Who pays for me to travel if I don’t live in California or near the fertility clinic?

The Intended Parents you match with will cover all costs associated with your surrogacy.

Overview

This guide answers “Who pays for me to travel if I don’t live in California or near the fertility clinic?” for intended parents, with a focus on planning, common variables, and the questions that reduce risk and surprises.

Travel expectations

Travel policies vary by journey and clinic. Some appointments can be local, while others must be done at the fertility clinic (especially around screening and embryo transfer).

Clarify reimbursement rules early: what qualifies, what documentation is required, and how timing works if schedules shift.

Typical workflow (high level)

1. Clarify your plan: clinic choice, embryo plan, and timeline goals.
2. Build your team: agency coordination, legal counsel, and insurance/escrow planning.
3. Matching: preferences, introductions, and alignment on expectations.
4. Legal + medical readiness: contracts, clinic clearance, and scheduling.
5. Pregnancy + delivery: coordinated care, milestones, and parentage steps.

What can vary (and why)

• Clinic schedules and medical protocols (individualized to the situation).
• State and international legal requirements (especially for parentage workflows).
• Matching preferences and availability (fit matters).
• Insurance and financial structure (coverage details can change).
• Logistics like travel, time zones, and appointment availability.

Questions to ask (so you don’t get surprised later)

• What are the next 2–3 steps in my specific situation?
• What documents or records should I prepare before we start?
• Which decisions should I make now vs later?
• When is travel required, and who approves dates and logistics?
• What expenses are reimbursable, and what documentation is required?
• What happens if a clinic schedule changes and travel must be rescheduled?
• How do we establish parentage and protect everyone legally?
• What should we confirm with the fertility clinic before matching?

Next steps

• Intended parents basics
• Intended parents cost guide
• State laws & policies
• Contact our care team

Important note

This page is educational information only and is not medical, legal, or tax advice. Always confirm specifics with qualified professionals and your care team.

See the sources section below for reference links when available.