How to Pay for Abortion Care

In Washington, there are many ways to cover the cost of your abortion. Ask about how to pay when you make your abortion care appointment. The clinic can help find out if you:

  • Have insurance that will pay for an abortion
  • Are eligible for insurance
  • Can get other help paying
Keep in mind that if you have insurance through your parent or spouse, bills for your abortion care could be sent to them instead of you. Tell the abortion clinic before your appointment if this is a concern and visit our Your Privacy page to learn how to keep your abortion care private.

Using your own money, help from the clinic, or help from an abortion fund are the most private ways to pay for an abortion.

Visit our I Need More Support page to learn more about your abortion coverage if you are military, veteran, or a Tribal member.

Pay Out-Of-Pocket or Without Insurance

If you don’t have health insurance or don’t want to use insurance to pay for your abortion, you can pay out-of-pocket (use your own money) or get assistance from an abortion clinic, the Northwest Abortion Access Fund, or the National Abortion Hotline.

The National Network of Abortion Funds lists all other abortion funds that can help you pay for abortion care. Usually, you don’t need to meet any requirements to get help from an abortion fund.

Pay With Medicaid

Washington Medicaid (Apple Health) covers abortion care, after-abortion care, and after-abortion birth control.

You are eligible for Apple Health if you live in Washington or plan to live in Washington and meet the income eligibility requirements.

You do not need to be a citizen of the United States or live in Washington for a specific amount of time to get Apple Health.

Pay With Out-Of-State Medicaid

If you have Medicaid from another state, check this guide to find out if you are covered for abortion. Most out-of-state Medicaid will not pay for abortion care you receive in Washington, but you may be eligible to apply for Washington’s Apple Health when you arrive.

If you are not covered for abortion in Washington through Medicaid, tell the clinic where you are seeking abortion care. They can help you find other ways to cover your costs.

Pay With Private Health Insurance From Washington State

If you have private health insurance, check that your coverage includes abortion services before your appointment. You can find this information on your policy documents, online through your insurance portal, or by contacting your insurance provider.

All health insurance plans from Washington state (see below for the exception) that cover pregnancy or maternity services must also cover abortion services.

In general, health plans from Washington may not charge you a co-pay for abortion services. A co-pay is when you have to pay some money out-of-pocket before health services with the rest covered by your insurance.

If you have a high deductible health insurance plan, you may be charged for all or some of the cost of your abortion.

  • Check with your insurance provider before your appointment to find out how much is left in your deductible for the year.
  • If you can’t afford the cost of your deductible, tell the clinic where you are seeking abortion care. They can help you find other ways to cover your costs.
Some religious-affiliated insurance, such as Providence Health Insurance, do not cover abortion services unless your life or pregnancy is at risk. If you are a Providence Health Insurance client, the Department of Health can cover your abortion services.

Pay With Out-Of-State Private Health Insurance

If your health insurance provider is from another state it may not pay for abortion services, even if you live in Washington.

Ask your insurance about coverage before your appointment or ask the clinic to help you find your coverage options for reproductive health services.

If you are not covered for abortion, clinics can help you find other ways to cover your costs.