Treatment guide

Surrogacy Abroad & At Home

Surrogacy abroad has become more popular in recent years. Surrogacy involves a woman carrying and giving birth to a baby for another person or couple. Having children is a dream for many of us. Whatever the reason may be, finding out that this isn’t going to be possible in the conventional way can be devastating. Thankfully, travelling to organise surrogacy abroad provides a safe plan B.

The rise in popularity of surrogacy is perhaps, in part, due to the number of celebrities who have gone down this route. This has brought this reproductive medicine technique into the spotlight, opening up new opportunities for couples. Below, we’ve laid out a dedicated Qunomedical guide to surrogacy abroad, to help you get started.

The content has been reviewed for quality and accuracy to the best of our knowledge by Qunomedical and its Medical Board of Experts.

JuliaJuliaPatient Manager
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★★★★★Gael D., Germany:
“Qunomedical helped me so much! Thank you!“
★★★★★Gael D., Germany:
“Qunomedical helped me so much! Thank you!“

Surrogacy Abroad Quick Details

WHO IS THIS FOR

  • Surrogacy abroad is aimed towards heterosexual, same-sex, or single prospective parents.

  • Women who have medical conditions that make it difficult or dangerous to carry and give birth to a baby.

  • Travelling abroad for surrogacy is also an option for those who live in countries in which the treatment is not permitted for unmarried or homosexual couples.

SUCCESS

  • 65-75% of surrogacies are successful.

  • Using a donor egg can also increase the chance of a surrogate mother becoming pregnant.

POTENTIAL RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS

  • As with any pregnancy, seeking surrogacy abroad carries the same risks for the woman carrying the baby.

How Much Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy costs can vary depending on where you choose to organise the procedure. While the cheapest options may seem appealing, these may not be the safest locations for surrogacy and legally grey areas can make things difficult. 

At Qunomedical, we’ve done thorough research and employed a strict vetting process to identify safe and affordable locations for surrogacy abroad. One of the most popular locations for the procedure is Cyprus, where prices start at €71,000. While this appears to be a fairly expensive option, this price includes the use of donor eggs. It also offers a guaranteed birth, meaning you’re able to try as many times as possible within two years and, if after two years, you haven’t been successful, then your money will be refunded.

Cyprus is home to highly-experienced fertility specialists and reputable clinics. Gaia Fertility is renowned for its high-quality care that has helped hundreds of prospective patients.

What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy describes the process in which a woman, known as the surrogate mother, carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple. This arrangement, which is often supported by a legal agreement, means that the surrogate mother only carries and gives birth to the child, with the person or couple then becoming the child’s parents after it’s born.

Couples or individuals tend to seek options for surrogacy abroad in cases where pregnancy may not be possible or the risks of going through a pregnancy may be too high. It’s also a popular option for same-sex couples who are looking to have children.

Types of Surrogacy

There are two main types of surrogacy that are commonly undertaken by prospective parents. Your chosen method will depend on individual factors such as whether you’re in a couple, your reasons for pursuing the treatment, and your relationship with the surrogate mother. It’s worth noting that at Qunomedical, we can support you in finding high-quality doctors abroad who specialise in full surrogacy. Below, we’ve outlined these two main types in more detail.

Full Surrogacy (Often Referred to as Host or Gestational Surrogacy)

Gestational surrogacy is the most commonly undertaken option and involves the use of an egg from the intended parent or from a donor. This means that there’s no genetic connection between the surrogate mother and the baby. Embryos can consist of genetics from both sides (i.e. an egg from the mother combined with the male sperm from the father), or from just one side, plus either a donor egg or donor sperm.

Partial Surrogacy (Often Referred to as Straight or Traditional Surrogacy)

Partial surrogacy involves the fertilisation of an egg from the surrogate mother using the sperm of the intended father. This method then means that it’s the surrogate mother, rather than the intended mother, who is genetically-related to the baby. This can result in more complicated legal agreements, which is generally the reason as to why it has become less widely used.

How Does Surrogacy Work?

Depending on your individual situation — and whether you choose to seek surrogacy abroad or at home — the process can vary slightly. However, there are some steps that are common to almost all surrogacy journeys. We’ve outlined these below.

1. Consultation With a Specialist

2. Legal Process

3. IVF Medical Cycle

4. Pregnancy

5. Birth and Going Home

Why Surrogacy Abroad?

As surrogacy can be a legally complicated area in many countries, it’s extremely important to choose somewhere that is safe and where your rights will be protected. By travelling to seek surrogacy abroad at one of our Qunomedical-approved clinics, you will be legally protected as the parents of your child from the very beginning. This avoids any distressing situations in which legal disputes arise between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. Unfortunately, this is something that still occurs today in the UK. Booking through Qunomedical ensures that you and your partner will have the necessary legal protection that you need.

What Information Do We Need From You?

