How much does online birth control cost per month without insurance?

Online birth control without insurance typically costs between $15 and $40 per month, depending on the specific service, the type of birth control you choose (generic vs. brand name), and any associated consultation fees.

Here's a breakdown of common costs from popular online providers:

• Nurx:

  • Consultation Fee: Often a one-time $25 fee, which may be waived with your first medication order.
  • Medication Cost: Generics start as low as $15-$25 per month. Brand names will be more expensive, potentially $30-$50+.
  • Shipping: Free.
  • Why Nurx? They offer a wide range of birth control pills, patches, and rings, and are known for their user-friendly interface.

• The Pill Club:

  • Consultation Fee: A $15 annual medical consultation fee.
  • Medication Cost: Generics often start around $10-$20 per month. Brand names will be higher.
  • Shipping: Free.
  • Why The Pill Club? They focus on birth control and often send fun extras with their packages. Their prices for generics are very competitive.

• Twentyeight Health:

  • Consultation Fee: A $20 annual consultation fee.
  • Medication Cost: Generics start around $16-$25 per month.
  • Shipping: Free.
  • Why Twentyeight Health? They emphasize accessibility and also offer options for low-income and underserved communities.

• Wisp:

  • Consultation Fee: $19 for an online consultation.
  • Medication Cost: For ongoing birth control, they offer some options directly, generally costing around $20-$30 per month for generics.
  • Why Wisp? While they offer birth control, they also specialize in various sexual and reproductive health conditions like UTIs and BV, making them a good option if you need other services too.

• Lemonaid Health:

  • Consultation Fee: A $25 one-time consultation fee.
  • Medication Cost: Lemonaid Health prescribes to your local pharmacy. The cost of the medication will then depend on the pharmacy's pricing, though generics are typically $10-$25 per month without insurance, especially with coupons like GoodRx.
  • Why Lemonaid Health? Good if you prefer to pick up your prescription locally and can benefit from pharmacy coupon programs.

Factors Affecting the Cost:

1. Generic vs. Brand Name: Generic birth control is significantly cheaper than brand name options. Most online services default to generics unless a specific brand is requested or medically necessary.
2. Type of Birth Control: While pills are often the most affordable, patches and rings can sometimes be slightly more expensive without insurance.
3. Consultation Fees: Most services charge a one-time or annual consultation fee for a doctor or nurse practitioner to review your health information and write a prescription.
4. Promotional Offers: Many services offer discounts for your first month or when you sign up for auto-refills.

Tips for Saving Money:

• Always opt for generic versions if available and medically appropriate for you.
• Compare consultation fees. Some are one-time, others are annual.
• Look for welcome offers or discounts for new customers.
• Consider 3-month supplies. Some services offer a slight discount if you pay for multiple months upfront.
• Check local pharmacies with GoodRx or RxSaver: If you get a prescription from a telehealth service (like Lemonaid Health) that doesn't dispense directly, compare prices at your local pharmacies using discount coupon apps.
• Planned Parenthood: Even without insurance, Planned Parenthood clinics often offer birth control at a reduced cost or on a sliding scale based on your income.

Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the birth control method you choose is safe and appropriate for your health needs.