The legal framework
The free contraception scheme, launched in September 2022 for 17 to 25 year olds, has been extended to cover a broader age range. It funds consultations, prescriptions, fitting and removal of long-acting methods, and emergency contraception, delivered through participating GPs and pharmacies.
Key points
| Free scheme | Covers consultations, prescriptions and LARC fitting for the eligible age band |
|---|---|
| Emergency contraception | Free under the scheme; otherwise available without prescription in pharmacies |
| Outside the scheme | Costs fall on the patient unless they hold a medical card |
| Under-17s | Can access services; clinicians assess capacity |
| LARC | Fitting and removal covered, including the consultation |
| Providers | Participating GPs, family planning clinics and pharmacies |
| Free contraception scheme | Extended progressively by age since 2022, covering consultations, prescriptions and devices |
| Pharmacy supply | Emergency contraception is supplied by pharmacists without prescription |
| Long-acting methods | Fitting and removal are covered by the scheme |
| Age of consent to treatment | 16 for medical treatment, with clinical judgement below that |
In practice
- Ask about long-acting methods — implants and IUDs are the most effective and often the cheapest over time.
- Check contraindications: smoking over 35, migraine with aura and a history of clots rule out combined methods.
- Keep emergency contraception at home; the sooner it is taken, the better it works.
- Only condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Check the current age range of the free scheme before paying — it has been extended more than once.
- Ask for the fitting and removal to be booked together when choosing a long-acting method.
Cost and coverage
Free within the scheme; medical card holders receive contraception free at any age.
Recent changes
The scheme has been extended in successive budgets, and uptake has been high, particularly for long-acting methods.
Where to go
- HSE sexualwellbeing.ie for the list of participating providers.
- Irish Family Planning Association clinics.
- Participating community pharmacies.
Worth knowing
The scheme covers the fitting and the removal of long-acting methods — the removal cost used to be a real deterrent, so it is worth confirming when you have one fitted. The free scheme covers the consultation as well as the product. Ask explicitly, because some practices still charge for the appointment.
Official sources and links
- Citizens Information — official plain-language guide to rights and entitlements
- Irish Statute Book — legislation as enacted