Paid at one's own expense; out-of-pocket payment where the individual bears the cost without public funding or insurance coverage.
留学の費用は基本的に自費で用意した。
I basically prepared the study-abroad expenses on my own.
その治療は保険適用外で自費になる。
That treatment is not covered by insurance and must be paid out of pocket.
学会参加は自費で行く予定だ。
I plan to attend the conference at my own expense.