The Truth Behind “All-In” U.S. Surrogacy Packages: What’s Included and What’s Not

If you’ve been exploring surrogacy in the United States, you’ve probably come across ads for “all-in” packages. They sound ideal—simple, predictable, and stress-free:

“Pay one price, and everything’s covered!”

It’s an attractive promise, especially in a process as emotionally and financially overwhelming as surrogacy. But here’s the truth: most “all-in” programs aren’t truly all-inclusive.

Necessary costs are often excluded, and if you’re not careful, you could face tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected bills. Knowing exactly what’s included—and what’s not—can save you heartache, stress, and money on your path to parenthood.

✅ What Does “All-In” Actually Mean?

When agencies use the phrase “all-in,” they are almost always referring to their agency-related services—not the medical or clinic-related costs.

These agency inclusions usually cover:

• ✅ Surrogate screening and matching

• ✅ Legal contracts and coordination

• ✅ Escrow management

• ✅ Surrogate compensation and standard allowances

• ✅ Insurance planning and management

• ✅ Ongoing agency support

These are crucial services, and worth every dollar, but they don’t make up the full picture of a surrogacy journey.

❌ What’s Not Included in “All-In” Packages

The following expenses are almost never included in a U.S. “all-in” package. These costs typically come directly from your fertility clinic:

• 🚫 IVF cycles and procedures

• 🚫 Egg retrieval or donor egg costs

• 🚫 Lab testing (genetic screening, PGT, etc.)

• 🚫 Embryo storage fees

• 🚫 IVF or transfer medications

• 🚫 Embryo transfer procedures themselves

• 🚫 Costs if you switch clinics mid-journey

Depending on your clinic, these additional costs can add $30,000 to $60,000+ on top of the agency package. And that’s assuming everything goes smoothly.

✅ Why This Matters

“All-in” can be a powerful marketing hook. But when you dig deeper, you often find:

• “Unlimited transfers” usually means unlimited agency coordination—not unlimited clinic services.

• Rematching with a surrogate can still trigger new legal, screening, or travel fees.

• Refund guarantees often only cover unused agency fees, not medical costs already spent.

• Legal and travel costs vary widely depending on the state and aren’t always fully included.

Agencies aren’t necessarily being dishonest. The term just doesn’t mean what most intended parents assume.

✅ The Biggest Hidden Costs

Even “guaranteed” journeys have fine print. Common hidden expenses include:

• Additional surrogate-related costs with each embryo transfer (travel, lost wages, childcare, etc.).

• Screening and legal fees for rematching with a new surrogate.

• Costs from pregnancy complications that fall outside of insurance coverage.

Some agencies offer surrogate medical insurance with coverage up to $1 million or more, but that doesn’t mean every possible expense is included.

✅ Questions to Ask Before Signing

If you’re considering an “all-in” package, make sure to ask:

• “Does this price include clinic costs, medications, and procedures?”

• “How many embryo transfers are actually included?”

• “What fees apply if I need a new surrogate?”

• “What happens if my journey takes longer than expected?”

• “What caps, if any, exist on medical coverage?”

The answers to these questions can prevent unwelcome surprises later.

✅ How SMARTPath Approaches It

At SMARTPath Fertility Intl., we believe clarity is the foundation of trust.

We don’t use “all-in” as a catchphrase. Instead, we break everything down into three categories so you know exactly where your money is going:

• Agency fees: What SMARTPath handles directly (screening, matching, legal, support).

• Surrogate compensation: Fully detailed in your contract.

• Medical costs: Always billed directly by your fertility clinic, never hidden within a lump sum.

We also:

• ✅ Offer programs with multiple attempts built in.

• ✅ Provide medical cost management to help prevent surprise bills.

• ✅ Share transparent payment schedules so you can plan with confidence.

• ✅ Explain in advance what is not included.

• ✅ Provide unlimited support, no matter how many questions you ask.

✅ What About Refund Guarantees?

Some agencies promise refunds, but those typically only apply to unused surrogate or agency fees—not clinic costs or medical bills.

At SMARTPath, we are clear about what’s refundable, when, and why. Transparency is our guarantee.

✅ International “All-In” Programs

You may also see international surrogacy programs advertising true “all-in” pricing, often at lower totals than U.S. journeys. That’s because, in places like Mexico or Ukraine, medical costs are bundled into agency programs.

For example:

• In Mexico, packages often include IVF, surrogate compensation, legal contracts, and delivery in one flat price.

• In Ukraine, programs are highly regulated and clinic-based, so medical costs are typically integrated into one guaranteed package.

While these options can appear simpler, they come with their own legal and logistical considerations. The key is understanding what’s included, what’s not, and how regulations differ across borders.

✅ Our Promise

At SMARTPath Fertility Intl., we don’t believe in fine print surprises.

We promise:

• Every dollar you spend is explained.

• You’ll never discover a hidden category of costs.

• You’ll always know what’s included—and what isn’t—before you sign.

“All-in” is a wonderful idea. But in surrogacy, it’s more marketing phrase than financial reality. The best agency isn’t the one with the slickest slogan—it’s the one that tells you the whole truth.

💛 Have questions about U.S. or international surrogacy programs? We’d love to share real numbers and help you plan with confidence.