at one's own expense; out-of-pocket
Used when someone pays for something themselves, not covered by an organization or insurance. Often appears in compounds like 自費出版 (self-publishing) or 自費負担 (out-of-pocket burden).
I covered the study abroad expenses at my own expense.
He received the treatment at his own expense.
The treatment cost is entirely out-of-pocket.
She went to America at her own expense.
The training fees are to be paid out of pocket.
私費 and 自費 both mean paying from one's own pocket, but 私費 sounds slightly more formal and is common in set phrases like 私費留学.
自費 emphasizes spending one's own money (e.g. 自費出版, 自費旅行), while 自前 focuses on the act of not depending on others to cover costs.
公費 means expense covered by public or organizational funds, the direct opposite of 自費 (paid out of one's own pocket).
Compound of 自 (self) and 費 (expense), literally 'self-expense'.