Save money on Afterpill and emergency contraception in 2026. Compare prices, find coupons, learn about insurance coverage, and discover free EC options.
When you need emergency contraception, the last thing you want to worry about is the price tag. But the reality is that Plan B One-Step costs $40-50 at most pharmacies, and even generic alternatives can run $20-40 — a significant expense, especially if you're paying out of pocket.
The good news? Afterpill is one of the most affordable emergency contraceptives on the market at about $20 + $5 shipping. And there are even more ways to reduce your costs, from insurance coverage tricks to free options at community clinics.
This guide breaks down exactly what emergency contraception costs in 2026 and every way you can save money.
Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026 if you're paying cash (no insurance):
All levonorgestrel 1.5 mg products (Afterpill, Plan B, Take Action, etc.) contain the exact same medication. Don't pay more for a brand name when a generic works identically. For a full comparison, see our guide on what Afterpill is and how it works.
This is the single biggest money-saving tip most people don't know about:
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance plans must cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods — including emergency contraception — with $0 cost-sharing. That means no copay, no deductible, nothing.
The catch? This typically only applies when you have a prescription, even for OTC products like levonorgestrel.
Here's how to take advantage of this:
This works for both levonorgestrel products and Ella. Many providers are happy to write this prescription proactively — you don't have to wait for an emergency.
Tip: Ask your provider for an advance prescription so you have it ready. Some insurance plans will even cover advance provision, letting you fill it before you need it.
If you don't have insurance or prefer to pay cash, pharmacy discount cards can help reduce costs:
These discount cards work at most major pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and Kroger. They're free to use and can sometimes beat insurance copay prices.
Discount cards negotiate lower prices with pharmacies on your behalf. You don't need insurance or a prescription to use them (though a prescription may be required for Ella). Simply:
Important: You can't combine discount cards with insurance. Use one or the other — whichever gives you the lower price.
If cost is a major barrier, several programs offer emergency contraception at reduced cost or free:
Planned Parenthood health centers offer emergency contraception on a sliding fee scale based on income. Many locations can provide it at low cost or free. Find your nearest location at plannedparenthood.org.
Federally funded Title X family planning clinics provide contraceptive services, including EC, regardless of ability to pay. Services are confidential and available to anyone. Find a clinic at opa.hhs.gov.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer services on a sliding fee scale. Many stock emergency contraception and can provide it at no cost for qualifying patients.
If you're a student, your campus health center likely offers emergency contraception at a reduced cost — sometimes free. This is one of the most underutilized resources available.
Some states have family planning programs that cover emergency contraception for uninsured or underinsured residents. Your state's Medicaid program may also cover EC with no or minimal cost-sharing.
The biggest price difference in emergency contraception is between brand-name Plan B One-Step ($40-50) and generics ($15-30). Since all levonorgestrel 1.5 mg products are identical, always ask for the cheapest generic available. You'll get the same medication at a fraction of the price.
Afterpill's entire model is built around advance provision — buying emergency contraception before you need it at the lowest possible price. At $25 shipped, it's cheaper than buying any brand at a pharmacy. The tablet has a shelf life of several years, so you can keep it in your medicine cabinet and save both money and stress if you ever need it.
Prices vary significantly between pharmacies, even in the same neighborhood. Warehouse pharmacies like Costco and Sam's Club often have lower prices on OTC products (you don't need a membership to use the pharmacy at Costco in most states). Amazon also carries levonorgestrel generics, sometimes at competitive prices with Prime shipping.
Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens all carry their own store-brand levonorgestrel EC, which is typically cheaper than name brands. Ask the pharmacist for the store-brand option — it's the same medicine.
Some pharmacy loyalty programs (like CVS ExtraCare or Walgreens myWalgreens) occasionally offer coupons or rewards that can be applied to OTC purchases, including emergency contraception.
Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) requires a prescription and typically costs $40-65 without insurance. However:
Ella may be worth the higher price if you're past the 72-hour mark or weigh over 165 lbs, as it's more effective than levonorgestrel in these situations. See our alternatives guide for details.
Emergency contraception is too important to skip because of cost. Between Afterpill's $25 online price, pharmacy discount cards that can bring generics down to $10-20, free options at community clinics, and insurance coverage that can make EC completely free with a prescription — there are real ways to make this medication affordable.
The best money-saving strategy? Buy Afterpill in advance for $25 and keep it on hand. But if you need EC right now, use Medfinder to find the cheapest option available near you, and don't forget that a prescription can unlock $0 insurance coverage even for OTC products.
For more information on finding emergency contraception near you, check out our guide on how to find Afterpill in stock.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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