The Real Cost of an IUD Without Insurance — And How to Pay for It

An intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective and long-lasting forms of birth control available today. This small, T-shaped instrument sits inside the uterus and can prevent pregnancy for 5 to 10 years depending on the type. But here’s the catch: getting an IUD without insurance can be shockingly expensive. Between the device itself and the medical insertion procedure, you could be looking at a bill of up to $1,300 out of pocket. That’s roughly the equivalent of a full month’s salary at the federal minimum wage. Yet there are solutions — from insurance coverage you might not know about to sliding-scale clinics and patient assistance programs that can dramatically reduce what you pay.

How Much Does an IUD Actually Cost?

The price tag for an IUD isn’t small. The procedure requires a visit to a medical office and includes both the cost of the device itself and the doctor’s fee for insertion. Depending on which IUD brand you choose and your location, the total can easily exceed $1,000. For uninsured Americans or those with high-deductible plans, that amount is simply unaffordable.

What makes this worse? The costs can vary dramatically. Some clinics charge closer to $800, while others approach $1,300 or more. Without shopping around, you won’t know what you’ll actually owe until you’re already sitting in the doctor’s chair.

Does Your Insurance Actually Cover IUD Costs?

Here’s the good news: most health insurance plans are legally required to cover IUDs without charging you anything out of pocket. The Affordable Care Act, passed back in 2010, mandated that insurance companies cover a wide range of birth control methods at no cost to the user — no co-payments, no deductibles, nothing.

This coverage includes multiple types of IUDs (both hormonal and copper versions), along with pills, patches, sterilization, and emergency contraception. At its peak in 2014, more than 91% of people who received an IUD paid absolutely nothing for it.

The problem? Reality hasn’t always matched the law. In 2017, the Trump administration carved out an exception for employers with religious or moral objections to contraception. The Supreme Court upheld this exemption in 2020, meaning some workers lost their insurance coverage for birth control. The Biden administration has signaled its intention to reverse this policy, but the situation remains complicated.

Even more concerning is the fact that many insurance companies simply aren’t following the rules. The federal government has received numerous reports of health plans refusing to cover IUDs despite their legal obligation to do so — a violation known as “noncompliance.” If you’re insured, you have options.

Getting Your Insurance to Pay: What You Need to Know

If you have health insurance, you need to verify your coverage before scheduling an appointment. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask directly whether your plan covers IUD insertion and the device itself at no cost.

Keep in mind that insurance companies aren’t required to cover every single IUD brand on the market. However, they must cover at least one type from each IUD category. They also must approve an alternative brand if your doctor recommends it based on your medical history or potential side effects.

The two most common IUD brands are Mirena and Paragard. If your insurance denies coverage, it’s worth asking whether it covers the device as a pharmacy benefit rather than a medical benefit — sometimes this makes a difference.

If your insurance says it won’t cover your IUD, you have recourse. You can request a waiver if your doctor has prescribed a specific brand for medical reasons. The federal government has warned insurers that noncompliance will be investigated.

Getting an IUD Without Insurance: Your Affordable Options

Not having insurance doesn’t mean you have to pay the full $1,300. Here are the main paths forward:

Sliding-Scale Fee Clinics

Local health centers, hospitals, and Planned Parenthood offices often offer sliding-scale fees, where your cost is determined by your income level. Contact clinics in your area to ask if you qualify. This is one of the fastest and most straightforward ways to make an IUD affordable.

Medicaid Coverage

If your income qualifies, Medicaid can cover the full cost of IUD insertion and the device. Eligibility varies by state, but it’s worth checking if you meet the requirements.

Community Health Centers and 340B Programs

Some community health centers participate in the 340B drug pricing program, which allows them to offer IUDs at significantly reduced rates. GoodRx has a resource tool to help you find participating centers near you.

Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs

Several IUD manufacturers offer their own patient assistance programs. Bayer, which produces Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla, runs a U.S. Patient Assistance Foundation. You can call them at 1-866-228-7723 or visit their website to learn about discounts available to patients who qualify based on income.

Free Help Navigating Your Options

If you’re still confused about what you can afford, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The CoverHer program, run by the National Women’s Law Center, provides free assistance to help you determine your next steps. You can reach them at 1-866-745-5487 or email [email protected]. Their specialists will walk you through every option available to you based on your specific situation.

The bottom line: an IUD without insurance doesn’t have to cost $1,300. Whether through your insurance company, Medicaid, a sliding-scale clinic, or a manufacturer program, there are ways to make this highly effective birth control option accessible. The key is knowing where to look and asking the right questions.