Emergency contraception, often called the morning after pill, is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. But how much does it cost?
The price of the morning after pill varies based on the brand, where you buy it, and whether you qualify for discounts or insurance coverage. Let’s break down the cost of emergency contraception, what factors affect the price, and how to find affordable options.
How Much Does the Morning After Pill Cost in 2025?
Brand/Type |
Active Ingredient |
Price (Without Insurance) |
Available Over-the-Counter? |
|---|---|---|---|
Plan B One-Step |
Levonorgestrel |
$35 – $50 |
✅ Yes |
Take Action, My Way, Next Choice, EContra (Generic Plan B) |
Levonorgestrel |
$20 – $40 |
✅ Yes |
Ella (Prescription Required) |
Ulipristal Acetate |
$45 – $70 |
❌ No (Prescription Only) |
🔹 Plan B and generics are the most widely available options and can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online.
🔹 Ella is more effective for people over 165 lbs but requires a doctor’s prescription, which can add extra costs.
Where Can You Buy the Morning After Pill & What Does It Cost?
Retailer/Pharmacy |
Plan B Price |
Generic Price |
Ella Price |
|---|---|---|---|
CVS/Walgreens/Rite Aid |
$45 – $50 |
$30 – $40 |
$50 – $70 (with prescription) |
$40 – $50 |
$25 – $35 |
$50 – $70 |
|
Target |
$40 – $50 |
$25 – $40 |
$50 – $70 |
Planned Parenthood |
$0 – $50 (sliding scale) |
$0 – $40 |
$0 – $70 |
Online (Amazon, Nurx, Wisp, etc.) |
$30 – $50 |
$20 – $40 |
$45 – $75 (with online prescription) |
Prices vary by location, and online options may offer lower costs or bulk discounts.
Does Insurance Cover the Morning After Pill?
Insurance Type |
Plan B Coverage |
Ella Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Employer Health Insurance |
✅ Fully covered (with prescription) |
✅ Fully covered (with prescription) |
Medicaid |
✅ Fully covered (varies by state) |
✅ Fully covered (varies by state) |
Marketplace/ACA Insurance |
✅ Fully covered (with prescription) |
✅ Fully covered (with prescription) |
No Insurance |
❌ Not covered (must pay out-of-pocket) |
❌ Not covered (unless prescribed & applied for reimbursement) |
🔹 Many insurance plans will cover Plan B and Ella, but only if you get a prescription.
🔹 Medicaid typically covers emergency contraception, but coverage varies by state.
How Effective Is the Morning After Pill?
Pill Type |
Time Frame to Take It |
Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
Plan B & Generics (Levonorgestrel) |
Within 72 hours |
75 – 89% effective |
Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) |
Within 120 hours (5 days) |
~85% effective |
🔹 Ella is slightly more effective than Plan B, especially for people over 165 lbs.
🔹 Neither method works if you’re already pregnant—they prevent ovulation, not implantation.
Ways to Save Money on the Morning After Pill
- Ask for the generic version – It’s just as effective as Plan B but costs $10 – $20 less.
- Check for free options at local clinics – Planned Parenthood, Title X clinics, and college health centers often provide it for free or at a reduced cost.
- Use an FSA/HSA card – You can pay with pre-tax dollars to lower the cost.
- Buy it before you need it – Some online retailers sell two-pack options for $50 – $60, saving money in the long run.
- Get a prescription for insurance coverage – Even though Plan B is over-the-counter, some insurance plans require a prescription to reimburse costs.
Final Thoughts
The morning after pill costs anywhere from $20 to $70, depending on brand, pharmacy, and whether insurance helps cover the cost.
- Plan B and generics are the cheapest and easiest to access.
- Ella is more effective for higher-weight individuals but requires a prescription.
- Some clinics offer emergency contraception for free or at a reduced cost.
- Buying in advance can save you time and money in an emergency.
Have you purchased emergency contraception before? What was your experience with cost and accessibility? Share in the comments.
For real-world healthcare pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com.
