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.
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.
| 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 |
|
Genetics Assessment Sperm Donor Assessment SHG Testing |
$500 $1,500 $350 |
|
Orientation for Gest. Surrogacy |
$1,400 |
|
Eggs Orientation for Frozen Egg Shipping |
$24,000 $1,300 $330 |
|
Oocyte Thaw |
$2,800 |
|
Sperm Injection Embryo Creation Sperm Cryo Preservation |
$1,450 $1,100 $880 |
|
1 Year Cryo Preservation |
$1,500 |
|
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.
|
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.
|
Maternity Clothing Special Diet Prenatal Supp. |
$500 - $1,200 $800 - $1,500 $300 - $600 |
|
Childcare During Appointments |
$1,000 - $2,500 |
|
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 Cycles Complications Ext. Hospital Stays |
$8,000 - $15,000 $2,000 - $10,000 $500 - $2,000 |
|
Legal Complications |
$1,000 - $5,000 |
|
Premium Counselling Enhanced Insurance Additional Travel |
$1,000 - $3,000 $1,000 - $2500 $1,500 - $3,000 |
| 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 |
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.
Cost estimates based on Canadian Fertility Industry Survey 2023