surrogacy in canada
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Canadian Surrogacy Detailed Cost
Detailed Canadian surrogacy costs with detailed medical, legal, and living expenses, regional cost variations, and planning tips under the AHRA.
TheEgg Surro Assistant
Sep 19, 2025
Canadian Surrogacy Detailed Estimate
Surrogacy is a deeply personal journey, and understanding the financial aspects is essential for intended parents in Canada. This comprehensive breakdown of costs—spanning medical, legal, and living expenses—offers clarity to help you budget effectively. Keep in mind that under Canadian law, paying a surrogate is prohibited, but reimbursing reasonable and documented expenses is allowed and expected.
Comprehensive breakdown of expenses in CAD
Important Legal Note
Under the Canadian Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA), paying for surrogacy services is prohibited. However, reimbursing reasonable expenses is permitted and expected. All costs below represent legitimate reimbursable expenses only.
Total Estimated Cost Range
| Conservative Estimate | Comprehensive Estimate |
| $60,000 - $73,000 CAD | $73,000 - $83,000 CAD |
|
For straightforward cases with minimal complications |
Including contingencies and regional premium costs |
Medical Expenses: $40,000 - $48,000 CAD
Initial Assessment & Testing
|
Genetics Assessment Sperm Donor Assessment SHG Testing |
$500 $1,500 $350 |
|
Orientation for Gest. Surrogacy |
$1,400 |
Donor Eggs & Preparation
|
Eggs Orientation for Frozen Egg Shipping |
$24,000 $1,300 $330 |
|
Oocyte Thaw |
$2,800 |
Laboratory Procedures
|
Sperm Injection Embryo Creation Sperm Cryo Preservation |
$1,450 $1,100 $880 |
|
1 Year Cryo Preservation |
$1,500 |
Transfer & Pregnancy
|
Embryo Transfer Meds for Transfer Prenatal Care |
$3,100 $3,200 $1,500 - $3,000 |
Note: Some medical costs may be covered by provincial health insurance. Private insurance coverage varies significantly.
Legal Expenses: $10,000 CAD
Required Legal Services
|
Surrogacy Agreement Surrogate Legal Representation Parent Declaration |
$3,000 $2,000 $2,000 - $5,000 |
Required: Independent legal advice for both parties is mandatory under Canadian law.
Living & Other Expenses: $10,000 - $25,000 CAD
Direct Living Costs
|
Maternity Clothing Special Diet Prenatal Supp. |
$500 - $1,200 $800 - $1,500 $300 - $600 |
|
Childcare During Appointments |
$1,000 - $2,500 |
Travel & Professional
|
Appt. Travel Counselling Life Insurance |
$1,500 - $3,000 $2,000 - $4,000 $1,500 - $3,000 |
|
Lost Wages |
$3,000 - $8,000 |
Documentation Required: All living expenses must be properly documented with receipts and reasonable justification for reimbursement.
Additional Financial Considerations
Contingency Planning
|
Additional Cycles Complications Ext. Hospital Stays |
$8,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $10,000 $500 - $2,000 |
|
Legal Complications |
$1,000 - $5,000 |
Optional Enhancements
|
Premium Counselling Enhanced Insurance Additional Travel |
$1,000 - $3,000 $1,000 - $2500 $1,500 - $3,000 |
Regional Cost Variations
| Province | Medical Costs | Legal | Living Costs | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario (Toronto) | $42,000 - $50,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 - $25,000 | $67,000 - $85,000 |
| BC | $40,000 - $48,000 | $10,000 | $12,000 - $22,000 | $62,000 - $80,000 |
| Alberta | $38,000 - $46,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 - $20,000 | $58,000 - $76,000 |
| Quebec | $37,000 - $45,000 | $10,000 | $9,000 - $18,000 | $56,000 - $73,000 |
| Maritime | $36,000 - $43,000 | $10,000 | $8,000 - $16,000 | $54,000 - $69,000 |
Financial Planning Recommendations
Budget Preparation
Plan for 20-30% above mid-range estimatesSet aside emergency fund of $10,000 - $15,000
Consider financing options early in process
Research insurance coverage extensively
Obtain multiple quotes for legal services
Cost Management
Use The Egg app for expense trackingMaintain detailed receipts and documentation
Schedule regular financial reviews
Communicate openly about budget constraints
Plan payment schedules in advance
Important Disclaimers
- All costs are estimates based on 2023-2024 Canadian market data and may vary significantly.
- Actual expenses depend on individual circumstances, location, and specific arrangements.
- This information is for planning purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
- Consult with qualified professionals for personalized cost estimates and financial planning.
- Always ensure compliance with provincial and federal regulations regarding expense reimbursement.
Surrogacy is a complex but rewarding path to building a family. With transparent budgeting, clear documentation, and professional guidance, intended parents can navigate the financial landscape confidently, ensuring their surrogate is fully supported throughout the journey. Use this estimate as a foundation for your planning and adapt it to your unique circumstances for the best outcomes.
References
Cost estimates based on Canadian Fertility Industry Survey 2023