National Free Contraception Service

Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 31 can get contraception for free. You do not need a medical card to access this service. 

 

Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-31, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get.

• Talking to your GP about contraception

​

What costs are covered?

The costs covered include:

• GP appointments - covers necessary consultations to discuss contraception options

• repeat prescriptions when needed

• any prescriptions given by your doctor - these will be given free of charge at participating pharmacies

• your choice of contraception - from the types covered below

• fittings and removals of implants and IUDs or IUSs (coils) 

• any check-ups or other follow up care needed, relating to your implant or coil

• emergency contraception (morning after pill)

​

Types of contraception covered?

There are many types of contraception covered by this service. You may need to experiment to find what works best for you. Emergency contraception is also covered. You can choose from a range of contraception listed below. These include short-acting contraceptives and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). 

 

Short-acting contraceptives

Short-acting contraceptives are are types of contraception that depend on you remembering to take or use them regularly or each time you have sex. These include the:

• progesterone only and combined contraceptive (the pill)

• contraceptive patch

• contraceptive ring

 

LARCs

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are types of contraception that you do not have to remember to take everyday. These include the:

• implant

• injection

• copper coil (intrauterine device/IUD) and hormonal coil (intrauterine system/IUS) 

 

​

How to get free contraception?

Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options for contraception. If you are aged 17-31, you do not have to pay for your GP visit or any prescriptions you get. You do not need a medical card to access this service.

​​

To access free contraception you need to be:

• a woman or person with a uterus  

• aged between 17 to 31

• living in Ireland

 

Your information

You will need to give us your PPS number, name, date of birth and address. We need this to make sure that you are in the 17 to 31 age group covered by the free contraception service. You will also need to present your PPSN in the pharmacy when you collect your prescription.

​

​

Emergency contraception from pharmacies

Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your contraception fails. For example, a condom slipped/broke or you missed a pill. If you need the emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill), this can be given over-the-counter at participating pharmacies for free. You will need to give your PPS number, name and address at the pharmacy. They need this information to make sure that you are in the 17 to 31 age group covered by the free contraception service.

• More information on emergency contraception

​

​

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs are infections which spread during sexual contact. Many people have STIs without having symptoms. STIs can affect anyone. STI screening (testing) is the only way to find out if you have an infection. Most STIs can be easily treated.

​

If you have NO symptoms, you can have STI screening with your GP (book online here) or you can attend a free clinic in St James Hospital or request a free online test kit.

​

If you think you HAVE symptoms of an STI and may need treatment, we advise you to make an appointment to see your GP or attend the free clinic in St James Hospital.

​

​

Unplanned Pregnancy Care 

If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and would like more information, follow this link to HSE MyOptions information.

 

Unplanned pregnancy counselling support is available for you and your partner. This  is a free HSE service and sessions can be arranged face to face or by telephone. 

 

We provide unplanned pregnancy care in our practice. We will look after you in a sensitive, professional and confidential manner. You can arrange your appointment online (for existing patients of the practice) or by phoning reception, if we are not your registered GP. 

​

​

Useful Links & Resources

• HSE - Types of Contraception

• Sexualwellbeing.ie - contraceptive choices, sexually transmitted infections, free home STI kits, unplanned pregnancy information

• HSE Your Sexual Health - resources and information

• MyOptions.ie - Information and support on all your unplanned pregnancy options, including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services.

• Talking to your GP about contraception

• Information on emergency contraception