Key Takeaways
- Women aged 17-35 in Ireland can access free prescription contraception.
- The scheme covers pills, patches, rings, LARCs, and emergency contraception.
- Prescriptions can be obtained through GPs, family planning clinics, or online doctors.
What is the Free Contraception Scheme?
The National Free Contraception Service is a HSE-funded scheme that provides free prescription contraception to women aged 17-35 living in Ireland. This initiative was introduced to ensure access to a wide range of contraceptive options without cost barriers.
Who is Eligible?
- Women aged 17-35 at the time of dispensing
- Hold a valid PPSN (Personal Public Service Number)
- Have a valid prescription for contraception from a registered doctor
What Contraception is Covered?
The scheme covers all prescription contraceptive items that are currently on the HSE reimbursement list.
This includes:
- Oral contraceptive pills (combined and progestogen-only)
- Contraceptive patches and vaginal rings
- Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as implants, IUDs, and hormonal injections
- Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC – Morning After Pill)
- Associated consultations, fitting, and removal of LARCs
Note: Unlicensed medicines (ULMs) or items not on the HSE reimbursement list are not covered under this scheme.
How to Access Free Contraception at McCauley Pharmacy
Steps:
- Get a Prescription – Visit your GP, family planning clinic, or an online doctor for a prescription.
- Collect your Prescription at your local McCauley Pharmacy – Once your doctor has sent your prescription, collect at a McCauley Pharmacy of your choice to receive your contraception free of charge.
Accessing a Prescription Through Our Online Doctor
If you need a prescription for contraception, our Online Doctor Service can provide a consultation and issue a prescription, where appropriate. This allows for quick and convenient access to contraception under the scheme.
Additional Benefits of the Scheme
The cost of contraceptive consultations is covered under the scheme when visiting a GP or family planning clinic. Fitting and removal of long-acting contraceptives (IUDs, implants, injections) are also included at no cost.
Important Scheme Conditions
- Your prescription must be valid at the time of dispensing.
- If you turn 36 years old before collecting your prescription, you will no longer be eligible.
- Online prescriptions are accepted, provided they are legally valid in Ireland.
- Emergency supplies of contraception can be provided where appropriate under prescription legislation.
Learn More About the Free Contraception Scheme
For more details on the National Free Contraception Scheme, visit:
→HSE Free Contraception Information
→Visit McCauley Pharmacy today to access free contraception under this scheme!
Check What You Learned
What is the Free Contraception Scheme?
The National Free Contraception Service is a HSE-funded scheme that provides free prescription contraception to women aged 17-35 living in Ireland. This initiative was introduced to ensure access to a wide range of contraceptive options without cost barriers.
Who is Eligible?
- Women aged 17-35 at the time of dispensing
- Hold a valid PPSN (Personal Public Service Number)
- Have a valid prescription for contraception from a registered doctor
What Contraception is Covered?
The scheme covers all prescription contraceptive items that are currently on the HSE reimbursement list.
This includes:
- Oral contraceptive pills (combined and progestogen-only)
- Contraceptive patches and vaginal rings
- Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as implants, IUDs, and hormonal injections
- Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC – Morning After Pill)
- Associated consultations, fitting, and removal of LARCs
Note: Unlicensed medicines (ULMs) or items not on the HSE reimbursement list are not covered under this scheme.
How to Access Free Contraception at McCauley Pharmacy
Steps:
- Get a Prescription – Visit your GP, family planning clinic, or an online doctor for a prescription.
- Collect your Prescription at your local McCauley Pharmacy – Once your doctor has sent your prescription, collect at a McCauley Pharmacy of your choice to receive your contraception free of charge.
Accessing a Prescription Through Our Online Doctor
If you need a prescription for contraception, our Online Doctor Service can provide a consultation and issue a prescription, where appropriate. This allows for quick and convenient access to contraception under the scheme.
Book an Online Doctor Consultation
Additional Benefits of the Scheme
The cost of contraceptive consultations is covered under the scheme when visiting a GP or family planning clinic. Fitting and removal of long-acting contraceptives (IUDs, implants, injections) are also included at no cost.
Important Scheme Conditions
- Your prescription must be valid at the time of dispensing.
- If you turn 36 years old before collecting your prescription, you will no longer be eligible.
- Online prescriptions are accepted, provided they are legally valid in Ireland.
- Emergency supplies of contraception can be provided where appropriate under prescription legislation.
Learn More About the Free Contraception Scheme
For more details on the National Free Contraception Scheme, visit:
→HSE Free Contraception Information
→Visit McCauley Pharmacy today to access free contraception under this scheme!
