Free Contraception in Ireland

The Free Contraception Scheme is a government initiative in Ireland that provides certain contraception services and products at no cost to eligible individuals. It’s designed to remove financial barriers to contraception and support people in making informed reproductive health choices.

As of now, the scheme is available to women, girls and individuals assigned female at birth aged 17 to 35 years old (inclusive). The age range may be reviewed and expanded over time. You must also be ordinarily resident in Ireland with a PPS number to qualify.

A wide range of contraceptive options are included, such as:

• Oral contraceptive pills (both combined and progestogen-only)

• Contraceptive patches and vaginal rings

• Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as the contraceptive implant, injection and intrauterine devices (IUDs and IUS)

• Emergency contraception

No, a medical card is not required. The scheme is separate from the medical card system and is available to all eligible individuals within the age bracket, regardless of income or medical card status.

You can start by booking an appointment with our GP. After a consultation, if contraception is prescribed, you can collect it from a pharmacy that is part of the scheme. Insertion and removal of LARCs are also included at no charge.

Yes. The scheme covers the cost of initial consultations, prescription renewals and any necessary follow-up visits related to contraception. This includes services for fitting and removing long-acting methods.

Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can move your current contraceptive care under the scheme. This includes repeat prescriptions, check-ups and changes to your method of contraception.

You can change your method at any time, provided it's clinically appropriate. Our GP will help you choose an alternative that suits your needs. The scheme will cover the cost of switching methods.

Yes, emergency contraception is available for free through participating pharmacies without the need for a prescription, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes. The scheme is based on your medical needs rather than gender identity. If you have a uterus, are within the eligible age range and living in Ireland with a PPSN, you can access the service regardless of your gender identity.

Yes, if you are living in Ireland on a regular basis, have a PPSN and meet the age requirement, you can access the scheme regardless of your nationality. You don’t need to be an Irish citizen, but you must be ordinarily resident in the country.

Absolutely. All consultations and prescriptions under the scheme are confidential. Your GP and pharmacist will treat your information with the same privacy and discretion as any other healthcare service.

No, STI testing is not part of the Free Contraception Scheme. However, separate services for sexual health, including free STI screening, are available through public clinics and some health centres.

Once you turn 36, you will no longer be eligible for free contraception under this specific scheme. You may still access contraceptive services, but you’ll need to cover the cost yourself or through other entitlements such as a medical card.

The scheme aims to support sexual and reproductive health by removing cost as a barrier to contraception. It is part of broader efforts to promote autonomy, reduce unplanned pregnancies and make healthcare more accessible for younger people.