The costs of a termination of pregnancy are covered in many cases by the statutory health insurance or by the federal state. Whether this applies to you, what you need to do, and in which cases you have to cover the costs yourself – here is a first overview.
What Does an Abortion / Termination of Pregnancy Cost?
How much does an abortion cost? The costs of an outpatient termination of pregnancy in Germany are between 350 and 800 euros. The price varies depending on the method, type of anaesthesia and practice. In the case of inpatient admission, hospital costs are added. However, the decision for or against a termination should not depend on how expensive it is. That is why there are various options for cost coverage. Important: This requires some time. Seek counselling in good time, even if you are not yet sure whether you want to terminate or continue the pregnancy.
Who Bears the Costs of a Termination?
If you decide on a termination within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and following the counselling process, you must officially bear the costs yourself – but only if your income is sufficient. In practice, the costs are often borne by the federal state or the health insurance.
Free of charge for the pregnant person are: medical care before and after a termination, and treatment of any complications. These treatments are always paid for by the health insurance. No health insurance? Please seek counselling – we will find a solution together.
“It all sounds very complicated. As a counsellor I can say that many people don’t have to pay for a termination themselves, as only personal income counts. The partner’s income is not taken into account.”
When Does the Health Insurance Pay for a Termination?
If continuation of the pregnancy endangers the health of the pregnant person (medical indication) or if the pregnancy is the result of rape (criminological indication), the health insurance covers the costs of the termination. In these cases, presenting the health insurance card at the practice or clinic is sufficient.
If you decide within the first 12 weeks after fertilisation to terminate the pregnancy with a counselling certificate, you must bear the costs of the termination yourself. However, you can apply for cost coverage before the procedure if you have little money. The termination is then free of charge for you.
Income Thresholds for Cost Coverage
When is it worth applying for cost coverage for a termination under the counselling process? There are income thresholds that relate to your personally available income. In 2025, the net income threshold was, for example, 1,500 euros. For a household with one minor child, it was 1,856 euros. Additional allowances for further children or expensive rent are also applicable. At the pregnancy counselling centre, you will receive the current figures and we will also support you with the application.
Applying for Cost Coverage
If you cannot cover the costs of a termination yourself, the federal state bears the costs. The application for this cost coverage is made at your statutory health insurance fund. Those with private insurance contact a statutory health insurance fund of their choice. There you must demonstrate that your personal income and assets do not exceed a certain threshold. You will need, for example, pay slips, a Grundsicherung notice or bank statements. You do not need to speak about your reasons for the termination. The income of a partner, husband or parents is irrelevant for cost coverage.
Important: You need the written confirmation of cost coverage before your termination appointment.
Counselling on Termination and Costs
At AWO pregnancy counselling, you will receive all information about the costs of a termination and cost coverage. We inform you about the current income rates and allowances and support you with the application. Even if you do not have health insurance, cost coverage is possible – please come to counselling for this. Are you still unsure whether you wish to continue the pregnancy? Then we can also support you in your decision-making.
Still have questions?
We are happy to advise you in person. Anonymous and free of charge. Respectful and empowering.