frozen Embryo Transfers ​
Delay for a Frozen Embryo Transfers (possible savings= piece of mind and some money)
  • Success rates are about the same for fresh or frozen embryo transfers so many couples prefer to do the embryo retrieval and then freeze the resulting embryos for use later.
  • Syncing up cycles with the carrier and also going through the legal and psych screenings can be difficult and emotionally taxing.
  • When possible, doing a retrieval before you even match with a surrogate is helpful. This way you “know what you’re working with” embryo count and quality wise and can move ahead quickly once you have a surrogate on board.
  • Or you might find out you need to resolve other issues (lack of quality embryos, etc) before you are able to start your journey and it's best to find that out before you waste time and money on clearing and cycling a surrogate.
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