What Does Surrogacy Cost in Shillong in 2026?
For couples exploring the path of surrogacy in Shillong for 2026, the overall estimated cost for a complete altruistic surrogacy journey in India typically ranges from about ₹10,00,000 to ₹25,00,000. This full estimate includes critical components such as the IVF procedure, necessary medical expenses for the surrogate mother, legally mandated insurance coverage, and various legal and administrative fees. It is important to understand that this figure represents an indicative range, reflecting the altruistic nature of surrogacy as prescribed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 (in force 25 Jan 2022), which prohibits commercial surrogacy.
The total cost can fluctuate significantly, generally pushing towards the lower end with a successful first embryo transfer and minimal medical complexities, while factors such as the need for multiple IVF cycles, donor gametes, or managing any unexpected medical complications for the surrogate or child can raise it towards the higher end.
Full Surrogacy Cost Breakdown in Shillong
Understanding the full financial commitment for a surrogacy journey in Shillong requires a detailed look at various components. Due to the nascent ART and surrogacy infrastructure in Meghalaya, many intended parents from Shillong may need to access full fertility services, including advanced IVF procedures, in larger neighbouring cities like Guwahati.
| Item | Estimated range (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IVF Cycle (for Intended Parents) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 | Includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo culture, and pre-implantation genetic testing (if required). Costs vary by medication dosage and specific procedures. |
| Embryo Transfer (to Surrogate) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Covers preparation of the surrogate's uterus and the transfer procedure itself. Often charged per attempt. |
| Surrogate's Medical Expenses | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000+ | Full medical care, including pre-screening, antenatal check-ups, necessary diagnostic tests, hospital charges for delivery (vaginal or C-section), and post-delivery care. Mandated by Surrogacy Act 2021. |
| Surrogate's Other Allowable Expenses | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 | Includes nutritional support, maternity clothing, loss of wages during pregnancy and post-delivery rest, and other legitimate out-of-pocket expenses as permitted by the Surrogacy Act 2021. No 'compensation' beyond these. |
| Surrogate's Health Insurance | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Mandatory 36-month general health insurance cover for the surrogate mother, starting from the day of the embryo transfer. The cost varies based on coverage specifics and provider. |
| Legal & Documentation Fees | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Covers drafting of the surrogacy agreement, court procedures for parentage order, obtaining essentiality and eligibility certificates, and other legal formalities. |
| Medications (Total) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Includes medications for ovarian stimulation for the intended mother/donor, and medications for the surrogate mother (e.g., progesterone support). |
| Donor Gametes (if required) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Additional cost if donor eggs or sperm are medically necessary, as permitted by the 2024 Surrogacy Rules amendment. This includes screening and retrieval fees for donors. |
| Cryopreservation & Storage | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 | Cost for freezing and storing surplus embryos for future use or subsequent attempts. Annual storage fees may apply. |
| Unexpected Medical Complications | Varies significantly | Costs associated with any unforeseen medical issues for the surrogate or the child, which may not be fully covered by standard packages or insurance (e.g., premature birth, NICU care). |
Table: Indicative breakdown of surrogacy costs in Shillong for 2026. These are estimates and actual costs can vary based on individual medical needs, choice of ART clinic (often in Guwahati or other metros), and specific legal requirements.
Core Medical Procedures and Associated Costs
The foundation of a surrogacy journey typically begins with an In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) cycle. This involves several critical steps: controlled ovarian stimulation for the intended mother or egg donor, egg retrieval, fertilisation of the eggs with sperm (from the intended father or sperm donor), and the cultivation of embryos.
Surrogate Care, Legal Formalities, and Insurance
A significant portion of surrogacy expenses is dedicated to the well-being of the surrogate mother and fulfilling legal obligations. The Act, strictly mandates altruistic surrogacy, meaning no payment is made to the surrogate beyond her medical expenses and other specified allowances.
Surrogacy Cost at Registered IVF Clinics in Shillong
Shillong has 2 IVF (ART) clinics on the national ART registry list (data as of July 2026). Across them, estimated surrogacy costs run from ₹16.5 to ₹22 lakh (typical ₹22 lakh), and IVF cycles from ₹2.1 to ₹2.4 lakh.
These clinics are registered for IVF under the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021. Surrogacy needs a separate licence under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and many IVF clinics do not hold one, so ask for the clinic’s surrogacy registration before you sign.
| Clinic | Area | Registration no. | IVF cost* | Est. surrogacy cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Hospial Bsf | Mawpat, Shillong | ART-EKH-003 | ₹2.4 lakh | ₹16.5 lakh |
| Woodland Hospital | Dhankheti, P.o.: Laitumkrah, Shillong | ART-EKH-001 | ₹2.1 lakh | ₹22 lakh |
*Costs are indicative estimates, not quotes. Surrogacy estimates are kept within our itemised Shillong cost range shown on this page; they can change and may not include every item. Always confirm the current price, what it includes, and the clinic’s surrogacy licence directly with the clinic before you decide. IVF (ART) registration details are as listed on the National ART & Surrogacy Registry (July 2026); Vinsfertility does not endorse any listed clinic.
What's Included in a Surrogacy Package in Shillong?
Understanding the components of a surrogacy package is important for intended parents planning their journey, particularly from a location like Shillong where full Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) infrastructure may be limited.
Typical Inclusions in a Surrogacy Package
A standard surrogacy package is designed to cover the core medical procedures and support services essential for achieving a pregnancy via surrogacy. These typically encompass:
- Initial Consultations and Diagnostics: This includes preliminary medical assessments, blood tests, and consultations for both the intended parents and the potential surrogate to ascertain eligibility and tailor a treatment plan.
