How Much Does an Abortion Cost Without Health Insurance?
Key takeaways:
An abortion can cost anywhere from nothing out of pocket to more than $1,000.
The price of an abortion depends on the type of care and the stage of pregnancy, among other factors.
People seeking abortion care may face additional costs including extra medication, sedation, transportation, lodging, and child care.
Does health insurance cover abortion?
Abortion care is routinely covered by insurance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan, which can include:
Private insurance and Affordable Care Act marketplace plans: Abortion care services are not considered essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Health insurance plans are not required to cover abortions but may choose to include abortion care benefits.
Medicaid: Federal law limits the use of federal funds for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or endangerment to the life of the mother. Some states use their own funds to cover abortions for Medicaid enrollees.
Medicare: Coverage is restricted to pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, or those that a medical professional determines endangers the life of the mother.
How much does an abortion cost without health insurance?
The cost of abortion care varies depending on the stage of pregnancy and the type of termination. Generally, there are two categories of care. One is a medication abortion — also known as the “abortion pill,” though the treatment typically includes two types of pills. The other is a surgical abortion performed in a clinic and can be one of several procedures.
A medication abortion — also known as Plan C — typically involves two medications available by prescription. The cost averages more than $500 and can go up to $750, according to Planned Parenthood. Sometimes, these pills can be obtained through a telehealth provider.
A surgical abortion can vary in price depending on the procedure, stage of pregnancy, and medications required. For instance, at Planned Parenthood in Washington, D.C., a surgical abortion in 2022 ranged from $578 to $2,008. The wide range is based on the length of the pregnancy from a few weeks to several months along. Costs for sedation and additional medication could add up to $360. A follow-up exam is included. A medication abortion at this clinic is $578.
What other factors can affect the price of an abortion?
The total cost of an abortion may include nonmedical expenses including transportation, lodging, time off work, and child care. Considering these costs is especially important if there is no abortion service provider near you.
Typically, the price of an abortion increases as a pregnancy progresses. The cost can rise for those who need to raise funds or find the resources for abortion care. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the cost of an abortion at 20 weeks is more than twice as much as terminating a pregnancy at 10 weeks.
What is the average cost of an abortion?
The average cost of an abortion depends on many factors including the length of pregnancy, termination method, and where you live. Most abortions — more than 80% — happen in the first trimester. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost at 10 weeks is $500 and increases to an average of $1,195 at 20 weeks.
Which organizations and funds help reduce the cost of abortion services?
There are many organizations and funds that support the cost of abortion services from pills and procedures to logistical expenses. The National Network of Abortion Funds maintains a state-by-state list of funds as well as tips for accessing financial support.
National funds include:
The bottom line
The cost of an abortion can vary widely depending on the stage of pregnancy, type of termination, and associated expenses. Generally, the price of an abortion increases with the length of the pregnancy. There are national, state, and local abortion organizations that provide financial assistance for pills, procedures, and other expenses for people who do not have the resources to terminate their pregnancies.
Why trust our experts?
References
AbortionFinder.org. (n.d.). Find a verified abortion provider.
CMS.gov. (2006). Abortion. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
CMS.gov. (n.d.). Information on essential health benefits (EHB) benchmark plans. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Guttmacher Institute. (2021). Medicaid coverage of abortion.
Guttmacher Institute. (2022). Medication abortion.
Guttmacher Institute. (2022). Regulating insurance coverage of abortion.
Indigenous Women Rising. (n.d.). Abortion fund.
Kaiser Family Foundation. (n.d.). Does Medicaid cover abortions?
National Abortion Federation. (n.d.). NAF hotline.
National Network of Abortion Funds. (n.d.). Need an abortion?
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). How much does the abortion pill cost?
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Abortion in Washington, DC.
Salganicoff, A., et al. (2019). Coverage for abortion services in Medicaid, marketplace plans and private plans. Kaiser Family Foundation.
Sobel, L., et al. (2022). The intersection of state and federal policies on access to medication abortion via telehealth. Kaiser Family Foundation.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Abortion care.
Upadhyay, U. D., et al. (2022). Trends in self-pay charges and insurance acceptance for abortion in the United States, 2017–20. Health Affairs.
Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project. (n.d.). Find abortion funds.
If you’re concerned about an unplanned pregnancy and want to understand your options, help is available. You can call the National Abortion Federation hotline at 1-800-772-9100, the Repro Legal Helpline at 1-844-868-2812, or visit the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project.
