What does an abortion cost?

The cost of an abortion depends on:

If you live in the ACT

Under 16 weeks gestation

If you live in the ACT, you can have a free abortion if the pregnancy is under 16 weeks gestation. You need to go to particular clinics, doctors and services for it to be free.

This includes any medication, tests or ultrasounds that you need.

You can also choose to have some types of contraception inserted for free, if you wish to.

The types of contraception are intra-uterine devices (often known as the IUD, Mirena, Kyleena, or Copper T) and contraceptive implants (often known as the rod, or Implanon).

There is more information about contraception options here.

You do not have to have an IUD or contraceptive implant inserted unless you wish to.

You need to go to specific doctors and services to have a free abortion.

You can find a list of the services and GPs providing free abortion here.

You also need to show some proof that you live in the ACT. This could include a Drivers Licence or a recent bill with your name on it showing your ACT address.

Abortion is free even if you are an international student or on a temporary visa. You do not need to have a Medicare card.

It does not matter what type of abortion you have. If you live in the ACT, it is free. The type of abortion you can have will still depend on the gestation of the pregnancy and your individual health and medical history.

Free abortion and post-abortion contraception for people who live in the ACT is funded by the ACT Government.

Some of the doctors and services who are participating are part of the ACT Reproductive Health Data Incentive Fund, which is managed by Women’s Health Matters.

After 16 weeks gestation

After 16 weeks gestation and in some circumstances, you may also be able to have an abortion at Canberra Hospital. If you have a Medicare card, this is free.

If you cannot have an abortion MSI Australia or Canberra Hospital, you may need to travel interstate to Sydney or Adelaide.

If you need to travel, you can have some of your travel and accommodation costs covered by the ACT Interstate Patient Travel Assistance Scheme. This is available if you have a Medicare Card. You will need to pay for the abortion itself.

We recommend calling Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) Pregnancy Options Counselling Service if you are having trouble getting a surgical abortion at MSI Australia, or if the gestation is after 14-16 weeks.

They can give you information about your options and support you to access them. You can find more information here or call 6247 3077.

If you are not an ACT resident (including if you live in Queanbeyan and Yass)

You can have an abortion in the ACT, but it will not be free.

The cost of an abortion will depend on the gestation of the pregnancy, the type of abortion, whether you have Medicare or a Health Care Concession Card, and which clinic or service you go to.

Prices are different with different doctors and clinics. You may want to call different clinics to find the most cost effective option.

If you have a Medicare card, you will pay about $300 for an early medication abortion from a GP. You will also need to pay for any tests, scans and medication.

If you have a Health Care Card, the cost will be lower.

If you don’t have a Medicare card, you will pay about $500 for your appointments with a GP. You may also pay about $500 for ultrasounds and tests, and about $400 for medication.

You will pay between $249 for an early medication abortion by telehealth. You may pay up to $2,850 for a surgical abortion over 14 weeks gestation at MSI Australia.

This is if you have a Health Care and Medicare card. You will pay up to $3,850 if you do not have a Medicare card.

You may pay up to $7,000 for an abortion over 20 weeks gestation. You will also need to travel interstate to Sydney or Adelaide.

These prices were correct when we made this website. They may change from time to time.[1]

Use MSI’s price cost estimate tool for an accurate and up to date estimation of your costs.

Gynaecology Centres Australia (GCA) in Queanbeyan also provide surgical abortion up to 12 weeks gestation. You can call GCA to check their prices on (02) 6299 5559.

[1] MSI Australia (2024). ‘What will it cost’, Webpage, available from: https://www.msiaustralia.org.au/our-services/what-will-it-cost/, accessed 23 January 2024.