Cost is one of the first things people ask about when they’re considering an abortion, and it’s also the hardest thing to get a straight answer on. Private gynaecologists don’t publish their prices, and the bill for a hospital procedure arrives in several pieces.
To make the comparison concrete, we collected written quotes from two private gynaecologists in October 2026 and set them next to Marie Stopes South Africa’s prices. This guide shows the numbers, explains what’s behind them, and gives you the questions to ask before you book anywhere.
Gynaecologist vs Marie Stopes: the short version
| Private gynaecologist (hospital) | Marie Stopes South Africa | |
| Total cost | Roughly R27 450 to R54 300 across two quotes, before extras | From R3 700 to R7 200, depending on how far along you are |
| How you’re billed | Several separate accounts | One price per procedure |
| Visits | Consultation first, then a booked theatre day | Same-day procedure |
| Medical aid | Co-payments, or no cover, according to the two quotes | Covered as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit. There might be a co-payment depending on your Scheme and Plan, these are disclosed so you can make an informed decision. |
What does a private gynaecologist charge for an abortion?
There’s no standard fee. Each practice sets its own, and the hospital adds its own charges on top. Here’s what the two practices quoted for a surgical abortion in a private hospital.
Quote 1: Cape Town (Western Cape)
- Procedure, covering the hospital, doctor and anaesthetist: R25 000 to R28 000
- Consultation and ultrasound beforehand: R2 450
- Total: roughly R27 450 to R30 450, before blood tests or other investigations
Quote 2: Krugersdorp (Gauteng)
- Hospital and doctor: around R40 000
- Anaesthetist: around R10 000
- First consultation: R4 300, with follow-up appointments at R1 700
- Total: roughly R54 300, before any scans, blood tests or follow-up visits
Fees vary by city, hospital and doctor, so treat these as examples rather than a price list. For context, private consultation fees typically average between R700 and R1 300, covering the consultation only, not tests or procedures.
Why is the gynae bill so high?
A hospital procedure involves several separate people and services, and each one invoices for itself:
- The gynaecologist charges for the procedure and for the consultations before and after it.
- The anaesthetist charges separately, because a hospital procedure is usually done under general anaesthetic.
- The hospital charges for the theatre and the day ward bed.
- Scans and blood tests are often billed on top.
That’s how a procedure that takes minutes can end up costing tens of thousands of rand. No single line looks unreasonable on its own, but the total adds up quickly.
What does the process look like?
In the Cape Town quote, you have a consultation and scan about a week before, then you’re admitted on the practice’s fixed procedure day. You spend less than a day in hospital and take one to two days off work. It’s available up to 19 weeks. That means at least two visits, and the wait depends on when the next theatre day falls.
What does an abortion cost at Marie Stopes South Africa?
Marie Stopes South Africa offers a same-day surgical abortion, available from 6 to 20 weeks. The price depends on three things: how far along you are, the comfort option you choose, and which centre you visit.
| How far along | Price from |
| Under 12 weeks | R3 700 |
| 12 to 16 weeks | R6 100 |
| 16 to 20 weeks | R7 200 |
For the exact price at your nearest centre, check the pricing page or WhatsApp the team.
Each price covers your consultation, scan, the procedure, pain medication, optional contraceptive pills at an additional cost, an aftercare booklet and aftercare support, all in one visit. You go home the same day. If you’d like to know what happens step by step, read our guide to surgical abortion blog.
How much more does a gynaecologist cost?
Compare Marie Stopes South Africa’s highest price (R7 200) with the two gynae totals above, and the gynae route costs roughly R20 000 to R47 000 more. That gap is before a gynae’s tests and follow-up visits.
Does medical aid cover an abortion?
At Marie Stopes South Africa
The Council for Medical Schemes lists voluntary termination of pregnancy as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit. That means medical aid schemes are required by law to cover surgical abortion, so if you’re on medical aid you might not have to pay out of pocket. It’s still worth confirming your benefits with your scheme before your appointment, so there are no surprises.
At a private gynaecologist
Cover depends on the practice, your scheme and your plan, and the two quotes show how different it can be:
- The Cape Town practice said most of the cost can be claimed from your scheme, but there are extra co-payments of R3 500 to the doctor and R2 500 to the anaesthetist on most plans.
- The Krugersdorp practice said they do not work with medical aids, so you would have to claim back. Unfortunately, medical aids would only pay a portion of appointments and scans, because the doctor charges above scheme rates.
The second point reflects a wider pattern. Specialists are free to charge any rate, often 300% to 500% higher than what medical schemes pay, and the difference, called a shortfall, is yours to pay.
Questions to ask before you book with any provider
Whoever you choose, these questions help you avoid a bill you didn’t expect:
- What is the total cost, in writing? Ask for a quote that lists every item.
- Who bills me? One account, or separate ones for the doctor, anaesthetist and facility?
- Are the scan, blood tests and follow-up visits included?
- What will my medical aid pay, and what will I owe on the day?
- How soon can I be seen, and will I need a second visit?
- How far along can I be? Some providers have a lower limit than others.
- Is aftercare included? This includes contraception if you want it.
At Marie Stopes South Africa, the answers are on the pricing page, and our team can confirm them on WhatsApp, or you can give us a call toll-free.
A note on your other options
Government clinics offer abortion free of charge, including for non-citizens, usually up to 12 weeks and 6 days. If you’re past that point, or you’d prefer a different setting, see our guide to abortion options by gestational age.
Whichever route you take, make sure the provider is legal. By law, a termination can only be performed by a midwife, a trained registered nurse, a GP or a gynaecologist. Our cost guide explains how to spot illegal sellers, which can put your health and your future fertility at serious risk.
Talk to Marie Stopes South Africa in confidence
Whatever you decide, you shouldn’t have to face it alone or worry about hidden costs. Our team can walk you through your options, give you a clear price and answer your questions in confidence.
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This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Gynaecologist figures are from written quotes obtained in October 2026 and will vary by practice and hospital. Marie Stopes South Africa prices may change.