Two things stop people using this: they assume it is means-tested, and they assume it is only the pill. Neither is true. No medical card is needed, and the expensive parts — fitting and removing a coil or implant — are exactly what it covers.
Quick facts
- Age
- 17 to 35
- Who
- A woman or person with a uterus, living in Ireland
- Medical card needed?
- No
- Covers
- GP visits, prescriptions, emergency contraception, LARC fitting and removal
- Catch
- Your GP must have signed up to the scheme
- Have a medical card?
- Contraception is covered through that instead
Who qualifies
"You can get free contraception in Ireland if you:" "Have a medical card (see below) , or" you qualify for the Free Contraception Scheme.
For the scheme itself, three conditions: "A woman or person with a uterus", "Aged 17 to 35", "Living in Ireland".
And the line that matters most: "You do not need a medical card." There is no income test on this at all.
What it actually covers
Far more than the pill.
"Any GP appointments about your contraception options"
"Contraception prescriptions from your doctor (at participating pharmacies)"
"Emergency contraception (the morning-after-pill)"
"Fitting, removal and check-ups of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs)"
"Other types of contraception such as contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and contraceptive ring"
"Prescriptions for combined oral contraception (the daily pill)"
The LARC line is the valuable one. Fitting and removing a coil or implant is the part people put off for cost, and it is covered — including the check-ups afterwards.
The two things to check first
Your GP has to be signed up. "Ask your GP if they have signed up to the Free Contraception Scheme and that the service will be provided free of charge." Ask when you book, not at the desk afterwards. Your GP may also refer you to another GP if they do not fit certain forms of contraception.
Not every product is free. "Some products may not be on the HSE reimbursement list and will not be provided free of charge." Worth asking which option your prescriber recommends that is on the list.
Common questions
Who can get free contraception in Ireland?
Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 35 who are living in Ireland, under the Free Contraception Scheme. People with a medical card are covered through the medical card instead.
Do I need a medical card?
No. Citizens Information states plainly that you do not need a medical card for the Free Contraception Scheme.
Does it cover the coil or the implant?
Yes. The scheme covers the fitting, removal and check-ups of long-acting reversible contraception, including IUDs and IUS coils, implants, injections, the patch and the ring.
Is the morning-after pill covered?
Yes. Emergency contraception is included in the scheme.
What if my GP is not in the scheme?
Ask before booking whether your GP has signed up and whether the service will be free. Your GP may also refer you to another GP if they do not have expertise in fitting certain forms of contraception.
Is every contraceptive free?
No. Some products may not be on the HSE reimbursement list and will not be provided free of charge.