He saw the doctor, and he has the prescription, but he has no money. This is an all too common scenario that many unfortunately experience at some point. Now multiply that worry and uncertainty by 12 if you have to fill your birth control prescription every month.
Sixty- two percent of women currently use some type of birth control, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). But without insurance, three- quarters of women can’t afford birth control if the price is more than $20 a month, according to the Guttmacher Institute. One in seven cannot afford contraception at any price. Affordable birth control really means free birth control for many women.
Fortunately, this is possible. The contraceptive options that women need are available without insurance, for a fraction of the cost – or even for free.
How to get birth control without insurance
Let’s start with the basics. Anyone without insurance can buy a prescription for birth control at a pharmacy.
This means a trip to the doctor’s office is required. Patients who do not see a doctor regularly can make an appointment at a family planning, public health, or Title X clinic.
For most birth control methods, a visit to the doctor will be very simple. It takes very little for a doctor to prescribe contraception. The doctor will ask some questions, including the patient’s medical history, and perhaps take some vital signs. Tests are not necessary unless the patient has one or more risk factors, such as high blood pressure or smoking.
More complicated birth control methods, such as IUDs, diaphragms, or implants, require additional work, such as a pap smear, pelvic exam, or insertion of a contraceptive device. Additional inspections and removal procedures may also be required. These procedures cost more.
But how do you get birth control? It depends on the method you choose.
Over-the-counter contraceptives like condoms, spermicides, and the morning-after pill are just a quick trip to the pharmacy. Family planning and STI clinics can provide free condoms and spermicide. You might be able to just walk in and ask for these birth control methods.
Birth control pills and some medical devices, such as cervical caps, require a prescription from a pharmacy, although some clinics may provide the drug or device on site.
More complicated long-term birth control methods, such as implants and IUDs, must be inserted by a healthcare professional in a doctor’s office.
How much does birth control cost without insurance?
If you don’t do your homework, the simple answer is too much. Budgeting for birth control is tough. Prices are everywhere. Whether you have insurance or not, getting birth control at an affordable price requires a little know-how.
Costs of birth control by type
Start by comparing birth control options. Each varies in cost, value, effectiveness, and side effects. Both male and female condoms cost $1 or $2, but are single-use only. Birth control pills can cost as little as $8 a month, but usually cost $20-$30 a month. Longer-term birth control, such as diaphragms, vaginal rings, IUDs, implants, and hormone shots, can cost between $100 and $1,500.
Doctor’s visit and physical exam costs
Doctor visits are an additional cost. Expect to pay between $20 and $200 for each visit if you don’t have insurance. The costs depend on where you wish to receive medical services. Public health clinics, 340B providers, and Title X clinics can charge patients as little as $0 depending on income, but you can usually expect to pay around $20 or $25. A specialist, such as a gynecologist, can cost up to $125 per visit.
Costs of investigations and proceedings
For complex devices such as IUDs, diaphragms or implants, you will have to pay more for additional examinations and tests. These birth control methods may require additional follow-up visits and a removal procedure, which add to the cost.
The upfront cost of birth control versus the long-term value
Some birth control methods, such as male condoms, spermicides, and emergency contraceptives, can be purchased without a prescription without paying a doctor. But since these are single-use contraceptives, the cost of repeated purchases can add up over time. Longer-term birth control such as the IUD, diaphragm, and contraceptive pill may be better value over time than short-term methods.
For example, the cheapest form of birth control, male condoms, cost $1 per use. No need to see a doctor. However, this can add up to $100-$300 per year. More expensive, longer-term birth control can mean the same or less annual cost. A two-year diaphragm can cost $200, including doctor’s visits. A 12-year IUD can cost $1,300, including doctor visits. Also, for long-term contraception, both doctor visits and the drug or device are more likely to be available at or near the cost of a public health clinic for patients who meet income qualifications.
