Money, without promises
Surrogate compensation: how it is usually structured
Surrogate compensation in Mexico is not a single payment: it usually combines payments at different stages, expenses covered separately and protections such as insurance or provisions for unforeseen events. Each program sets the amounts and must include them in the contract. Tlacati does not set or guarantee amounts; here we explain the structure so you can compare and ask questions.
Content last reviewed: · General information, not professional advice.
Why we do not publish amounts
Because amounts vary by program, city and over time. Two offers with the same total may differ in payment timing, separate expenses and what happens if the process ends early. Reviewing these components helps you compare without assuming that every program works the same way.
Common components
Payments by stage
The main compensation is usually released in installments tied to milestones: contract signing, starting medication, transfer, pregnancy confirmation, progress by month or trimester, and birth. Ask how many payments there are, what triggers each one and its approximate date.
Expenses covered separately
Tests, medication, appointments, travel, accommodation for stages outside your city, maternity clothing and household help during prescribed rest. Ask for expenses and coverage to be detailed in writing; applicable legal obligations may also exist.
Payments for specific events
Some programs provide additional amounts for specific situations: each transfer attempt, multiple pregnancy, cesarean delivery, invasive procedures, pregnancy loss or cancellation for reasons beyond the surrogate's control. Ask which payments exist and under what conditions.
Insurance and protections
Review the applicable legal duties and policies actually in place: dates, insured amount, exclusions, deductibles, beneficiaries and who pays for each item. Tabasco has a specific major medical insurance requirement. Life insurance is different and must be reviewed separately.
Lost wages or income
If you stop working because of prescribed rest or appointments, some contracts provide daily or monthly compensation. This should be in writing, including how the loss is documented.
Financial safeguards
A trust, managed account or escrow deposit: a third party holds the money and releases it according to the contract. Ask who controls it, when it is funded and how you can verify that funds are available.
Tabasco: the insurance duty and actual coverage
In Tabasco, Article 380 Bis 7 requires the commissioning party or parties to secure major medical insurance for the surrogate's pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. That legal duty does not establish that coverage is already in place for your case. Request the policy and check its dates, covered expenses, exclusions, limits and who pays the premium.
Sources and provisions
- Tabasco Civil Code — Article 380 Bis 7, third paragraph.
- SCJN: Constitutional Action 16/2016, signed judgment — Full Court, 7 June 2021; fourth operative ruling. The term «padres» was invalidated, not the insurance duty.
Questions to clarify any offer
- What is the total and how is it divided by stage?
- Which expenses are separate and which are not covered?
- What is paid if the transfer is unsuccessful or the process ends early?
- Is there a trust or managed account? Who controls it?
- What insurance is provided and what are the exclusions?
- Which obligations continue if there is a complication?
If a program cannot answer these in writing, you have no basis for comparison. Our contract review guide expands on this list.
Reasons to pause
- You are given a large figure with no explanation of how it is paid.
- You are asked to decide immediately or before reading the contract.
- Conditions are promised verbally but do not appear in the document.
- You are asked to pay money for any reason.
Tax considerations
Compensation may have tax implications for you. Neither Tlacati nor the program replaces a tax adviser; consult one before signing if you have questions.
