Are there any hidden costs in surrogacy packages?

Yo, my buddy's sister was checking out surrogacy packages in India recently, and they discovered yeah, there can be some hidden or unexpected costs that aren't always upfront in the quotes, even with the altruistic surrogacy rules under the 2021 Act. Clinics might list a base price of ₹15-25 lakh, but extras can pile up. Here's what they ran into based on real chats with Delhi and Gurugram clinics:

• Multiple IVF Cycles: If the first embryo transfer fails (happens 30-50% of the time), you'll pay extra ₹3-5 lakh per retry—not always in the initial package.
• Medical Complications: Stuff like a C-section, NICU for the baby, or extra meds for the surrogate (your relative) can add ₹2-4 lakh if not covered fully.
• Legal Surprises: Extra lawyer fees for disputes, court filings, or parentage orders might tack on ₹50,000-1 lakh beyond the basic paperwork.
• Travel and Accommodation: If the surrogate lives elsewhere, flights, stays, or transport during check-ups can cost ₹50,000-2 lakh, especially in cities like Gurugram.
• Donor Add-ons: If you need donor eggs/sperm due to age issues, that's another ₹1-2 lakh not always quoted upfront.

Real advice: Always ask for a full breakdown and "what-if" scenarios from clinics like Select IVF. Some, like Surrogacy Centre India, claim no hidden costs, but double-check. For your taxi driver couple, budgeting 20-30% extra helps avoid shocks.