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can I get free contraception?

If you are 17 to 35 and live in Ireland, most contraception is free under the HSE Free Contraception Service: the GP or clinic visit, the prescription, the method you choose, and fitting or removal of an implant or coil. You do not need a medical card. Condoms are not included, but you can get them free elsewhere.

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01 Who it is for

The HSE says free contraception is available to women, girls, trans, non-binary and intersex people. To get it, you need to:

  • be aged 17 to 35
  • go to a GP or clinic that offers the service
  • have a prescription, except for the morning-after pill, which you can get without one

To register, you give the GP your name, address (you need to live in Ireland), date of birth and PPS number, so they can confirm your age. Outside 17 to 35 the free service does not cover you; ask the GP or clinic about the cost when you book.

Source: HSE: Free contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.

02 What it covers

  • GP or doctor appointments to talk about your options, and for repeat prescriptions
  • prescription fees for approved products
  • your choice of contraception from the list of free contraceptives
  • fitting and removal of an implant or coil, and check-ups about them
  • emergency contraception: the morning-after pill and the copper coil (how to get the morning-after pill)

Not covered: sometimes an ultrasound scan is needed to remove an implant or coil, and you may have to pay for it at a private clinic. The clinic tells you the cost first.

Source: HSE: Free contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.

03 The kinds of contraception

  • Short-acting: the combined pill, the progesterone-only pill (the mini pill), the patch and the ring.
  • Long-acting reversible: the implant, the injection and the coil (an IUD or IUS).
  • Emergency: the morning-after pill and the copper coil.

The HSE says to talk to your GP or clinic about the options, and that you may need to try different ones to find what works for you.

Source: HSE: Free contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.

04 Where to go

  • Your GP. Most GPs take part. Check with yours before you book or ask for a prescription. You do not pay for the visit or the prescription.
  • No GP, or don’t want to use yours? Some family planning clinics, women’s health clinics and student health clinics offer the service. At college, ask your students’ union or student health centre. The HSE lists clinics by county.
Free contraception clinics (HSE)

Source: HSE: Free contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.

05 Free condoms

Condoms are not part of the Free Contraception Service, but the HSE lists free ones by post (if you are 17 or older), at public sexual health services, community organisations, LGBTQ+ spaces and third-level colleges. Condoms also help reduce the risk of STIs (where to get tested).

Free condoms (HSE)

Sources: HSE: Free condoms; HSE: Free contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.