Cost of contraception

What is the cost of contraceptive methods?

The cost depends on the type of contraceptive item you choose as well as whether you are eligible for concessional rates.

If you are a Health Care Card holder you can get cheaper contraceptive items. To find out if you’re eligible for a Health Care Card, check here.

The costs presented below are approximate:

Approximate cost of contraceptive methods in the ACT
ContraceptionWith Health Care Card and Medicare CardWith Medicare Card onlyConsultation and visit costHow long does it last?
Emergency contraceptive pill (‘morning after’ pill)N/A$0 to $50N/Asingle use after sexual intercourse
Oral contraceptive pillAround $6.40 (only if listed in PBS)$10 to $35$0 to $115 per consultation3 months
Hormonal IUD (Mirena)*Around $6.40Around $39.50$0 to $200 per consultation (at least 2 required)5 years
Copper IUD (also an emergency contraception)*N/A$70 to $120$0 to $300 per consultation (at least 2 required)10 years
Contraceptive implant/rod (Implanon)Around $6.40Around $37$0 to around $115 per consultation (at least 2 required)3 years
Contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera)Around $6.40$15$0 to around $115 per consultation (at least 2 required)3 months
Vaginal ringN/AAround $30$0 to around $115 per consultation (at least 2 required)3 weeks
DiaphragmN/A$70 to $90$0 to around $115 per consultation (at least 2 required)2 years

* Sedation is available upon request for IUD insertion and only available at some centres for an additional fee.

Approximate cost of barrier methods in the ACT
Barrier methodCostConsultation and visit costHow long does it last?
Internal condom (female condom)$3 to $10 eachN/Asingle use
External condom (male condom)$0 to $5 for multipleN/Asingle use
Oral/dental dam**Around $3 eachN/Asingle use

** Not a method of birth control. Only protects from contracting STIs during oral, vaginal or anal sex.

Adapted from Choice: Contraception buying guides. Price as of May 2019.

Download this table What is the cost of contraceptive methods in the ACT.

Pages that may interest you

Choosing a contraceptive method that works for you 

Where to get contraception

Emergency contraception