Birth control without insurance can get pricey. By pricey, we mean you’re looking at paying up to $1300, depending on the birth control method you opt for.
This is excluding the fee for seeing your doctor, and possibly the insertion fee if you’ve chosen to go with an IUD as your method of birth control.
Birth control should be easy to access for all American women. Whether you’re opting for birth control pills, an IUD, an insertion, or any other option, you should be aware of the costs involved if you’re not covered by insurance.
If you’re not covered, we can help you by recommending the most affordable plans for your budget, no matter how tight it is.
What Does Birth Control Cost Without Insurance?
You shouldn’t let the cost of birth control be the thing that stops you from protecting yourself against unwanted pregnancy. Contraception is an important part of adulthood, and arming yourself with information on the costs of it is just as important.
If you opt for the birth control pill, you’ll be set back by up to $50. It depends on the type of pill you’re prescribed and the brand you buy.
It’s important to take into account that the price of up to $50 for the pill is a monthly price. This means that over the period of a year, you’ll be spending up to $600 on the pill, excluding any doctor’s visits and prescriptions you need to access the pill.
Your doctor’s visit will cost around $35, depending on a variety of factors including your area and what your doctor chooses to bill.
Combination Pill Vs Mini Pill
Your doctor will either prescribe the combination pill or the mini pill.
The combination pill includes two hormones: estrogen and progestin. Across the different brands available, the levels of hormones can differ, and this can affect the price.
Some people need higher hormone levels than others. This can be to treat something like acne or a hormone imbalance. This option has active and inactive pills which imitate your body’s natural hormone cycle and give you a “period.”
It’s not the same as your natural period. The inactive pills contain no hormones, and your body experiences a withdrawal bleed. It’s perfectly safe.
The mini pill contains only progestin, and all versions of the pill contain the same dose of the hormone. There aren’t as many options as with the combination pill, and the progestin dose is much lower.
Other Birth Control Methods And Their Costs
Your other birth control options include an IUD and an implant. The IUD will set you back by up to $1300, and an implant will set you back by around $300.
IUD
A progestin IUD will last between 3 and 6 years, depending on the brand. When considering this, it’s not actually the most expensive option.
If your IUD lasts you 3 years, it works out to about $36 a month, which is less than some brands of the combination pill.
This device works by releasing either progestin or copper into the uterus, which thickens the lining of the cervix. This stops sperm from being able to fertilize an egg because it can’t reach the egg through the thickened cervix lining.
This process can also suppress ovulation, but it isn’t always the case. It’s different for everybody and depends on your natural hormones.
A copper IUD can last up to 10 years, significantly reducing the monthly “cost” of the device.
We do understand, though, that forking out the lump sum of $1300 is unattainable for most people. The doctor’s visit for this can also cost up to $250, making this birth control option even less accessible without insurance.
If you’re struggling to afford your birth control pills, insurance is the answer. We understand that for the most part, the prices are inaccessible if you’re not currently earning an income, and aim to solve this problem. At Enhance Health, we help you access information about your options no matter what you earn.
IMPLANT
The implant is another popular birth control method. It’s a small plastic rod that’s inserted under the skin just below your shoulder.
It also releases the hormone progestin, which works by preventing ovulation and altering the lining of your cervix to prevent sperm from passing.
This option lasts about 3 years and will set you back by around $300, excluding doctor’s fees.
The other costs to take into account include your initial doctor’s consultation, as well as the fee to insert the device. This can cost up to $250.
These birth control methods are all fairly effective when used properly. You should choose the option that really works best for you, but how do you do this when your decision is made based on a financial situation? We’ve got some options for you below.
How To Access Free Or Discounted Birth Control
You’re probably left wondering how you can afford these options when you don’t have insurance. The reality is, it’s difficult to access free or discounted birth control without insurance.
It would be beneficial to look for affordable insurance options. We can help you with this, even if you’re unemployed.
It can be overwhelming weighing up your options and reading all the fine print. This is especially true when you’re on a super tight budget. You likely think there are no options out there for you and have been avoiding some necessary healthcare for a while.
The good news is, we can recommend plans suitable for low- to no-income individuals. Know that there are insurance options if you’re struggling financially. All you need to do is reach out and ask for help.
How To Get Birth Control
Access to affordable birth control advances the human right of people to determine how and when they want to have children. This means it’s important to know how to get birth control, and where to get it.
The process will always start with a doctor’s visit. Your doctor will explain your options to you, including the ones mentioned above and many more. They’ll ask you some questions to understand your current health and lifestyle and let you know which options might work for you.
Once you’ve chosen the option you’re most comfortable with, your doctor will either give you a prescription that you can take to the pharmacy, or set up another appointment for your birth control method to be inserted.
If you opt for something like an IUD, you may need a follow-up appointment to make sure it’s settled into place and working properly. It’s not compulsory, but it is advised.
The IUD is a bit more invasive than other birth control options. This is why it’s best to check that it’s not harming your body in any way once it’s been put into place.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of an extraction appointment. Once your birth control method has reached its expiry date, it’ll need to be removed and replaced.
This appointment can cost up to $250. The cost of a new IUD will likely be similar to the cost of your initial IUD and isn’t included in the appointment fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get birth control free with no insurance?
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to access birth control for free with no insurance.
Can I get affordable health insurance that covers women’s health?
Yes! Contact us and we will walk you through the steps to find affordable health insurance that covers women’s health.
Can I pay my birth control method off if it’s too expensive for me?
It’s unlikely that your doctor will let you do this as a private patient, which is why we recommend accessing insurance geared toward your specific financial situation.
Conclusion
Birth control is expensive without insurance. It’s a necessity as an adult though, as is a lot of other healthcare. That’s why accessing affordable insurance is important, and we’re here to help you.
It’s possible to access insurance even if you have low or no income. Schedule a call with us, and we’ll assess your needs before recommending some plans that might work for you.
