Deciding whether or not to start a family through IVF and surrogacy is among the most emotionally charged things anyone will ever do. Over our time as the team here at Ekmi Fertility, we’ve welcomed hundreds of couples & individuals through our door to hear their story in front of them – continuing this conversation with an exhausted type of just not from the medical journey but in fact consistently from all the paperwork, cost if applicable and coverage confusion. It is, of course, in insurance – especially surrogacy insurance where that confusion most often peaks. But let’s just get real with it.
Why Surrogacy Insurance Is Different
Unlike basic health insurance, surrogacy insurance in India occupies a space which is less grey with respect to law but extremely tricky regarding medical ethics. India completely redefined surrogacy laws with the enactment of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 – limiting eligibility for and amount of any commercial payment so that only altruistic surrogacy is allowed, prohibiting commercial surrogacy outright, forcing the surrogate mother to be a close relative. These adaptations, in turn, directly influence what is and what is not covered by insurers.
Most standard policies cover the following for a surrogacy mother:
- Prenatal and antenatal care
- Hospitalization during delivery
- Post-delivery complications (limited)
- Emergency medical procedures
And what they mostly do not cover is?
- Psychological support for the surrogate
- IVF cycles prior to embryo transfer
- Donor-related costs
- Legal costs related to surrogacy contracts
This is why it is non-negotiable to work with a fertility specialist who hears you not only on the medical side of things but also the financial landscape.
The Cost Reality
The first question that pops-up in our mind is: how much does surrogacy cost in India? It can depend – but we believe that 100% transparency with every patient, upfront, is something you deserve.
Our surrogacy packages will precede you with a transparent picture of what to expect before making any commitment. For appropriate patients, we have a safe surrogacy program and if common standards are met you are guarded from needing to undergo the entire economic cycle once again should an attempt prove unsuccessful.
Affordable surrogacy does not mean you skimp out. It means designing the journey with foresight so costs are intentional not surprises. Normal surrogacy cost includes the surrogate’s medical care and legal documents along with IVF, monitoring, and delivery – but you might have to fill-up coverage holes if they aren’t addressed early.
What Ekmi Fertility Recommends
Your surrogacy doctor at Ekmi Fertility will assist you in a financial counselling session prior to your journey. It’s not just about budgeting – it’s about making sure no one hits an unexpected wall six months in.
We recommend:
- Purchasing an independent surrogacy insurance policy (some insurers have started offering it separately from group health policies)
- Making sure that your surrogate has health insurance that lasts through the postpartum period
- Going through your own policy, to see what you are allowed to claim for IVF costs.
The best surrogacy clinic isn’t the one with the best lab – it’s directly tied into what they prepare you for stage by stage, including financially.
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com
FAQs
Q: Is IVF covered under health insurance in India?
IVF is not covered under the vast majority of standard policies. It is partially included in some corporate group policies. Always read the fine print or ask Ekmi Fertility specialist to guide you through your way.
Q: During surrogacy, what happens if the IVF cycle fails?
As part of our guaranteed surrogacy program, some failed cycles are also included depending on the terms and conditions of the package. Your surrogate doctor will clarify what is included during your first consult.
Q: Who is legally responsible when it comes to the medical expenses of the surrogate mother?
Existing surrogacy laws in India holds intended parent responsible for paying medical cost of the surrogate. The legal contract must express this before the process starts.
Q: I already have health insurance, can I use this for hospitalization related to surrogacy?
This can vary depending on your insurer and the kind of policy you have. In some cases, plans to cover the surrogate’s delivery under their own intended parent’s coverage. You can be guided through this by Ekmi Fertility’s team, without spending a dime at this stage.
To know more Call 9319737070 or email us at info@ekmifertility.com