How Much Do Abortions Cost? Your Guide to Costs & Financial Support

Finding yourself pregnant unexpectedly can be a deeply uncertain time, not least because of finances. As a leading women’s healthcare clinic, we often face the question; How much is an abortion? The answer is that it depends—both on where you live, and whether a medical or surgical abortion is required.

At Clinic 66, we believe that everyone should have access to a safe, legal abortion. The cost of abortion in Australia is a major determining factor in its accessibility, especially for those in rural communities, or who have family obligations that make taking time off work, and away from children, more difficult.

If you need support, our women’s health GPs have special skills and qualifications in abortion care and women’s health, and can help you understand your options. Our team will treat you with respect and dignity, explaining the risks and benefits of your available choices, as well as the support that is available to you. For instance, some Not for Profit Women’s Health Centres have funds to help support abortion care, and some states, such as ACT and Queensland, offer government support for abortion care. 

How much do abortions cost in Australia?

The cost varies consid4erably, but the below table gives a brief overview of surgical and medical termination of pregnancy costs:

State/Territory	Procedure Type	Cost Range	Medicare Coverage	Notes
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	Medical & Surgical	Free	Yes	All residents, including those on temporary visas, can access free abortion services funded by the ACT Government.
New South Wales (NSW)	Medical	$510–$620	Yes	Abortion costs in Sydney and NSW varies; some clinics offer bulk-billed services for eligible individuals.
	Surgical	$775–$8,500+	Yes	Prices depend on gestation period, clinic, and Medicare status.
Victoria (VIC)	Medical & Surgical	$500–$1,000+	Yes	Public hospitals may offer subsidised services; private clinics vary in pricing. Some community outreach nurse led services are available.
Queensland (QLD)	Medical & Surgical	$500–$1,000+	Yes	Public hospitals may offer subsidised services; private clinics vary in pricing. Queensland government offers a free medical termination for those with a valid Medicare card, via telehealth.
South Australia (SA)	Medical & Surgical	$500–$1,000+	Yes	Public hospitals may offer subsidised services; private clinics vary in pricing.
Western Australia (WA)	Medical	$550–$650	Yes	Costs vary; some clinics offer government subsidised services for eligible individuals.
	Surgical	$650–$8,500+	Yes	Prices depend on gestation period, clinic, and Medicare status.
Tasmania (TAS)	Medical & Surgical	$500–$1,000+	Yes	Public hospitals (like Royal Hobart) may offer subsidised services; private clinics vary in pricing. No private surgical abortion services in Tasmania.
Northern Territory (NT)	Medical & Surgical	Free	Yes	Public hospitals offer free services for eligible individuals.

Factors influencing how much does an abortion cost:

There are a few key factors that determine abortion in Australia cost.

Firstly, whether you need a medical or surgical abortion (this will be decided by the weeks of gestation— under 9 weeks you will likely be able to get a medical abortion, which is more affordable). “How much is a medical abortion?” is quite different from “How much is a surgical abortion?”, and your doctor or nurse will be able to give you more information on which is right for you. In some states, Nurse Practitioners and Midwives can also provide medical abortion which is usually cheaper than with a doctor. 

Additionally, if you have a Medicare card, a health care card, or private health insurance with a level of coverage that supports abortion access, these will bring the price down. Insurers differ with regard to abortion care coverage; check your own policy to see if yours does. 

Finally, whether you access the abortion through a private or public service can make a big difference.

Does Medicare cover abortion?

What about abortion cost with Medicare? The good news is that Medicare offers financial assistance for both medical and surgical abortions, covering a portion of the procedure costs, consultations, and necessary tests. However, the rebate may not cover the entire expense, leading to potential out-of-pocket costs, especially if the service is not bulk-billed. The availability of bulk billing depends on the healthcare provider and your eligibility.

Anywhere in Australia, you will be able to access abortion services through public hospitals, private clinics, and telehealth services like Clinic 66. However, the availability and cost of services can differ based on where you live. For instance, the Australian Capital Territory offers free abortion services for residents, including those on temporary visas, fully funded by the ACT Government. In NSW, very few hospitals offer abortion care. 

Other expenses in the cost of an abortion:

How much is it for an abortion in total? For a medical abortion some clinics will include the cost of medication and ultrasounds and others will not. At Clinic 66 the cost of the medication and scan is an additional fee.

You will also need to account for time off work, childcare, and travel, which can be significant considerations, depending on your personal circumstances.

If you live rurally, or a significant distance from abortion services, then travel may require some planning. Again, depending on where you live, support may be available.

Clinic 66, a leading sexual health clinic, offers telehealth consultations for medical abortions, reducing the need for travel.

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Debunking common myths about abortion costs

Myth: Only private clinics offer abortion services.

Fact: Public hospitals may offer subsidised services, and some clinics provide bulk-billed options for eligible individuals. You will need to shop around. Enlist the help of a GP or women’s health nurse if you can. 

Myth: Medicare doesn't cover abortion services.

Fact: Medicare provides rebates for both medical and surgical abortions performed by eligible providers. However, there may be out-of-pocket costs (gap fees) depending on the provider and whether the service is bulk-billed.

Myth: Abortion costs are the same across all states and territories.

Fact: Abortion costs can vary between states and territories due to differences in healthcare systems and local legal frameworks and policies.

How Clinic 66 can help:

We’ve been delivering a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health services for over 25 years, and we pride ourselves on our compassionate, discreet and 100% non-judgmental approach.

We understand that some people find dealing with their sexual health concerns confronting, and this is doubly true when it comes to finances. “How much does abortion cost?” is an important subject to many, and we are here to answer all your questions.

You have nothing to fear and nothing to feel ashamed of. We are here for you. 

Contact us today to learn more.