What Does an IUD Cost, and When Is It Free?
Most health insurance plans cover the full cost of an IUD.
That includes health insurance you get through work, HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace and Medicaid. These plans will pay for an IUD, even if you haven't met your deductible.
The cost of an IUD without insurance typically ranges between $500 and $1,800. But, you may qualify for discounts that can lower what you pay for an IUD.
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How much is an IUD with insurance?
If you have insurance, you usually won't pay anything for the intrauterine device (IUD) or related doctor visits.
An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that's placed in the uterus and can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years, depending on the brand.
Insurance companies have to fully cover the cost of many types of birth control and any medical services related to the birth control because of rules created by the Affordable Care Act.
This means that you won't pay anything for:
- Discussion of birth control options
- Health screenings
- Appointment to insert IUD
- IUD
- Ultrasound to confirm IUD placement
- Follow-ups to monitor the IUD
- Removal of IUD
When you get an IUD, the doctor will usually screen you for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You won't pay anything for this service if you have insurance because it falls under your preventive care benefits.
Where can I get an IUD?
You can get an IUD at your gynecologist's office, a family planning clinic or your local Planned Parenthood.
If you have regular health insurance, it's a good idea to set up an appointment with your doctor. Otherwise, you can take advantage of free or discounted services at your local Planned Parenthood or another free or low-cost clinic.
How do insurance companies limit or restrict IUD coverage?
You may need permission from your doctor, called prior authorization, before your insurance will pay for an IUD. Some companies may also require that you try a cheaper option first. However, insurance companies can't restrict your access to IUDs or make it difficult to get coverage by law.
The following types of health insurance plans have to pay for IUDs.
That's because these plans have to cover certain services, known as minimum essential health benefits.
It's important to note religious organizations and some nonprofits can refuse to cover IUDs through their workplace health coverage.
Some types of health insurance don't cover IUDs. For example, you won't have the same birth control coverage with short-term health insurance or indemnity insurance.
You can report your insurance company if it refuses to cover the full cost of your IUD and related services.
- If you get health insurance through your job and the plan doesn't fully cover birth control costs, contact the U.S. Department of Labor at 866-444-3272 or askebsa.dol.gov.
- For help appealing insurance coverage denials for birth control, contact the National Women's Law Center.
Free IUDs: Brands and types
Health insurance companies have to fully cover the copper IUD and at least one of the brands of hormonal IUDs (Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, Skyla).
That's because plans need to pay for at least one type of birth control listed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which includes both copper and hormonal IUDs.
Many health insurance plans will choose to cover more than one brand of hormonal IUD. But, checking which brands you have coverage for can help you save money.
If your doctor recommends you use an IUD brand that's not covered by your health plan, your insurance needs to make an exception. By law, your insurance company needs to fully pay for alternate brands of IUD that your doctor asks for. This prevents companies from only covering ineffective products.
For example, your health insurance may only cover one brand of hormonal IUD. But, if you have side effects and your doctor recommends you switch brands, your insurance plan needs to let you switch to another brand for free.
How much does an IUD cost without insurance?
Without insurance, an IUD can cost between $500 and $1,800, according to Planned Parenthood.
You can lower the cost of an IUD if you don't have insurance.
- Sign up for Medicaid: If you have a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, which will usually give you coverage for a free IUD.
- Visit a low-cost clinic: You can get free, low-cost or sliding-scale birth control at places like Planned Parenthood, local health departments, college health centers and charitable clinics. You can find local medical resources through a clinic locator tool.
Many IUD manufacturers also offer discounts on their devices. So if you can afford the medical care and need help paying for the device, a manufacturer program can help.
IUD | Manufacturer discounts |
|---|---|
| Kyleena | $20 IUD through the copay program Free IUD through the Bayer Patient Assistance Foundation |
| Liletta | $100 IUD through the Liletta Patient Savings Program |
| Mirena | $20 IUD through the copay program Free IUD through the Bayer Patient Assistance Foundation |
| Skyla | Free or discounted IUD through the Bayer Patient Assistance Foundation |
In all cases, you have to meet the program's terms to qualify.
Currently, you can't get a manufacturer discount for copper IUDs.
How much does an IUD removal cost?
Regular insurance plans cover the full cost of an IUD removal.
You don't have to meet your deductible or pay copays or coinsurance for an IUD removal. If you don't have health insurance or Medicaid, IUD removal could cost up to $250. But, many clinics offer discounted or free IUD removal if you can't afford it.
Frequently asked questions
How much do IUDs cost?
Most people can get free IUDs because health insurance will fully cover the cost of birth control. But, getting an IUD can cost between $500 and $1,800 if you don't have health insurance and don't qualify for other discounts.
Does insurance cover IUDs?
Yes, most health insurance plans pay for the full cost of an IUD, even if you haven't paid your deductible yet. You won't pay anything for the device or for any doctor visits you'll need.
Can I get an IUD for free?
Yes, you can get an IUD for free if you have coverage through your employer, your state's health marketplace or Medicaid. Keep in mind that workplace plans through some religious and nonprofit organizations, short-term health insurance and supplemental policies may not cover IUDs.
Sources
Information about the Affordable Care Act's guidelines on IUDs and contraception came from HealthCare.gov and KFF. The cost of an IUD for people who don't have insurance is from Planned Parenthood.
Additional information about insurance coverage issues is from the National Women's Law Center and the Department of Labor. Information about IUD discount programs is from device manufacturers.
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.