For Future Parents and Future Surrogates
Everything You Need to Know About Surrogacy in Houston TX
What is surrogacy?
❓ What Is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman — called a surrogate — agrees to carry and give birth to a baby for someone else, known as the intended parent(s).
After the baby is born, the intended parents become the child’s legal parents.
👶 Two Main Types of Surrogacy:
- Gestational Surrogacy (most common):
- The surrogate is not biologically related to the baby.
- The embryo is created using IVF (in vitro fertilization) from the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors.
- Traditional Surrogacy (less common):
- The surrogate uses her own egg, making her the biological mother.
- This type is legally more complex and rare today.
🌈 Why Do People Choose Surrogacy?
- Medical conditions preventing pregnancy
- Same-sex couples who want to become parents
- Single parents by choice
- Infertility issues
How Much Do Surrogates Really Make In Houston TX? 💰✨
In Houston, TX, first-time surrogates typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000, with experienced surrogates making even more. 💰
Additional bonuses and reimbursements (for travel, maternity clothes, medical procedures, etc.) can add $5,000–$15,000+ on top of the base pay. ✨
What is required to be a surrogate?
Age: Between 21 and 41 years old.
Previous Childbirth: Must have previously delivered a child of your own.
Successful Pregnancy: Must have had at least one uncomplicated, successful pregnancy and birth.
C-Sections: No more than 3 previous C-sections.
BMI: A BMI of 35 or lower. (BMI Calculator)
Residency: Must reside in the United States in a surrogate-friendly state. We cannot accept gestational carriers from Nebraska, Louisiana, or outside the US.
Family Support: Must have the support of your family. If married or partnered, your partner must also be supportive of your decision.
Comfort with Injections: Must be comfortable with medical injections as part of the IVF process.
Willing to Travel: Must be willing to travel to a fertility clinic for the IVF process.
Background Check: Must pass a background check.
Lifestyle: Must not use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, or abuse alcohol.
How much does surrogacy cost in texas?
In Texas, the total cost of surrogacy for intended parents typically ranges from $90,000 to $140,000.
This includes:
- 💸 Surrogate compensation ($45,000–$60,000+)
- 🏥 IVF & medical costs
- ⚖️ Legal fees
- 🔄 Agency fees, screening, and coordination
- 🔐 Insurance, travel, and other reimbursements
The exact cost depends on factors like the agency, location, insurance coverage, and whether it’s your first journey or not.
What is the process for surrogacy?
The surrogacy process typically follows these key steps:
✅ Step 1: Initial Consultation
⏳ 1–2 weeks
Meet with a surrogacy agency or coordinator to learn about the process, discuss goals, and determine eligibility.
✅ Step 2: Application & Screening
⏳ 4–8 weeks
For Surrogates: Medical exams, psychological evaluation, background check, and insurance review
For Intended Parents: Submit fertility records, financial screening, and legal overview
(Note: Some screenings may overlap with the matching stage.)
✅ Step 3: Matching
⏳ 2–6 weeks
Match with a surrogate (or intended parents) based on values, location, and preferences. Includes an introductory meeting before formal agreement.
✅ Step 4: Legal Contracts
⏳ 3–4 weeks
Each party has independent legal counsel to review and finalize a Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA), ensuring full legal protection.
✅ Step 5: Medical Preparation & Embryo Transfer
⏳ 6–10 weeks
Surrogate begins a cycle of hormone therapy (typically 3–5 weeks)
Embryo transfer at the IVF clinic
Pregnancy confirmed 1–2 weeks later via blood test
(If the first cycle fails, a second transfer may be scheduled.)
✅ Step 6: Pregnancy & Support
⏳ 38–40 weeks
Regular prenatal care
Ongoing emotional, logistical, and financial support
Check-ins with both surrogate and intended parents throughout the pregnancy
✅ Step 7: Birth & Legal Finalization
⏳ 2–4 weeks (post-birth)
Baby is born according to the hospital plan
Legal parentage is finalized through a pre-birth order or court process (depending on the state)
Baby is released into the care of the intended parents
⏰ Total Timeline: ~12–18 Months
Depending on matching speed, medical cycles, and legal processing, the full journey may range from 10 to 24 months.
Does insurance cover surrogacy?
The short answer is: not usually—but it depends.
Here’s a breakdown for both intended parents and surrogates:
🏥 For Intended Parents:
- Most health insurance plans do not cover surrogacy-related costs, including surrogate compensation, IVF, or embryo transfer.
- However, some employer benefits (especially in tech or large companies) may offer surrogacy reimbursement or fertility grants.
- Intended parents often need to:
- Pay out-of-pocket
- Purchase a separate surrogacy-specific insurance policy
- Work with agencies to review surrogate’s insurance options
🤰 For Surrogates:
- Some surrogates already have personal insurance that may or may not cover a surrogate pregnancy.
- If not, intended parents usually purchase a maternity insurance plan for the surrogate.
- This ensures prenatal care, labor, and delivery are covered during the pregnancy.
💡 Tip:
Before starting, always review:
- The surrogate’s existing policy (line by line!)
- Legal and agency support for coverage review
- Options for secondary policies or surrogacy-friendly plans
How much does surrogacy cost with insurance?
Even with insurance, surrogacy is still a significant investment for intended parents. That’s because most standard insurance plans don’t cover the full journey, and you often need to purchase additional surrogacy-related insurance.
💸 Estimated Total Cost (with insurance):
✅ $90,000 – $130,000+
Here’s what it typically includes:
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| 🧑🤝🧑 Surrogate Compensation | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| 🧬 IVF & Medical (incl. transfer) | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| ⚖️ Legal Fees (both parties) | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| 🛡️ Surrogate Health Insurance* | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
| 📦 Agency Fees & Coordination | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| 🚗 Travel, Maternity, Misc. Reimbursements | $3,000 – $7,000+ |
* If the surrogate’s own insurance doesn’t cover surrogacy, intended parents must buy a surrogacy-friendly policy.
✅ What Insurance Can Help With:
- Prenatal care & delivery (for the surrogate)
- NICU or complications (if policy allows)
- Intended parents may also use their insurance once the baby is born (depending on timing/legal orders)
Bottom line:
Insurance helps reduce specific medical costs, but doesn’t drastically lower the total cost of surrogacy unless you’re using very comprehensive employer benefits.
Meet our past surrogates
Moments of Giving
🏡 Why Houston Families Trust Us
✅ Full Transparency
We pride ourselves on proving full transparency. Our detailed expense sheets show exactly where your money goes—no hidden costs, no fine print. You’ll always know what to expect, every step of the way.
✅ Inclusivity at Our Core
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of our values. We welcome and support all families—same-sex couples, international intended parents, and single parents—with compassion, dignity, and respect.
✅ What Sets Us Apart
- No Fee Until Matched – You don’t pay a cent until we find your perfect surrogate.
- Multilingual Support – We speak your language: English, 中文, Español, and more.
- Specialized IVF Expertise – Our team is deeply experienced in fertility care.
- End-to-End Guidance – From day one to delivery, we walk with you.
- International Experience – Trusted by families from across the globe.
