Birth Control Cost Calculator

The contraceptive cost calculator converts the prices of different methods into comparable numbers. You select a method or enter your own price and how long you want to use it for. The tool then calculates the annual costs, monthly costs, first year's costs, and total costs over that time period. It will then sort all of the methods to show you which one fits best with your budget.

Why initial cost isn't everything.

The cheapest method at the start may not be the cheapest in the long run. While birth control pills, patches and rings have very low initial costs, monthly payments add up over the years.

While hormonal IUDs, copper IUDs and implants have higher initial costs (a few hundred dollars), they provide contraception for three to twelve years without additional ongoing costs. When these one-time high costs are spread over the duration of use, average annual cost is usually lower than methods that require monthly payments.

For this reason the tool shows both the total cost of the first year (including initial costs) and annual costs. The latter provides a fairer estimate of yearly costs as it spreads the cost of the contraceptive over its lifetime.

This is how costs are calculated.

The cost of each method is made up of two components: one-time start-up costs, such as the initial installation of devices or treatments, and ongoing costs like monthly pill packs or quarterly injections. The calculator calculates all results based on these two types of costs.

When insurance coverage is activated, the respective amounts will be reduced according to the percentage that the insurance plan covers. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans are required to offer at least one form of every approved method of contraception with no out-of-pocket cost, so actual costs may be significantly lower than the prices shown.

General costs and effectiveness of individual methods

The prices listed here are typical costs in the US for uninsured individuals and are based on information from government health agencies and consumer sources. Actual prices can vary by practice, brand, and region so use these values as a starting point and enter your own estimated prices in custom mode. For effectiveness, data is used from general usage that reflects realistic use and does not necessarily assume perfect application.

The cheapest methods in the long term

When ranked by their annual cost, permanent and long-acting methods are generally the most cost-effective. A vasectomy has the lowest lifetime costs, followed by copper IUDs and sterilization surgeries, with an average of about $100 per year. Condoms and diaphragms follow.

The use of monthly renewal birth control methods will result in a higher ranking on the chart. The pill can cost nearly $300 per year while patch and ring can cost up to $540. The calculator tool's comparison graph ranks all methods based on the time period selected and insurance coverage, so the rankings may reflect your actual situation.

Ways to reduce costs:

Ask about generics. Many pills are available as generics and cost significantly less. Check to see if the method you choose is already covered by your insurance for free. The ACA requires most insurance plans to do so. Title X-funded family planning clinics offer sliding scale fees based on financial status, and manufacturer programs can reduce the price of brand name products.

This calculator is for general educational and budgeting purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The prices listed are estimates and can vary widely depending on the provider and region. The best method for you will depend on your health, lifestyle, and budget. Be sure to discuss the different options with a doctor.