How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Tbilisi, Georgia?

Surrogacy programs in Tbilisi, Georgia, generally range from $35,000 to $60,000. For a comprehensive gestational surrogacy program, intended parents can typically expect costs to start around $40,000 to $45,000.

This price often covers a wide array of services. However, it's important to remember that this is an estimated range. The final cost can vary based on the specific clinic, the services included in the package, and any unforeseen medical needs that may arise during the pregnancy or delivery. Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown before committing to a program.

A typical surrogacy package in Tbilisi usually includes surrogate recruitment and screening, IVF procedures, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and prenatal care.

More specifically, you might find the following services covered:

Surrogate Mother Services: This includes her screening, selection, preparation for embryo transfer, compensation, and monthly allowances for expenses during pregnancy.

Medical Procedures: IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) processes, including egg retrieval (if using intended mother's eggs or donor eggs sourced by the clinic), fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer to the surrogate.

Prenatal Care: Regular medical check-ups, ultrasounds, and monitoring for the surrogate throughout the pregnancy.

Legal Services: Drafting and finalizing the surrogacy agreement, assistance with birth certificate registration in the names of the intended parents.

Agency Fees: Coordination and management of the entire process by the surrogacy agency.

It's crucial to get a detailed list of inclusions from your chosen agency or clinic, as packages can differ.

Yes, like any complex medical journey, there can be additional costs in Georgian surrogacy programs that might not be part of the initial quote.

While reputable agencies strive for transparency, some costs are variable or arise due to specific circumstances. Potential additional expenses could include:

• Multiple IVF cycles if the first attempt is unsuccessful.
• Costs associated with a twin pregnancy (e.g., higher surrogate compensation, more intensive medical care).
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) expenses if the baby requires specialized care after birth.
• Egg donor or sperm donor fees if not included or if you choose a specific donor with higher fees.
• Travel and accommodation expenses for the intended parents for visits to Tbilisi.
• Additional legal fees for complex situations or specific citizenship/passport processes in your home country.
• Unexpected medical complications for the surrogate or baby.

Always discuss these possibilities with your agency and ask what is explicitly excluded from the package.

Surrogacy in Tbilisi, Georgia, is generally more affordable compared to many Western European countries and North America, while still offering high medical standards and clear legal frameworks.

For instance, costs in countries like the USA can easily exceed $100,000 - $150,000. In some Western European countries where altruistic surrogacy is permitted, the associated costs can still be high due to limited surrogate availability and administrative overheads. Georgia offers a balance of relatively lower costs, often ranging from $35,000 to $60,000, with a well-established legal system that protects intended parents' rights. This cost-effectiveness, combined with good medical care, makes it an attractive option for many.

Generally, standard health insurance policies held by intended parents do not cover the costs of surrogacy procedures in Georgia, especially those related to the surrogate mother or IVF.

Here's why and what to consider:

Your personal health insurance is unlikely to cover medical treatments for a third party (the surrogate) or elective fertility procedures like IVF performed abroad for surrogacy. The surrogate mother herself may have local health insurance in Georgia, but this might not cover all pregnancy-related costs under a surrogacy agreement, or the agency may manage her medical care directly. Some specialized insurance products for surrogacy journeys might exist, but they are not common and can be expensive. It's best to assume you will be paying for the surrogacy journey out-of-pocket and to clarify with your agency what insurance, if any, is in place for the surrogate and the newborn.

Legal fees for surrogacy in Tbilisi are often included in comprehensive agency packages, but if itemized, they can range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on the complexity.

These fees typically cover essential legal work such as:

• Drafting and reviewing the surrogacy contract between the intended parents and the surrogate mother.
• Ensuring the contract complies with Georgian law.
• Assistance with obtaining the baby's birth certificate, which will list the intended parents.
• Notarization and apostille services for legal documents.

If your situation requires additional legal support, such as navigating complex international laws for your home country or if disputes arise, costs could be higher. Always clarify what legal services are included and what might incur extra charges.

Surrogate mother compensation in Georgia typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. This is a significant component of the overall surrogacy cost.

This compensation is for her time, effort, and the physical demands of pregnancy. It's usually paid in installments throughout the pregnancy. Beyond the base compensation, there are often additional payments for:

• Monthly allowances for living expenses, maternity clothes, and nutrition.
• Compensation for invasive procedures (e.g., embryo transfer, C-section if required).
• Potential additional compensation for carrying twins.
• Lost wages if she needs to take bed rest.

The exact amount and structure of compensation will be detailed in the surrogacy agreement. This is one of the primary reasons why surrogacy costs what it does, ensuring the surrogate is fairly compensated for her incredible contribution.

Some surrogacy agencies in Tbilisi may offer installment-based payment plans. Specific financing companies catering to fertility treatments might also be an option for intended parents.

While direct loans from Georgian clinics or agencies are uncommon, they usually structure payments in stages, tied to milestones in the surrogacy process (e.g., contract signing, successful embryo transfer, confirmation of pregnancy, trimesters, birth). For broader financing, intended parents often explore:

• Personal loans from banks in their home country.
• Loans from specialized medical financing companies that operate internationally.
• Home equity loans.
• Crowdfunding or personal fundraising.

It's wise to discuss payment schedules with your chosen agency and research financing options well in advance.

Several factors can influence the final cost of your surrogacy journey in Tbilisi, making it vary from the initial estimate.

Key variables include:

• Number of IVF Attempts: If the first embryo transfer isn't successful, subsequent attempts will add costs for medical procedures and potentially new donor eggs/sperm.
• Egg/Sperm Donor: Using an egg or sperm donor, especially if you choose a donor with specific characteristics or from an international bank, will increase costs.
• Twin Pregnancy: Surrogate compensation is typically higher for a twin pregnancy, and there may be increased medical costs.
• Medical Complications: Any unforeseen health issues for the surrogate or baby requiring additional medical care (e.g., NICU) can significantly impact costs.
• Surrogate's Specific Needs: If the surrogate requires special medical attention or has specific living expense needs, these can add to the budget.
• Agency Choice: Different agencies have different service levels and fee structures.
• Legal Complexity: If your home country has complex requirements for recognizing surrogacy, additional legal fees might be incurred.

Yes, agency fees are a substantial part of the total surrogacy cost in Georgia, as they cover the comprehensive management and coordination of the entire complex process.

These fees pay for the agency's work in:

• Recruiting, screening, and matching you with a surrogate.
• Coordinating all medical appointments and procedures.
• Providing ongoing support to both intended parents and the surrogate.
• Managing financial aspects, including payments to the surrogate and medical providers.
• Liaising with legal professionals.
• Assisting with travel and accommodation arrangements if needed.
• Overall case management from start to finish.

While they add to the cost, a reputable agency provides invaluable service, expertise, and peace of mind throughout the challenging surrogacy journey. The level of service and experience offered can vary, impacting the fee.