TL;DR
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The cost of an abortion in Singapore starts from around $1,800.
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You can use MediSave to offset part of the cost of surgical abortions, with claim limits of roughly $900 to $1,050. You can’t use MediSave, however, for medical abortions.
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Costs for surgical abortions may increase with gestational age and the procedure may be done in a hospital facility if you are pregnant for more than 13 weeks.
Making decisions about a pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to understand the costs involved. In Singapore, abortion services are legally available, and in many cases, you can use your MediSave to help offset part of the expense.
Ahead, we’ll explore how abortion works in Singapore, how it’s subsidised through Medisave, and other costs you may need to plan for.
Understanding Abortion in Singapore
Abortion in Singapore follows a structured, regulated process. Knowing how it works can help you prepare both medically and practically.
What Is Abortion and How Is It Done?
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. In Singapore, it is typically carried out either through medication or a minor surgical procedure.
In early pregnancy, a doctor may recommend a medical abortion. This involves medication that causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. The process usually takes one to two days and requires follow-up to confirm completion.
If the pregnancy is more advanced, or if medication is unsuitable, a surgical abortion may be recommended. Surgical abortion can be performed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and may be considered when a day procedure is preferred. The most common method is vacuum aspiration, in which the contents of the uterus are gently removed using suction. This can be done safely in a women’s clinic like W Gyane.
Regardless of the method, there are a few steps built into the process to ensure you have time and support to make an informed decision:
1. Pre-abortion counselling may be required
Under Singapore law, all women seeking an abortion must undergo pre-abortion counselling before the procedure can be carried out. This session covers options, procedures, and what to expect physically and emotionally.
2. A 48-hour waiting period may apply after counselling
A 48-hour cooling period is mandatory by law unless the pregnancy jeopardises the health of patient
3. Additional counselling is required for patients below 16
If you’re under 16, you must attend counselling at the Health Promotion Board Counselling Clinic and obtain a Certificate of Attendance before any procedure can be carried out (except in cases of rape).
4. Written consent is required before the procedure
The procedure can only proceed after you have given formal written consent. This confirms that you understand the process and are choosing to go ahead voluntarily.
These are not barriers, but safeguards to ensure you have time and information to make an informed decision. For a discreet and personalised consultation, book a session with one of our doctors at W Gynae Women’s Clinic.
Who Can Legally Access Abortion Services?
In Singapore, abortion is legal but regulated under the Termination of Pregnancy Act. You may be eligible for an abortion if you are:
- A Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident (PR)
- The spouse of a Singapore citizen or work pass holder
- A foreign resident who has lived in Singapore for at least four consecutive months
The procedure must be carried out by a licensed doctor in an approved clinic or hospital. Tourists generally do not qualify for abortion services in Singapore.
How MediSave Can Be Used for Abortion
Once you understand the process, the next question is usually cost. This is where MediSave may come in.
Eligibility Criteria for MediSave Coverage
Surgical abortion is a procedure eligible for MediSave claims.. You can use MediSave for an abortion in these cases:
- The abortion is classified as a surgical procedure
- It’s performed in a licensed medical institution, like W Gynae Women’s Clinic
- You have sufficient MediSave balance
Medisave cannot be used, however, for medical abortions.
Withdrawal Limits and Restrictions
MediSave typically covers only part of the cost. You can claim $900-1050, depending on the gestational age of your pregnancy.
In most cases, your clinic will:
- Submit the MediSave claim on your behalf
- Deduct the claimable amount directly
- Inform you of the remaining out-of-pocket cost
Abortion Clinic Prices in Singapore
Typical Costs for Medical Abortion
At W Gynae Women’s Clinic, a medical abortion is priced from $1,200, covering your full course of care, such as:
- Consultation and mandatory counselling
- Pre-procedure ultrasound
- Medication administered under supervision
- Follow-up visit with a review scan
Typical Costs for Surgical Abortion
The cost of a surgical abortion in Singapore is typically within this range: $1,990–$3,200. It can vary, however, depending on the gestational age and where the procedure is carried out:
- Hospital facility procedures: from $7,000–$8,000+
- Mid-trimester termination (beyond 14 weeks up to 23+ weeks): $5,000–$9,000
These prices generally cover:
- Consultation and mandatory counselling
- Ultrasound scans before and after the procedure
- Sedation and medications
- The procedure itself (performed under ultrasound guidance)
- Follow-up review
Financial Assistance and Support Programmes
If you’re using MediSave from a family member, you’ll typically need to present the following:
- A marriage certificate for your spouse’s account
- A birth certificate for a parent’s account
- Parental consent if you are below 21
Find Out More From W Gynae
At W Gynae Women’s Clinic, we’re focused on helping you understand your options clearly before making any decisions. This includes:
- Assessing which termination method is suitable for your stage of pregnancy
- Explaining expected costs, including your MediSave eligibility
- Providing a private, medically supervised environment for care
Book a consultation with W Gynae Women’s Clinic to get a personalised assessment and a clear breakdown of your treatment plan.