Everything You Need To Know About Abortion in Thailand
Since 2022, women in Thailand have been able to get abortions up to their 20th week of pregnancy after medical consultation at any of the participating facilities. This article by Pacific Prime Thailand covers the finer details and whether health insurers will cover abortions or not.
Thailand’s Expansion Of Abortion Access
In 2022, the Public Health Ministry’s directive on legal abortions in Thailand was officially approved by the Thai Medical Council. This women’s health milestone meant that medical professionals could conduct later stage abortions with full legal support and offer this at many more facilities across the country.
Legality of Abortion In Thailand
In Thailand, despite the stigma, abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy under the following conditions:
- There is a risk to the mother’s mental or physical health
- There are severe fetal abnormalities
- The pregnancy had resulted from rape
- The mother is under 15 years of age
Otherwise, women can only legally get an abortion during the first 20 weeks of a pregnancy. After the 20th week, the pregnancy must be carried to term.
Where to Get an Abortion in Thailand?
There are authorized hospitals and clinics across approximately 55 provinces nationwide where you can seek an abortion. If you are pregnant up to the 20th week, you should first phone the 1663 hotline or visit the rsathai.org website for more information regarding abortion services.
Thai women may be able to utilize their gold health cards at participating state hospitals to get healthcare treatment, but it is worth noting that public hospitals in particular can sometimes refuse to perform the service for stigma-related reasons.
If difficulties arise, especially if an abortion is urgent, it is recommended to seek treatment at a private facility, where costs typically range from 5,000-20,000 THB depending on the facility and stage of pregnancy.
For a more cost-effective option, prescription drugs are available to terminate an early pregnancy up to a certain number of weeks. If you feel this option may suit your situation better, be sure to seek advice from a medical professional about it.
Cost Of Abortion In Thailand
The cost of an abortion in Thailand varies greatly between public and private facilities, gestational age, and insurance coverage. Additionally, for Thai citizens, there is a government subsidy of 3,000 baht per session for abortion services.
Medical abortions (9-12 weeks)
At a public hospital, you can expect to pay a maximum of 4,000 THB for a consultation, ultrasound, and prescription medication to induce an abortion. At a private facility, this may be closer to 5,000-8,000 THB.
Surgical abortions (5-20 weeks)
Surgical abortions are another option that can cost anywhere from 3,000-10,000 THB depending on the facility. A second trimester abortion is around 20,000-50,000 THB at a private facility and public facilities can be reluctant to do this due to stigma or inexperience. Call the 1663 hotline for more details on abortions at public hospitals.
Will Your Health Insurance Plan Cover Elective Abortions?
Generally speaking, a standard health insurance plan will not cover elective abortions unless there’s a complication, and medical intervention and treatment are necessary.
If you experience a miscarriage and your child has not survived the pregnancy, hospitals may perform an ”abortion” treatment. If this is the case, your insurer may cover it if your policy covers maternity complications.
Conclusion
As abortion services become more accessible across Thailand, it’s important to stay updated. Your options depend greatly on the stage of pregnancy you’re in, your budget, and your insurance coverage, so it’s wise to get an insurance plan for additional peace of mind and to consult experts over the 1663 hotline or visit the rsathai.org website should you ever need an abortion.
Get in Touch with Pacific Prime Thailand for More Information!
To learn more about the current health insurance policies that apply to abortions, we encourage you to reach out to our team of insurance experts at Pacific Prime Thailand.
Our knowledgeable and experienced consultants are available to answer your questions and find suitable individual health insurance plans that match your needs and budget.
We also offer maternity health insurance plans and family health insurance plans if you are planning to give birth in Thailand.
Contact us today for a FREE quote and more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, abortion is legal in Thailand up until the 20th week of pregnancy.
Abortions are offered at various public and private facilities across Thailand. Call 1663 or visit rsathai.org to find a provider near you.
The cost of an abortion in Thailand varies greatly by facility, stage of pregnancy, and insurance coverage. At a private hospital, you might pay anything from 5,000-50,000 THB. Public hospitals tend to be more affordable at anywhere from 1,000-10,000 THB but may be reluctant to perform later abortions due to stigma or limited experience. Thai Citizens may be eligible to get an abortion for free.
Many insurance plans will cover abortions that are medically necessary for the health or survival of the mother, but less commonly will cover elective abortions. Check your policy wording for specifics on what your plan covers.
Further reading:
- Thailand maternity insurance: Can you purchase it if you’re already pregnant?
- Maternity insurance and the cost of maternity care in Thailand
- How to compare maternity insurance plans?
- Where to find the best healthcare in Thailand
His expert view and wealth of knowledge on insurance can also be found in his blogs for China, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
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