Once you feel ready to get started with your surrogacy abroad journey, there’s a few details that we’ll need from you. In order to accurately review your case and create a 100% free, non-binding assessment, our specialists will require:

  • Your medical history

  • Your fertility records

  • Your desired method for surrogacy (this includes whether you want to use donor eggs and sperm)

Please note that if you’re a couple interested in surrogacy abroad then we will need the medical history and fertility records of both partners.

Why Choose Qunomedical?

At Qunomedical, we take a dedicated, patient first approach to healthcare. We strongly believe that no one should face barriers to accessing high-quality, affordable care. That’s why we spend time doing the legwork, identifying and thoroughly vetting clinics and doctors worldwide. To do this, we employ our proprietary scoring system Qunoscore, which takes 21 unique data points into account when evaluating doctors. These include qualifications, accreditations, experience, reviews from past patients, and much more. With Qunomedical, you can always be sure that you’re accessing high-quality healthcare, at a fair price.

Surrogacy Reviews

Surrogacy Reviews

5
We would not hesitate recommending Gaia to anyone!
★★★★★
19.05.2020

My husband and I spent a lot of time researching surrogacy as we wanted to make sure we got it right. From the moment we spoke with Stephanie at Gaia, we knew this was the company for us. The constant support from the very beginning was exceptional. We were informed of every step during the journey and Stephanie was available to us by phone, email or text at any time of the day. Working with Gaia lead to the birth of our twin boys in March of this year. Even after the birth, the contact from both Stephanie and Karina (Director) has been amazing. Whilst in Cyprus, the support has been non-stop by them both! We would not hesitate recommending Gaia to anyone. As well as a thank you to Gaia for this entire process, we would like to say a special thank you to Stephanie. Without her guidance along the way, giving us strength, I’m not sure we would be where we are today with our twins. Thank you all!

Garry
  • Surrogacy Abroad & At Home
  • Gaia Fertility
We hope that in a world which is not so favorable to men having children on their own; Gaia fertility will help single men and couples of all sorts achieve their dream.
★★★★★
19.05.2020

Eyal Karina and the team in Cyprus were professional and helped us achieve our dream. We have beautiful children thanks to their outstanding help. We hope that in a world which is not so favorable to men having children on their own; Gaia fertility will help single men and couples of all sorts achieve their dream. By doing so Gaia fertility is bringing light to this world. Good job and all the best to kind hearts.

Rubin
  • Surrogacy Abroad & At Home
  • Gaia Fertility
Their professionalism and knowledge was second to none...We cannot thank them enough for everything they have done and continue to do
★★★★★
15.05.2020

As an LGBT couple starting our journey to become parents, it was somewhat overwhelming trying to find the right agency and clinic to support us with achieving our dream of having children. We reached out to many agencies and then discovered Gaia Fertility. The moment we met our coordinator (Karina) in London, we knew they would help and support us at every step of our journey. We both vividly remember our first meeting, we had about 25 questions written down and every answer we received was open and honest. We were then invited to see the clinic in Famagusta, TRNC for ourselves, to meet the Doctor and wider team, which also didn’t disappoint. Their professionalism and knowledge was second to none and this was the deciding factor in choosing Gaia. Our first son was born in July 2019 and brings so much joy and love to our lives. But, we always intended to have two children; biologically from both our sperm donations, sharing the same egg donor. We were thrilled when they announced our second child was on the way and he was born at the beginning of April 2020. It goes without saying that our second child came with a bang; he was born during the height of the pandemic (babies do not wait for things to blow over). However, it was no surprise Gaia Fertility once again came to the rescue in supporting with emergency accommodation, nanny services and continue to provide support with all other aspects for immigration matters and parental orders. We cannot recommend Gaia Fertility enough; at the end of this chapter of our parenthood journey, we don’t just feel like past clients or intended parents. We are, without doubt, now friends for life - We cannot thank them enough for everything they have done and continue to do.

Mark
  • Surrogacy Abroad & At Home
  • Gaia Fertility
I came to you with a dream which you made reality. Not only have I gained a beautiful daughter but I have made new friends/family with you! And for that I am eternally grateful
★★★★★
15.05.2020

I want to take this opportunity to thank this amazing organisation for helping me to become the proudest father to Lyra.. not everyone are lucky enough or have the ability to produce children on/of their own and after 10 years of searching and endless amounts of dead ends and heart ache that I had to go through I found Gaia Fertility and straight away I knew they were right for me.. from day 1 and the whole of my journey this incredible team of people have been amazing, the patience and understanding they have shown me I cannot fault you at all.. every step of the way they have shown me consideration and support.. emotionally being there when I had any upsets or worries.. there will never be words to describe how truly thankful and appreciative I am to you all for your help.. and giving me this new gift of life!... The feeling it brings to your heart and soul and loving your child is priceless.. i came to you with a dream which you made reality not only have I gained a beautiful daughter I have made new friends/family with you! And for that i am eternally grateful! Thank you all so so much

Luke
  • Surrogacy Abroad & At Home
  • Gaia Fertility
Frieda

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Frieda

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