FREE CONTRACEPTION SCHEME FOR WOMEN AGED 17-26
In September 2022 a new service was launched in Ireland to provide free contraception for women aged 17-26. Below you will find a number of questions and answers which will provide you with essential information about this new scheme.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHEME?
You can access free contraception under the scheme if you are:
A female or person with
a uterus
Aged between 17 and 26
(from the day of your 17th birthday up
until the day before your 27th birthday)
Living in the Republic of Ireland
You do not need a medical card to access this service.
IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHEME, WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE?
You will need to provide the following information at your doctor appointment and the pharmacy:
Name and address
PPS number
Date of birth
WHAT COSTS ARE COVERED BY THE SCHEME?
The following costs are covered by the scheme:
Contraception consultation
The cost of your consultation with your GP or doctor to talk about your contraception options.
Prescription for contraception given to you by your doctor
These will be given to you free-of-charge by any participating pharmacy.
The cost of fitting and removal of long-acting reversable contraception (LARCs)
including implants, IUDs and IUSs (coils).
Any follow-up appointments relating to the implant or coil.
Emergency contraception
WHAT TYPES OF CONTRACEPTION ARE COVERED?
The scheme covers a number of different types of contraception including short-acting and long-acting reversible contraceptives. It is important that you organise a consultation with your GP or doctor to discuss all options and decide which one suits your needs best.
SHORT-ACTING
CONTRACEPTIVES
Short acting contraceptives are a group of contraceptives that are user-dependent and need to be taken on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. They are very effective form of contraception against unplanned pregnancies when used correctly. The following short-acting contraceptives are covered under the scheme:
- combined oral contraceptive pill
- progestogen-only contraceptive pill
- contraceptive ring
- contraceptive patch
LONG-ACTING
CONTRACEPTIVES
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are a group of contraceptives which are highly effective in preventing pregnancy for an extended period of time. They are the most effective reversible methods of contraception because they do not depend on you remembering to take or use them. The following long-acting contraceptives are covered under the scheme:
- IUSs (intra-uterine systems or hormonal coil) and IUDs* (intra-uterine devices or copper coil)
- contraceptive implant
- contraceptive injection
*The prescription cost for IUDs are currently not covered under the scheme.
WHERE CAN I ORGANISE A CONTRACEPTIVE CONSULTATION?
You can access the scheme through your GP if they have signed up to the scheme. Alternatively, if you do not have a GP or your GP is not signed up to the scheme you can access it from some Family Planning Clinics.