- Ovarian Stimulation and Monitoring: For intended mothers or egg donors, this involves hormone therapy to stimulate egg production, closely monitored through ultrasound scans and blood tests to track follicle development.
- Egg Retrieval: A minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation to collect mature eggs from the ovaries.
- Sperm Collection and Preparation: This covers the collection of sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, followed by laboratory preparation for fertilisation.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Eggs and sperm are fertilised in the laboratory. ICSI, a technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, is often included to enhance fertilisation rates, especially in cases of male factor infertility.
- Embryo Culture: The resulting embryos are cultured in the laboratory for several days (typically 3-5 days) to assess their development and select the most viable ones for transfer.
- Embryo Transfer to Surrogate Mother: One or more selected embryos are carefully transferred into the surrogate's uterus.
Exclusions to Watch For in Surrogacy Packages
While packages offer a consolidated approach, several important elements are often excluded and represent additional costs. Understanding these exclusions is vital for accurate financial planning:
- Failed Cycle Repeats: Most standard packages cover one full IVF cycle and one embryo transfer attempt. If the first transfer does not result in a successful pregnancy, subsequent cycles or transfers are typically charged separately.
- Cryopreservation of Gametes or Embryos: Freezing and storing additional embryos, sperm, or eggs for future use (e.g., if the first transfer fails or for future sibling journeys) is usually an extra service with recurring annual storage fees.
- Donor Gametes (Egg/Sperm/Embryo): If intended parents require donor eggs or sperm due to medical indications, the procurement, screening, and compensation for such donors are additional costs.
- Surrogate Health Insurance: The Act mandates full health insurance coverage for the surrogate mother for a period of 36 months.
- Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Advanced diagnostic tests like PGT for chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic disorders, if desired by the intended parents, are separate high-value services.
- Complications and Neonatal Care: Costs arising from medical complications for the surrogate during pregnancy or delivery (beyond standard care), or intensive neonatal care for the child (e.g., NICU stay), are generally not included and can significantly increase overall expenses.
- Travel and Accommodation: If services are sought in a city outside Shillong, travel, accommodation, and local transport costs for intended parents and the surrogate (if applicable) are extra.
Why Surrogacy Costs Vary Across Shillong and Nearby Cities
The overall cost of a surrogacy journey in India, including for residents of Shillong, is not static; it is influenced by a range of factors that reflect the complexity and individualised nature of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments and surrogacy arrangements.
Influence of Clinic Expertise and Medical Needs
The experience and established reputation of an ART clinic can directly impact its service charges. Clinics with a long history, advanced technology, and a team of highly experienced fertility specialists and embryologists may have higher consultation and procedure fees.
Travel and Logistics Due to Limited Local ART Centres
Shillong, like many cities in India's North-East, currently has limited, if any, registered ART centres that offer full surrogacy services as per the Act and the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021.
Who approves surrogacy in Shillong?
The Appropriate Authority under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, set up by the Meghalaya state health department, issues the eligibility and essentiality certificates for couples in Shillong. A District Medical Board first certifies the medical need, and a magistrate’s court issues the parentage and custody order before the embryo transfer. Your clinic usually helps you file these applications.
Patient Video Reviews
Couples treated through Vinsfertility share their journeys in their own words, with their consent. These stories come from different cities, not only Shillong.
Babies born with Vinsfertility. Every couple’s treatment and cost is different.
How We Worked Out These Costs
- Price range: the total adds up the itemised parts above for a typical altruistic surrogacy in Shillong.
- Clinics: names and registration numbers come from the national ART registry list; the costs beside them are estimates.
- Law: checked against the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022 and the 2024 amendment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rati Rabra
MBBS, DGO, FMAS · IVF specialist and gynaecologist, 12+ years’ experience
Reviewed and updated 29 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does surrogacy typically cost in Shillong in 2026?
The estimated cost of altruistic surrogacy in Shillong in 2026 can range significantly, typically from about INR 10,00,000 to INR 25,00,000 or more, depending on the specific medical requirements and chosen clinic. This estimate includes various components such as medical procedures for the intending couple and surrogate, legal fees, surrogate's medical expenses, insurance, and administrative charges.
What does a standard surrogacy package in Shillong include?
A standard surrogacy package in Shillong typically includes the expenses related to the IVF procedure for the intending couple, medical screening of both the intending parents and the surrogate mother, the embryo transfer procedure, and all subsequent antenatal care for the surrogate.
Why do surrogacy costs vary between clinics in Shillong?
Surrogacy costs in Shillong can vary between clinics due to differences in clinic infrastructure, the experience and reputation of the medical team, the specific range of services included in their packages, and the complexity of individual medical cases.
What are the legally mandated costs for altruistic surrogacy in India?
Under the Act, and its subsequent rules, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted in India, meaning no remuneration is payable to the surrogate mother other than the expenses related to her pregnancy and a mandatory general health insurance cover.
Who is eligible to opt for surrogacy in Shillong, India?
Only Indian married couples, or an Indian widow or divorcee, are eligible to opt for altruistic surrogacy in Shillong, as per the Act. For married couples, the wife must be between 23-50 years and the husband between 26-55 years. A widow or divorcee woman must be between 35-45 years of age.
What are the eligibility criteria for a surrogate mother in India?
A surrogate mother in India must be a married woman, aged between 25 and 35 years, and should have at least one biological child of her own. She must also possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy issued by a registered medical practitioner.
Sources: Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 (PRS India) · Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024 · Supreme Court of India, Vijaya Kumari S. v. Union of India (9 Oct 2025). Costs are Vinsfertility estimates for 2026.