IUD Without Insurance: What You'll Actually Pay and How to Afford It

An intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective and long-lasting forms of birth control available today. These small, T-shaped instruments fit inside your uterus and can prevent pregnancy for five to ten years depending on the type. But if you’re uninsured or underinsured, one major question probably comes to mind: how much does an IUD actually cost without insurance coverage?

The short answer is that an IUD insertion can run anywhere from $500 to $1,300 out of pocket when you factor in both the device itself and the medical visit required for insertion. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research organization, that cost represents roughly a month’s full-time salary for someone earning the federal minimum wage. For many people, that’s an impossible expense—which is exactly why options exist to make IUDs more affordable.

Understanding IUD Costs and Your Insurance Options

The landscape for IUD insurance coverage has shifted significantly over the past decade. When the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) became law in 2010, it required most health insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods without any cost-sharing—meaning no co-payments, regardless of whether you’d met your deductible. That sweeping requirement included IUDs alongside birth control pills, diaphragms, and other contraceptive methods.

By 2014, this policy was working as intended: more than 91% of people who received an IUD through insurance didn’t pay anything out of pocket. However, the landscape shifted again in 2017 when changes to the law created religious and moral exemptions for certain employers, allowing them to exclude contraceptive coverage from their health plans. The Supreme Court upheld this exception in 2020, creating a gap in coverage for some workers.

In recent years, the federal government has reiterated that most health plans must still comply with contraceptive coverage requirements, though enforcement remains uneven. Importantly, even if your insurance plan is supposed to cover IUDs, it typically covers only specific brands—usually one hormonal option (like Mirena, Kyleena, or Skyla) and one copper option (like Paragard). Your doctor can help you request a waiver if a different brand is medically appropriate for you based on your health history or potential side effects.

Getting an IUD for Free or Low Cost

If you have insurance but it’s not covering your IUD, or if you’re uninsured entirely, several pathways exist to reduce or eliminate your costs. Start by contacting Planned Parenthood, local health clinics, or community health centers in your area. Many offer sliding scale fee programs that tie your IUD cost directly to your income level, making the procedure accessible regardless of your financial situation.

Medicaid is another crucial resource. If you qualify for Medicaid based on income, it covers IUD insertion and the device itself in most states. You can check your eligibility and apply through your state’s Medicaid office or healthcare.gov.

Some IUD manufacturers also offer patient assistance programs. Bayer, which produces Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla, operates the U.S. Patient Assistance Foundation. You can call 1-866-228-7723 or visit their website to learn whether you qualify for discounted or free IUDs through their program.

Additionally, if your insurance denies coverage by claiming the IUD is a pharmacy benefit rather than a medical benefit, it might still be covered under a different category. Calling the number on your prescription card rather than your insurance card can sometimes resolve this classification issue.

Your Roadmap to Affordable IUD Access Without Insurance

Even without health insurance, you’re not automatically locked out of affordable IUD access. Here’s your action plan:

Community Health Resources: Call or visit local community health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), or Planned Parenthood offices. Ask specifically about sliding scale fees. These organizations frequently offer IUDs at reduced rates based on what you can afford to pay.

340B Program: Ask whether any health centers or clinics near you participate in the 340B drug pricing program. This federal initiative allows certain healthcare facilities to purchase medications and devices at significantly reduced rates, and many pass those savings to uninsured patients.

Nonprofit Assistance: The National Women’s Law Center operates CoverHer, a free service designed to help you navigate insurance coverage and financial assistance options. You can reach them at 1-866-745-5487 or email [email protected]. Their team will walk you through available programs at no cost.

Manufacturer Programs: Beyond Bayer’s assistance program, check whether the specific IUD brand your doctor recommends has its own patient support program offering discounts or free devices.

Take the Next Step

An IUD shouldn’t be financially out of reach. Whether you’re insured, underinsured, or uninsured, resources exist specifically designed to help you access this highly effective form of birth control. Start by contacting one of the organizations listed above, and don’t hesitate to ask about every available option—from sliding scale fees to manufacturer assistance to government programs. The cost barrier to IUD access is real, but it’s also increasingly surmountable with the right information and resources.