If you’ve been navigating the ups and downs of fertility treatment, you know that sometimes the right clinic, the right care — and even the right legal support — might not always be nearby.

Whether you’re facing restrictions where you live, looking for better success rates or preparing for a future surrogacy journey, traveling for IVF could be the path that brings you closer to parenthood.

Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including legal, logistical and emotional considerations.

If you’re just beginning to look into surrogacy, or you’re already planning your journey and need help coordinating IVF across state lines, our surrogacy specialists can provide you with the resources and support you need to feel confident and prepared. Contact us today.

Can You Travel Out of State for IVF?

Yes, you can travel out of state for IVF. Some of the common reasons families travel out-of-state for IVF include:

• Cost differences: You are pursuing IVF and surrogacy in a state with more affordable IVF programs.
• Access to specialized treatment and higher success rates
• State-specific legal restrictions:  Some states place limits on embryo transfers, gamete donation or surrogacy. It’s important to verify the reproductive laws where you live and where you’re planning treatment.
• Success rates: IVF clinics are required to report success rates to the CDC and SART, which can influence patients to travel to higher-performing centers.

But if you do choose to travel out of state for IVF, there are several considerations you should take into account.

How to Do IVF Out-of-State: Your 5-Step Roadmap

If you’re considering traveling for IVF, here’s a simplified overview of how the process usually works — whether you’re just starting or already working with a surrogate.

1. Research and compare clinics: Look for clinics with strong success rates (check CDC or SART data), patient reviews, and services that match your needs — especially if you’re using donor eggs and/or sperm or pursuing surrogacy.
2. Understand legal requirements: State laws can impact IVF and surrogacy. Before you begin, make sure you’re familiar with legal considerations in both your home and destination state. A fertility attorney or surrogacy specialist can help guide you through this.
3. Coordinate local and out-of-state care: You may be able to handle some testing and monitoring close to home. Many clinics will coordinate with local providers to help minimize travel when possible.
4. Plan travel around key appointments: You’ll likely need to travel for procedures like egg retrieval or embryo transfer. If a surrogate is involved, careful timing and communication are essential to keep the cycle on track.
5. Prepare for the logistics: Think ahead about lodging, medication management and how long you may need to stay. Some clinics offer extra support for traveling patients, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Learn more about surrogacy laws in your state.

Important Considerations for Traveling for IVF: Plan for Success

If you’re going out of state for IVF, here are some of the important factors you should plan for:

• Time commitment: Scheduling multiple appointments and procedures can take time, so you may need to travel for a longer time or take multiple trips
• Travel and lodging costs: Budgeting for extended stays
• Time zone differences: Managing appointment schedules and medication timing
• Coordination between clinics: If you’re working with both a local OB/GYN and an out-of-state fertility clinic, you’ll need to manage shared records, results and timelines.
• Insurance variations: IVF coverage can vary drastically from state to state, so review both in- and out-of-network policies in advance.

Additionally, if you’re travelling during IVF treatment, you may need to travel with IVF medications and injections.

If you are going through airport security or don’t have access to refrigeration, you may need to take extra steps to assure that your medications travel safely.

Checklist for Out-of-State IVF Success

• Research fertility clinics and compare reported success rates
• Verify state laws around IVF and surrogacy
• Check insurance coverage for out-of-network treatments
• Plan your travel and lodging ahead of time
• Coordinate medical records between local and destination clinics
• Understand embryo storage and transfer logistics
• Consult a surrogacy professional if you’re working with a surrogate

How to Travel with IVF Meds

Many intended parents worry about getting through airport security, handling needles in public or keeping medications safe without refrigeration.

These are normal concerns and with the right preparation, traveling with IVF meds can be done confidently and securely.

Can I travel with my IVF injections?

Yes, generally you can travel with your IVF medications.

It’s always best to consult your fertility specialist ahead of your trip, but here are some key things to know:

Carrying Refrigerated Medications

Some IVF medications must stay cold. Use an insulated cooler, insulated insulin travel case, or gel ice packs to maintain the correct temperature while in transit. You can also ask your clinic for recommendations or sample kits.

TSA Regulations

Bringing injectable medications through TSA can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never flown with medical supplies. To reduce stress:

• Carry all medications and syringes in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
• Label everything clearly with pharmacy labels.
• Tell the TSA officer that you’re carrying medically necessary items.
• Print and carry a doctor’s note or prescription summary if available.

TSA does allow sharps, syringes, and refrigerated meds as part of their medical exemptions. You can review the latest TSA medication guidelines here.

Managing Medication Schedules Across Time Zones

Some medications have time-sensitive dosage times, and if you are travelling it is important to stay consistent with your schedule and account for time zone changes.

Consider setting alarms on your phone or using a medication tracking app to stay consistent.

Tip: Stick to your original time zone for the first few days of travel, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Shipping and Transferring Embryos to Another Clinic

Embryo shipping is especially common when intended parents are pursuing out of state surrogacy or when coordinating care across clinics for legal or medical reasons.

Can you transfer embryos to another clinic?

Yes, you can transfer embryos to another clinic in many cases.

Embryo shipping can be required if you are having embryos made in one place and transferred in another place, if you move, if you have embryos created and want to store them in a state with friendlier embryo laws or if you change clinics during the IVF process.

Providers like Cryoport and IVF Couriers offer secure cryogenic transport for frozen embryos, using temperature-controlled tanks designed to keep your embryos safe throughout the journey.

Is shipping frozen embryos harmful to the embryos?

Not usually. While there is always a risk of embryo loss throughout the process of IVF, there are many safeguards in place to keep your embryos safe during the process.

Reputable shipping providers maintain strict protocols for handling and temperature regulation, and your clinic will help ensure proper coordination to avoid any disruptions.

How Much Does Embryo Shipping Cost?

Embryo shipping costs can range anywhere from $400 to $5,000+.

These costs can depend on a variety of factors including:

• Distance (local, domestic, international)
• Cryo tank rental
• Handling and courier fees
• Insurance coverage for the shipment

Why Working with a National Surrogacy Agency Matters

Traveling for IVF — especially with surrogacy involved — can get complicated fast. Every state has different laws, clinic protocols and timelines. American Surrogacy can help you manage all of it in one place.

Here’s how:

• Legal guidance across states: Surrogacy laws vary, and a national agency can help you understand the legal landscape wherever you or your surrogate. We can also help you find a trusted surrogacy attorney to make sure your parentage is protected from day one.
• Clinic recommendations: If you’re planning on out of state surrogacy, your agency can help you find a reputable clinic and coordinate between providers so your care is seamless.
• Surrogate matching where it makes sense: Once your embryos are created, we will match you with a surrogate who lives in the right state or can travel to your clinic for transfer, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Working with a national agency takes the guesswork and stress out of out-of-state IVF and surrogacy so you can focus on what matters most: becoming a parent.

Need help navigating IVF and surrogacy across state lines? We’re here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to get the support you need — no matter where your journey takes you.