A medication abortion in the United States typically costs between $150 and $800, depending on where you get it and whether you have insurance. The average cost at Planned Parenthood is around $580, while telehealth services that mail pills directly to you can be significantly cheaper.
Cost at a Clinic
At a physical clinic, medication abortion can run up to around $800. That price usually includes the two medications (one taken at the clinic or at home, followed by a second 24 to 48 hours later), an initial consultation, and sometimes an ultrasound. The median total cost for medication abortion billed through employer-sponsored insurance, including all ancillary services on the day of the procedure, is $562.
The price varies by state and by clinic. Some clinics bundle everything into one flat fee, while others bill separately for the office visit, ultrasound, and lab work. About 12% of medication abortions include a charge for Rh blood-type testing, and nearly half include a separate office visit claim. These add-ons can push your out-of-pocket total higher if they’re not included in the quoted price, so it’s worth asking upfront what the fee covers.
Cost Through Telehealth
Telehealth services that prescribe and mail abortion pills tend to cost less because they have lower overhead. Aid Access charges $150 for a medication abortion sent through the mail. They also offer a sliding scale for people who can’t afford that amount. The average price paid by patients who requested a reduced rate was $68.
Other telehealth providers exist at various price points, though pricing can shift depending on your state’s laws and the provider’s operating model. In general, expect telehealth to fall in the $150 to $300 range, well below the cost of an in-person clinic visit.
What Insurance Covers
Whether insurance helps depends entirely on your plan and your state. Many private insurance plans do cover medication abortion, though you may still owe a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. Medicaid coverage varies dramatically by state. Some states cover abortion through their Medicaid programs, while many others restrict it to cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment, following the federal Hyde Amendment.
If you have insurance, call the number on the back of your card and ask whether medication abortion (sometimes coded as “medication management of pregnancy” or listed under specific procedure codes) is a covered benefit. Some clinics also have staff who can check your coverage for you before your appointment.
Financial Assistance Options
If you’re paying out of pocket and the cost is a barrier, several options can bring the price down. Many clinics offer their own sliding-scale fees based on income. Abortion funds, which are nonprofit organizations, exist in most states and can cover part or all of the cost. The National Abortion Federation has a hotline that connects callers with financial assistance. Some funds also help with related costs like travel or childcare, which can matter if you need to go out of state for care.
What the Medication Actually Is
The “abortion pill” is actually two separate medications taken in sequence. The first blocks a hormone the pregnancy needs to continue. The second, taken 24 to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and empty. The FDA approves this regimen for pregnancies up to 10 weeks (70 days from the first day of your last period). The combined two-drug approach is more effective and works faster than using the second medication alone, which is why it’s the standard protocol when both drugs are available.
Why Prices Vary So Much
The gap between $68 and $800 comes down to a few factors. Clinic-based care includes in-person staffing, lab work, and facility costs that telehealth doesn’t carry. State regulations also play a role: some states require in-person visits, mandatory waiting periods, or multiple appointments, all of which add to the total. Geographic location matters too. Clinics in states with fewer providers may charge more simply because demand outpaces supply.
The medications themselves are not the main cost driver. The bulk of the price covers the clinical consultation, any required testing, and follow-up care. If you’re comparing options, the biggest variable is the delivery model: in-person clinic versus telehealth, and whether your state allows the telehealth route.