Private early medical abortion care for visitors, international students, working holiday makers and other non-residents in New Zealand.
Finding out you are pregnant while travelling, studying or working in New Zealand can raise practical questions very quickly. You may be wondering whether you can access abortion care as a non-resident, whether you need a GP referral, how much private care costs, and whether part of your care can be arranged by phone.
The short answer is that non-residents can access abortion care in New Zealand, and you do not need a GP referral. Costs depend on the provider and your eligibility for publicly funded healthcare. At The Women’s Health Hub, our private early medical abortion pathway for people who are not eligible for funded care is NZ$500, with external hCG testing through Awanui Labs or Pathlab paid directly to the laboratory; charges may vary and are approximately NZ$60 where applicable.
Abortion in New Zealand for Non-Residents, Visitors and Visa Holders
If you are in New Zealand on a visitor visa, student visa, working holiday visa, temporary work visa or another temporary visa, you can contact an abortion provider directly. You do not need to be enrolled with a GP and you do not need a GP referral.
Public funding eligibility is separate from your right to seek abortion care. Some visa holders may be eligible for publicly funded healthcare, while others need to use a private pathway. We can check your circumstances at booking and explain what applies to you.
How Much Does an Abortion Cost in New Zealand for a Non-Resident?
At The Women’s Health Hub, private early medical abortion care for people who are not eligible for publicly funded care is NZ$500. This covers your consultation, prescribed early medical abortion treatment, clinical support and up to two weeks of follow-up.
- Clinical consultation and pregnancy assessment
- Individualised early medical abortion treatment plan
- Prescribed mifepristone and misoprostol treatment
- Written instructions and safety-net advice
- 24/7 on-call clinical support during treatment
- Review and interpretation of follow-up hCG results
- Up to two weeks of clinical follow-up
External hCG testing may be completed through Awanui Labs or Pathlab and is paid directly to the laboratory; charges may vary and are approximately NZ$60 where applicable. If an ultrasound is clinically indicated, the imaging provider may also charge a separate fee. We explain expected external costs before arranging them.
Do I Need a GP Referral for an Abortion in New Zealand?
No. You can self-refer and contact The Women’s Health Hub directly. A GP referral is not required to request abortion care in New Zealand.
Can I Have an Early Medical Abortion by Phone?
Phone consultation may be available for clinically suitable non-residents who are not eligible for publicly funded care. Whether your care can proceed without an in-person clinic visit depends on your history, gestation, symptoms, access to laboratory testing and whether an ultrasound or other assessment is clinically indicated.
Our physical clinic is at 139 Union Road, Howick, Southeast Auckland. People receiving publicly funded care attend in person. Non-residents can contact us from elsewhere in New Zealand to discuss the private pathway and whether a phone consultation is appropriate.
How an Early Medical Abortion Works
An early medical abortion uses two medicines: mifepristone followed by misoprostol. Your exact instructions are confirmed during your consultation and should always be followed rather than relying on general information online.
Step 1: Mifepristone 200 mg
You take one 200 mg mifepristone tablet, usually at night according to your individual treatment plan. Mifepristone blocks the hormone support needed for the pregnancy to continue.
Step 2: Misoprostol 800 micrograms 36 hours later
Approximately 36 hours later, you take 800 micrograms of misoprostol — four tablets. For the buccal route, the tablets are placed between the upper cheek and gum and allowed to dissolve as instructed. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract so the pregnancy can pass.
Cramping and bleeding are expected after misoprostol and can be stronger than a normal period. We provide written instructions about pain relief, what to expect, warning signs and when to contact us or seek urgent medical assessment.
Do I Need an Ultrasound Before an Early Medical Abortion?
Not everyone needs an ultrasound. We assess your gestation, symptoms, pregnancy history and other clinical factors to decide whether imaging is required. If an ultrasound is clinically indicated, we can provide a referral and review the result with you.
Blood Tests and hCG Follow-Up
We arrange a baseline pregnancy hormone blood test where clinically required and repeat hCG testing 10–14 days after treatment. We review the change in hCG alongside your symptoms to confirm that treatment has been effective and to decide whether any further assessment is needed.
A CheckTOP pregnancy test may also be used later in follow-up according to your care plan.
When Should I Request an Appointment?
If you have a positive pregnancy test and are considering abortion, it is helpful to contact us as soon as you feel ready. Early contact gives us time to confirm your gestation, check whether an ultrasound is needed, arrange hCG testing and discuss the pathway that is clinically appropriate for you.
Why Choose The Women’s Health Hub?
- Care from an experienced registered midwife
- Confidential, non-judgemental clinical support
- Clear private pricing for non-residents
- No GP referral required
- Phone consultation may be available when clinically suitable
- 24/7 on-call support during treatment
- Structured follow-up rather than a one-off consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Abortion for Non-Residents in New Zealand
Can I get an abortion in New Zealand on a visitor visa?
Yes. You can seek abortion care while visiting New Zealand. Whether your care is publicly funded or private depends on your healthcare eligibility.
Can an international student get an abortion in New Zealand?
Yes. International students can contact an abortion provider directly. We can also help you clarify whether you are eligible for funded care or need the private pathway.
Do I need to see a GP first?
No. Self-referral is available and you can contact us directly.
How much is private early medical abortion care at The Women’s Health Hub?
Our private clinical pathway is NZ$500. External hCG testing through Awanui Labs or Pathlab is paid directly to the laboratory; charges may vary and are approximately NZ$60 where applicable. Ultrasound, if clinically required, may also have a separate provider fee.
Request a confidential appointment or contact The Women’s Health Hub if you would like to discuss your circumstances.
Abortion Care Information by Region
If you are outside Auckland, see our regional abortion care information for non-residents across New Zealand, including Northland, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupō, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, Wellington and Wairarapa, Nelson and Marlborough, Christchurch and Canterbury, and Queenstown, Wānaka and Central Otago.