Guide & Cost Estimates
International Egg Donation & Donor Travel
Egg donation doesn’t always happen in one country. In many cases, intended parents, donors, and clinics are based in different places, and the treatment takes place where clinics have the right experience and infrastructure to work with international patients.
For this reason, it’s common for donors to complete part of their screening in their home country and then travel to the clinic where the IVF cycle will take place. This allows clinics to follow their own medical protocols while working with donors who meet their patients’ preferences.
When travel is involved, donors usually spend around two weeks in the country where treatment happens. During this time, they attend monitoring appointments, begin and complete the medical treatment, and undergo the egg retrieval at the clinic.
Because several people and timelines are involved, planning and coordination are an important part of the process. Travel dates, clinic schedules, and treatment plans need to be aligned in advance so that everything runs smoothly and without unnecessary stress.
International egg donation can sound complex at first, but when each party understands their role and the process is well organized, it becomes a structured and predictable journey
How to Choose an Egg Donor
Choosing an egg donor is an important decision, and it’s rarely just about medical numbers. Clinics naturally focus on medical eligibility, but for intended parents, personal preferences also play a big role — and both are valid.
All donors presented to families through Vital Donors have already completed medical and psychological screening and are eligible to donate. That said, each fertility clinic may have its own specific requirements, which is why the final medical approval always comes from your clinic.
When reviewing donor profiles, it can be helpful to think about a few different aspects:
Your clinic’s criteria
Some clinics have specific requirements related to age, ovarian reserve, genetic screening, or previous donation history. These criteria help clinics ensure the treatment can move forward safely.
Your personal preferences
Things like background, education, physical traits, personality, and values often matter to families. There’s no “perfect” donor — just the one that feels right for you.
Basic medical indicators (explained simply below)
You may also see some medical information in donor profiles. This isn’t something you need to fully understand on your own, but it can give a general idea of how a donor might respond to treatment.
Our role is to help you navigate these elements, answer questions as they come up, and support you in making a decision that feels informed — without turning the process into something overwhelming or overly technical
Understanding Key Medical Indicators
(Simply Explained)
You don’t need to be a doctor to review a donor profile, and you’re not expected to fully understand every medical detail. Some basic indicators are included to give context, and we’re always here to help explain what they mean for your specific situation.
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
AMH is a hormone that helps give an idea of how a donor’s ovaries may respond to stimulation. In simple terms, it offers a general sense of ovarian reserve. A higher AMH can suggest a stronger response, but it’s just one part of a much bigger picture.
AFC (Antral Follicle Count)
AFC refers to the number of small follicles seen on an ultrasound at a specific moment in time. It’s often used to estimate how many eggs might be retrieved during a cycle.
If there are two sperm sources and eggs will be shared between both, AFC can be a helpful factor to consider, as it may influence how many eggs are available for each intended parent.
Donor age
Age is one of many factors clinics look at, but it’s not the only one. A donor who is slightly older but has strong ovarian reserve and good medical results may be just as suitable — or even more so — than a younger donor with weaker indicators.
These numbers are never meant to be looked at in isolation. They’re simply tools to help clinics plan treatment and help families feel more informed along the way.
Medical outcomes can never be guaranteed, and final medical decisions always rest with the treating clinic.
What the Process Looks Like
Every journey is a little different, but most egg donation processes follow a similar path. Below is an overview of what you can generally expect when working with Vital Donors.
Initial consultation
We start by learning more about you, your clinic, and what you’re looking for. This is also a chance to walk you through how the process works and answer any initial questions.
Access to our donor database
You’ll receive access to our donor database, where you can explore all currently available donor profiles and take your time identifying the ones that feel like the best fit.
Clinic approval & coordination
Once you’ve chosen a donor, we coordinate with your clinic to obtain final medical approval and align timelines so everyone is on the same page.
Legal & administrative steps
Before moving forward, the necessary contracts are finalized and the practical details are confirmed.
Treatment & travel
The donor then begins the medical treatment and travels to the country where the IVF cycle will take place. This part of the process usually involves around two weeks on site, including monitoring appointments and preparation for the procedure.
Egg retrieval
The egg retrieval is performed at the clinic under full medical supervision.
Next steps
After the retrieval, we continue to coordinate with the clinic regarding fertilization, embryo development, and the next stages of your treatment.
Throughout the process, we focus on clear communication and coordination, helping ensure that you, the clinic, and the donor remain aligned at every step.
Estimated Cost Overview
Below is an indicative breakdown of the main costs typically involved in an international egg donation process. Some fees are fixed, while others may vary depending on travel logistics and timing. Any variable costs are always reviewed and confirmed with you in advance, before anything is booked or paid.
Fixed Costs
- Agency fee (includes donor screening, coordination, and ongoing support): $10,000
This fee is 100% refundable at any time before the egg retrieval takes place. - Egg donor compensation: $3,000
- Legal fees (donation agreement): $1,750 + applicable taxes
Estimated / Variable Costs
The following costs may vary depending on travel dates, location, and duration of stay. Exact amounts are confirmed with intended parents in advance and approved before any arrangements are made:
- Flights: $2,500 – $3,500
(depending on departure city, season, and airline availability) - Accommodation: $500 – $1,500
(based on length of stay, season, and accommodation type) - Daily allowance for the donor: $70 per day
*(approximately $980 for a 14-day stay)
No travel or accommodation bookings are made without prior confirmation and approval from intended parents.
Total Estimated Cost
(Based on an approximate 14-day stay)
- Estimated minimum: $18,730
- Estimated maximum: $20,730
Roles & Responsibilities
| Vital Donors | Fertility Clinic |
|---|---|
| Donor sourcing and recruitment | Medical treatment and IVF protocols |
| Donor screening coordination | Final medical approval |
| Donor profiles and guidance | Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval |
| Logistics, travel, and scheduling | Fertilization and embryo development |
| Ongoing communication and support | Medical follow-up and reporting |